Page 62 of Ciaran

“No need to be nervous,” Angela says.

I attempt a smile. “I appreciate you seeing me. I’m sure you’ve got much better things to be doing with your time.”

“It’s not a problem at all. I’m glad to help.” Angela leans forward in her chair and rests her interlocked fingers on the desk. “So, tell me, how long have you wanted to be a teacher?”

“Since junior high. I love the idea of inspiring the next generation.”

“What stopped you from pursuing your dreams?”

More squirming. “I got married and moved to Chicago.”

“They don’t have teaching colleges in Chicago?” Angela’s eyes twinkle, and her lips curve into a teasing smile.

“My husband wasn’t too keen on me continuing to study after high school.”

The smile rolls off her face, and her eyes narrow. I hope Angela’s obvious irritation is aimed at Tanner’s controlling ways, and not my previous doormat status.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what’s changed?”

I grimace. “He’s soon to be my ex-husband.” As soon as I’ve saved up enough to hire a lawyer.

“Ah.” Angela grins. “Good for you.”

We chat for a few more minutes, then Angela offers to take me on a tour of the campus. As we walk around, I have trouble curbing my excitement. The place is fabulous, but I can’t afford it.

A half hour or so later, we end up back at Angela’s office.

“So, what do you think, Millie?” Angela asks.

“It’s amazing.”

“Is there anything else you wanted to ask me?”

I’m about to say “No”, but instead, I ask, “How much are the fees?”

Angela shuffles through files in a tall cabinet and passes me a sheet of paper. I scan it, and my stomach sinks. The fees are extortionate. I dip my chin, disappointment sweeping through me.

“Thank you for your time, Angela, but I really can’t afford it. I hope you don’t think I’ve wasted your morning.”

She tilts her head to one side. “There are options to help with the costs.”

A shred of hope spikes within me. “What kind of options?”

“You could take out a loan. It wouldn’t be repayable until you qualify and are working. Alternatively, you could apply for a job here. If successful, your tuition would be free. The only thing you’d have to buy is your books. Of course, that means it would take longer to qualify because you’d be working full time as well as studying part time, but it’s an option worth considering.”

The sliver of hope widens. I nibble on my bottom lip. The loan option scares me because of the sums involved, but if I could work my way through college…

Of course, if I’m successful, it will mean resigning from the hotel, but surely Ciaran and Declan will understand? And this way I could legitimately turn down Ciaran’s offer of paying for my college education without the need for an argument.

“I really like the idea of getting a job here. Could I take an application form with me?”

“Of course.” Angela returns to the filing cabinet, puts a few papers in a folder, and hands it to me. “I’ve put the job application and the college application forms in here. I’ve also included my contact details. If you need any assistance with completing the forms, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.”

I try not to skip as I head for the subway, because an almost twenty-nine-year-old women might look a little ridiculous acting like a child. My legs have other ideas, though, as does my mouth because I give a loud whoop. A couple of passersby briefly glance over at me, frown, then return their attention to their phones. New York is full of crazy people; one more won’t make a difference.

I reach into my pocket for my phone, unable to wait a moment longer to call Ciaran and tell him what I’ve decided to do. I’m close to dialing before I change my mind. Much better to tell him in person. That way I can see the reaction on his face. He’ll be home from work in a few hours. I can wait until then.

I’d passed on breakfast because I’d been too nervous to eat, so when my stomach loudly complains, I head for the nearest coffee shop to grab a croissant and a latte. Settling down by the window, I try to contain my excitement, but the rippling in my belly won’t quit. After all I’ve been through, my dreams may finally come to fruition. In a few years’ time, I could be a qualified teacher.

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