Page 3 of Coffee Shop Cupid
How could I tell them that there would be no baby, and that I was leaving because of it?
“Can I just write a letter to the parents?” I whispered. “I… I don’t think I can face them.”
He blew out a long breath. “Bring it by when you come to collect your classroom decor.”
I shook my head. “I’ve decided to leave it. The kids are probably used to it by now, and it’ll give the new teacher a classroom ready to walk into.”
“Are you sure?”
I nodded. “I’m not going to need it anyway. I don’t think I can teach anymore, at least not the young ones.”
“Ok.” He stood and paced behind his desk. “I’ll send your resignation to HR. They’ll want an exit interview, and to make sure there aren’t any problems.”
“Please have them call my cell, or email me the details. I no longer live at the address with the landline.”
He paused and sighed. “He really… divorced you?”
I reached back and touched the bandage. “Yeah.”
“I’m sorry. I had no idea Vince was capable of such cruelty.”
I shook my head. “He wanted kids, I can’t give him any. It…”
“Is downright disgusting what he did to you,” Robert said. “Years of treatments, then the moment they took your womb he asked to have your bond severed.”
I looked away, forcing myself not to cry.
“Sorry,” he said. “I didn't mean…”
“It’s ok.”
“No, it’s not. I should have watched my words.”
“I can’t let it get to me. This is my reality now. I have to face it,” I replied, studying the fading pattern on the floor rather than face him.
“You shouldn’t have to face it alone though.”
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “It is what it is.”
“We’ll have a place for you here, if you ever decide to come back.”
“Thank you,” I replied, standing and heading towards the door.
“Tristan?” he asked before I could walk out.
“Yeah?”
“Things may look bleak, but I hope you can find happiness.”
“Thank you,” I replied, studying the worn doorknob. “Goodbye.”
“Goodbye.”
∞∞∞
I lounged on the bed in the long-term hotel I was staying at until all the loose ends of my prior life were tidied up.
Despite knowing where I was going, I had no idea what I was going to do when I got there. I had no intention of teaching, and was still under doctor's orders to take it easy. My meager savings and what I got for my half of the house would only support me for so long.
