Page 18 of Trick or Truce

Lenny

I stiflea yawn as I swing myself into my car.

Apple Car Play connects when I turn on the engine and Breaking Benjamin comes through the speakers. My head falls back against the headrest and I take a sip of coffee, letting the music soothe my soul.

Most people hate waking up for work in the morning, but I love it. The world is quiet and dark, the sun barely kissing the horizon. It’s calm, with promise of the day ahead.

It helps that I love my job too. As much as school administrators try to crush our spirit, we’re renewed when we see our students’ smiling faces each day. It’s amazing to be responsible for so much—their learning, the molding of who they are as humans, and who they’ll become. We make a difference, whether we realize it or not. Contrary to the rude dickhead across the street, teachers are with students more often than their parents are—so I know a thing or two about the importance of being a role model for them.

I shift my car into reverse and glance at my backup camera.

And a terrifying bloody face fills the screen.

Fear seizes me and I let out a yelp as I slam on my brakes.

What the fuck?

I throw the car into park, swing open my door, and stomp around to the rear of the vehicle. Sure enough, the terrifying image is taped to my backup camera.

I tear it off and crumble it in my hand, shooting a dirty look at the house across the street.

“Asshole.”

I get back in the car and continue on my way to work.

This is getting ridiculous now. I could end it all by ignoring this prank. But taking the high road feels a lot like giving in.

And there isn’t a reality in which I’d let Grant win.

I’m going to need some more ideas.

I spendevery day Googling pranks for the next week.

It’s probably eating at Grant not knowing if and when I’ll retaliate, which makes the wait even sweeter.

And right now, the wait was so worth it.

“Okay, are you sure you remember your lines?”

Val nods. “Yes, I’m positive. I’ve been practicing for two days straight.”

“And you’re sure you don’t mind getting roped into my drama?”

“I live for drama, baby.” Val pats the box and shoots me a wink. “This is the highlight of my year.”

“You need to get out more.”

“I really do.” She slips her phone into the breast pocket on her jacket. “Does this look obvious?”

“Not at all.” I adjust it so the camera isn’t obscured. “It just looks like you have your phone sticking out of your pocket.”

She salutes me. “Wish me luck.”

“Break a leg.”

As soon as Val closes the door behind her, I run upstairs and dive onto my bed, peeking through the blinds covering my window. My heart races in suspense as I watch her make her way over to Grant’s house and ring his bell.

It’s too far away for me to make out his expression, but a laugh rips from my chest when I see his hands shoot up on either side of his head. He refuses to take the box from Val as she thrusts it toward him.

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