Chapter 151 Picking Sides
David cleared his throat, looking a bit serious. "Alright, folks, I called this meeting for two reasons. First, we're halfway through the semester, and everyone's been busting their butts. The midterm results are in, and there's been improvement across the board. Special shoutout to Alissa's Class 57—they nailed the best average English score in the whole grade. That's worth a cheer."
He shot a glance at Vanessa, who looked like she just bit into a lemon. "And hey, let's not forget Ms. Wood's Class 55. The top English student in the entire high school is from her class. She's clearly been putting in the work, too."
Alissa rolled her eyes internally. She knew the top English student was a guy who was a natural genius, especially in English. He even bagged first place in the school's composition contest. His success had zilch to do with Vanessa's teaching; he'd shine anywhere. David was just trying to throw Vanessa a bone. Truth was, Class 55's average English score was one of the worst.
But since David was backing Vanessa, Alissa had to bite her tongue. David had been her mentor from day one, and she respected him a lot. She couldn't wrap her head around why he was suddenly Team Vanessa. The idea of David having a fling with Vanessa? Nah, that was laughable. He was way past his prime, and Vanessa was in her prime. The thought was just too ridiculous.
"The second reason," David went on, looking a bit down, "is to thank you all for supporting me over the years. Some of you might've heard the school's planning a shake-up in middle management. I've been head of the English department for ages, and it's time to hand over the reins to someone younger."
Everyone at the table, except Vanessa and Audrey, looked shocked. Some were just faking it, like Vanessa, who already knew. But Alissa? She was genuinely floored. David had been her mentor from day one, and she couldn't believe he was getting the boot. She jumped up, "Mr. Carter, what's going on? Why is the school replacing you? You've busted your butt for years, and now they're just tossing you aside? This is so unfair. I'd like to see who thinks they can fill your shoes!"
"Alissa, chill out. Don't get so worked up," David said, waving his hand and signaling someone to pull Alissa back to her seat. He gave a tired smile. "You're over thirty now; you should be more composed and steady."
Alissa froze. Those were the exact words David had told her when she was a newbie, crying in his office after a student gave her a hard time. His advice had helped her grow into a solid teacher. Remembering his guidance, Alissa's eyes welled up. "Mr. Carter, I really think you should stay as head of the department."
"Alright, alright," David said, clearly touched but resigned. "The school has its reasons, and we should respect that. I believe they'll pick the right person for the job. Honestly, I'm a bit tired and could use a break. This is a well-deserved rest for me."
The room got heavy. Everyone knew this was really Principal Oliver's call. The guy was a dictator, never putting up with any pushback. There was that one time a vice principal who kept challenging him got shipped off to some rural school after Oliver pulled some strings with the education bureau.
Vanessa, though, knew the real deal. David was getting the boot because of Quentin. Sure, David was better for the job, but Quentin's promotion would work out better for her. She faked a few tears but felt a rush of satisfaction, sneaking a glance at Alissa and Audrey. She couldn't wait to see their faces when Quentin's promotion was announced next week. She was already planning how to make their lives miserable.
Tonight, her main target was Audrey. Audrey had no clue that Vanessa's recent friendliness was just a front. Vanessa was itching to humiliate her, to make her bow that proud head and submit.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and in walked Oliver, holding a wine glass and grinning. "Let's have a drink together," he said. Vanessa had already tipped off the department about Oliver's possible visit, so they were somewhat ready. Still, seeing him in person got everyone buzzing, and they all stood up to toast him.
Oliver, clearly a few drinks in but still sharp, was in a great mood. He made small talk with everyone, stopping in front of David. "David, you're the backbone of this school. You've shaped so many talents. I have to toast to you."
He downed his glass in one go and said, "Rest assured, the school won't forget your contributions. You'll always be a role model for us."
"Principal Jones, your words mean the world to me," David said, his hands shaking as he sipped his wine. "As long as I'm here, I'll keep giving it my all."
Oliver nodded seriously, then turned to Audrey, who was holding a wine glass. "Ms. Johnson, you don't need to drink alcohol. Have some juice instead."
"How can that be?" Vanessa cut in with a playful smile. "Principal Jones, you're being too lenient. I drank strong liquor when I toasted you, and so did everyone else. It wouldn't be fair for Ms. Johnson to get special treatment, right?"
"Vanessa, your sharp tongue could make you a diplomat," Oliver chuckled, not offended. He knew Vanessa's strengths—her boldness, assertiveness, and social skills. He started to think maybe her talents were being wasted in a teaching role.
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