Page 3 of If The Shoe Fits

Anyway, my grandmother taught Alchemy, and my grandfather, her hubby, had been a beloved Astrology professor.

My father only just retired from his position as head professor ofPotions and Pontifications.

He and Mom moved to South Carolina shortly after, leaving the family home in my name.

As for me,well, I’m Madora Troy, and I teachMoral and Ethical Values in Magic Castingat the Academy.

It’s every bit the mouthful it sounds like. Suffice it to say, 21stcentury morals aren’t what they used to be.

But teaching is my passion. Even if my students are a bunch of loudmouthed, unprincipled, hormonal teenagers.

I’m a thirty-five year old widow. I have no prospects and no kids of my own.

Another reason I teach.

All my students are my kids. At least, it feels that way for a little while, anyway.

The humble gratitude I feel from the parents and staff who allow me to be responsible for them, even if just for a short time, overwhelms me sometimes.

They say you can’t take your job home with you, but I guess whoever they are, they weren’t teachers.

I take my job home with me every single night. I wonder if the things I say and do have any impact at all. Then I wonder if that impact is good.

Teaching is not for the feint of heart. Especially not when you are teaching Witches, Warlocks, and other Supes.

Magic users have a great deal of power, and the pressure is on us to teach them right from wrong.

Mainly on me.

Remember, I teach morals and ethics?

Yeah, well, it can get intense. But considering I have no life outside of work, I am up to the job.

It might not keep me warm at night, but considering the fate of the world could depend on it. I’m okay with that.

Mostly.

Sorta.

Anyway, back to work,er, school and the bane of my existence.

Principal Tremayne.

He has no right to look so damn good when most of us are still bleary-eyed and barely coherent.

“Good morning, everyone,” he began with a greeting before reading the daily announcements.

Dear Goddess, why does he have to look so good, standing at the podium in the middle of the auditorium with sunlight filtering through the windows, landing right on him like he was somechosen one?

My heart starts to beat a little faster. I wish I could just ignore this whole thing, but I can’t just skip out on morning assembly.

So, I stand there with the other faculty members, pretending I’m completely unaffected by his ridiculous hotness.

Sure, no problem.

I can act indifferent. I can pretend watching him doesn’t make my mouth water and my skin break out in goosebumps.

Are you judging me?