Chapter 118: Homecoming
*Homecoming mums. Seriously, they are a thing. You should Google them. – Law*
The picture wall in Evie’s room was popular, but even more so during the week of homecoming. She arrived early and stayed late while other staff stayed during her lunch break and conference period.
On Friday, Ink scheduled to go in late and he and Tank took Evie to the game. They ran into several of her students in the parking lot. At the gate, her men handed over their tickets and she showed her school ID.
The student taking the tickets looked at her ID and smiled. “Congratulations!”
“Thanks.” She smiled back at the blue haired boy and absently rubbed her belly that was starting to show.
They found their seats and then Ink went to get drinks and snacks. He returned with a tray and a Theodore Roosevelt High School seat cushion.
“Stand up, pet.” Ink said giving the tray of food to Tank. Evie did as she was told and he placed the cushion on the aluminum bleacher. “Alright, pet, sit back down.”
She couldn’t help the sound of appreciation that escaped. Blushing, she smiled at her men as they both chuckled.
“Better, luv?” Tank asked as Ink sat on the other side of her. She linked her hands with each of them. The sling was in her bag in case she started hurting, but she liked not having to wear it all the time now.
They stood for the national anthem and school song. And again, when the announcer asked for all veterans to stand and be recognized. Tank grumbled saying that was not why he served. Evie smiled at him and he couldn’t help but smile back.
The visitors won the coin toss and elected to defer. Then the game started and the first half went quick and the Roosevelt Bears were up fourteen to ten.
Eliza was crowned Freshman Duchess during homecoming ceremonies. Two more of Evie’s students were in the court and she cheered for them just as loudly.
“Ladies and gentlemen, your homecoming court!” came over the loudspeaker. Once the cheering and foot stomping died down, the court left the field. He then started with the four elementary schools and began announcing the favorite teachers.
“And for the Roosevelt Bears, Mrs. Evelyn Reagan!”
Evie sat there for a moment in shock. Then both her men gave her light kisses before helping her to stand and handing her over to the student council president who escorted her to the field.
Martin presented her with a bouquet of red roses. “Congratulations.” He said shaking her right hand, the left being in the sling. “And yes, you can now go home and put your feet up.”
“That is exactly what I plan to do.” Evie admitted with a little laugh.
By the time the tall brunette girl with chocolate eyes and mocha colored skin walked her back to the bleachers, Tank and Ink had already gathered their stuff. Standing at the bottom of the steps, Tank had her bag on his shoulder. Ink was holding her seat cushion and blanket.
“Congratulations, Miss Reagan.” The teen wearing jeans and school shirt said. She smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Thank you, Miss Haughton. Is everything okay?” Evie asked with a gentle hand on her arm.
“I’m just stressed.” The girl admitted.
Evie nodded and smiled brightly. “Why don’t you come by my classroom next week? You can vent to me and hopefully get rid of some of the stress. If nothing else, it will make you feel better to voice it.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to be an inconvenience -"
“You’re never an inconvenience. Or a burden. And stress is natural. You need to learn to control it, before it controls you. Room twenty-one twelve. Anytime.”
Tears filled her chocolate eyes and she nodded.
Evie did what she knew she should not. But the pain in the girl’s eyes told her that she needed comfort. She opened her arms and the teen leaned down for the hug.
“You are important.” Evie whispered. “Don’t ever forget that.” She hugged the girl until the teen let go. “Come see me. Anytime. Okay?”
She nodded again and then turned and walked away. Evie watched her go, afraid that the girl was too far gone in her depression. Tank pulled her to him and kissed her hair.
“I see it in her too.” He whispered.
“I’m afraid I’m too late.” She buried her face in his chest and let the tears flow.
“All you can do is show her the light. You saved me.”
