Right Kind of Wrong Read online

  “Did my mom tell you that Harlie’s mom isn’t in the picture?”

  “Yeah, she told me. I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “I’m not, but I’m just wondering . . . Can I prevent people from picking up my kid?”

  I nod my head and explain the school policy and told him his mom has the paperwork he needs to fill out. “So just make sure you bring in a copy of the court papers on the first day of school and we should be all set.”

  “Alright, that’s all I needed to know then. Have a good night and I’ll see you Monday morning.” He winks at me.

  I nod my head and give him a weak smile. He pokes his head in quick, “The blonde looks good on you too.” He says and walks away.

  “What the fuck?” I say quietly and walk to my car.

  I get in my car and turn the ignition over. I hook up my phone to the Bluetooth and the first song to come on is “We Owned the Night” by Lady Antebellum plays over the speakers.

  I let out a laugh and leave the school parking lot. I swing through the drive through at Dairy Queen. I order chicken, french fries and a hot fudge sundae with peanuts on it. I’m too lazy to cook and this sounds too good to pass up. I get home and Mel is gone for the night, so I have the place to myself. I eat my dinner and watch TV. My friends from home have been texting me telling me how much they miss me and to let me know that Chad has moved on. Good for him, glad he’s happy.

  I get on my computer and log into Facebook. I’m not sure why I even bother doing it these days, since it’s always drama and bull shit. I did it just to check on some friends and my family. I decided to get bold, take a selfie and post it on Facebook with the caption “I’m not in Wisconsin anymore. . . .”

  Within minutes I had so many likes and comments on my picture. I can’t help but laugh, everyone thinks it looks amazing and they love my new look. I close down my computer because talking to everyone is making me miss home.

  When Scott and Mel came home I’m sitting on the couch watching TV.

  “Hey, you ok?” Mel asks.

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” I reply.

  “Ok,” She says.

  “So Em, I heard you ran into Xander Hunt?” Scott asks.

  “Yeah, you were there that night.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that,”

  “Umm ok . . .”

  “I’m not here to tell you who to date and shit, but he’s dangerous. He goes through women like most people go through underwear. He might seem like a good guy, but he’s not. He’ll break your heart faster than anything.” Scott tells me.

  I start to giggle, “Umm, Thanks Scott, but you don’t have to worry. I’ll be fine.” I wink. Little do they know I have no choice to deal with him since his daughter is in my class.

  “Ok, I didn’t mean to sound like a dick, but just wanted to warn you. You’re too sweet and good to be treated like a piece of shit.” Scott tells me.

  “Thanks.”

  Fuck I hate that everyone thinks I’m too good for things and I’m so sweet and I’m just this fragile little girl. I can be a hard ass bitch if I need to be, I think. And who’s to say I don’t want to be treated like a piece of ass? Maybe that would be fun! Maybe not, I don’t know. All I do know is, I’m not going to be told who to stay away from and who I’m allowed to see. I moved here to get away from the controlling bullshit. It’s cool they’re looking out for me, but sometimes people need to make their own mistakes to learn the lessons they’re supposed to learn.

  I spent the weekend cleaning, getting my clothes planned out for the week, making sure I had my lesson plans set up and trying to mentally prepare myself for no longer being a teacher’s assistant, but actually being a teacher. Tomorrow I start my journey, and these are my kids, this is all me.

  “You ok, Em?” Mel asks me.

  “Yeah, I’m fine, Just nerves!”

  “Girl, you got this! You’re gonna be amazing. Kids are going to love you. Besides you’ve got the patience of a saint. There’s no way in hell I could do your job!”

  I give her a weak smile.

  “You know what will help you shake this?” She jumps up off the chair.

  “No, what?”

  “You need to dance it off.”

  “I need to what?”

  “Dance party, dance it off! Anytime I get frustrated, nervous or just down right bitchy . . . I dance the shit right out of me. Come on! Try it. I promise you’ll feel better!” She grabs my hands and pulls me off the couch and hits play on our iPod player. “Footloose” by Blake Shelton comes on, and Mel makes me dance.

  “Come on Em! Dance! It’ll make you feel better. I promise!” She laughs and bounces around the floor. After about the third song, I finally get into it. “I Gotta a Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas. This song always gets me to move.

  “See I told you it would make you feel better.”

  “Ok, you’re right! Thank you.” I let out a giggle.

  “No problem. Now you wanna tell me what’s really going on?”

  “It’s like I said. It’s just nerves. I’ll be fine.”

  “You miss him don’t you?”

  “Who? Chad? Not really, it’s just I’ve never really been single. Since I was sixteen I’ve always had a steady boyfriend. This is just weird. Not sure how to be single and be me . . . I guess.”

  “Well it’s better to be single then being with someone who is an ass or who doesn’t appreciate what they have. And from what I’ve remembered, all your boyfriends have always been like the same damn mold or your dad has handpicked them. You need to live your life. Figure it out, figure out what you want in life and in a relationship. Once you figure it out, you’ll find him.” She gives me her speech.

  “Ok, Mom.” I throw popcorn at her.

  “Sadly, I’ve had less boyfriends and more time being single, but that’s because I won’t settle for just anyone.”

  “I just need to work. Once I’m working everyday my mind will be off the pity party. I need something to focus on.”

  “Well, you know I’m here for you, but let’s hope work gets you in a better mood. You’re gonna kick ass in kindergarten!”

  I start to laugh “That just sounds weird, but on that note, I’m going to bed. I will see you in the morning.” I give Mel a hug and walk into my bedroom.

  I called my mom to do our weekly check in, my dad is still pissed at me, but mom says he is happy I have a job. Mom wishes me good luck on my first day and then hangs up. I called my sister Kathy and she had all kinds of things to say. She filled me in on all the small town drama. She’s so happy that I start working tomorrow.

  “So who’s the guy?” Kathy asks.

  “What in the world are you talking about?” I growl.

  “Cut this shit, you can fool some but you can’t fool me. So who is he?”

  “There’s no guy.”

  “So you cutting your hair and bleaching it is all because you wanted to do it?”

  “Yes Kath, it’s because I wanted and needed a change. It’s a new life and I wanted a new me.”

  “Ok, well if you say so. I’m here for you when you’re ready to tell me who the “mystery guy” is. I promise, I won’t judge. And FYI, I love your hair! It looks good. It’s a new Emily and I hope this new Emily is a badass bitch who stops being a puppet for all these asses!”

  I start to laugh “Why don’t you tell me how you really feel?! But there’s no guy and you know you’ll be one of the first to know.”

  “Ok good, well it’s getting late here, so I’m going to go. I love you Em and have a kick ass day tomorrow. Let me know how it goes. Ok?”

  “Ok sis, I love you too. I’ll talk to you tomorrow or sometime this week. Bye.”

  “Bye Em.”

  I hate that my sister knows me to well. The guy she’s referring about is nothing but a crush and there is no way in hell will I tell her or my mom about my crush.

  I go over to my closet and pick out what I’m going to wear tomorrow. />
  The next morning I am awake before my alarm goes off. I took a shower and got dressed. I’ve got on my yellow skinny jeans, a black loose fitting shirt and black flats. Wearing my cross like always, but add a yellow chunky necklace and just tuck my hair behind my ears. Make-up is simple, I finish up in my bedroom, grab my bag and head for the kitchen to make my lunch and grab some snacks for today along with my water. I grab a bowl of yogurt and drink my coffee.

  “Well aren’t you adorable!” Mel smiles, walking into the kitchen.

  “Looks ok?” I stand up and turn around.

  “Perfect first day outfit! Kids are going to love you!”

  “I hope so,” I let out a giggle.

  “Remember what my mom always said. The first couple of weeks to a month are always the hardest with everyone getting to know each other. It’ll be fine. Everyone loves you.”

  “Oh, you’re so wise in your old age.” I stick my tongue out at her.

  “Shut the fuck up! I ain’t much older than you.”

  “Oh, but you’ve got three years on me, which makes you older.” I laugh.

  “Fuck you! You big baby. Don’t you have a bunch of kids to annoy?”

  “I do, but I’d rather annoy you all day.”

  “Get the hell out of here!” Mel laughs.

  “Fine!” I put my coffee mug in the sink and throw my bowl away.

  “Well, I’m out of here then. Wish me luck.” I say letting out a breath.

  “No need to wish you luck. You got this.” Mel says and gives me a hug.

  I grab my purse, my boxes with my supplies and head out to my car.

  I pull into the school parking lot and I’ve got an hour before the first bell rings. So I hurry into my classroom to make sure it’s all set up and ready. I was here yesterday afternoon finishing it up. They announced we’re having a meeting in the gym in ten minutes. I make my way to the gym and I meet up with Reese, she teaches kindergarten too and Zoe, she teaches fourth grade.

  “You ready?” Reese asks.

  “About as I’ll ever be.” I reply.

  “Right? Me too.” She replies.

  We sit through the meeting. Principal introduces all of us new teachers and tries to get us pumped up for the start of school.

  Its 7:50am and parents start to come in with their kids. By eight o’clock, I have the majority of my class here already. I turn on my iPod with kid friendly music and let the kids dance around to distract them, so their parents can leave. I’m bouncing around to “Best Song Ever” By One Direction and getting the kids excited and happy when I turn around and see Xander with Harlie standing there, smiling at me. I give them both a smile and walk towards them.

  “Well good morning, Miss Harlie. Are you ready for today?”

  “Yep! Can we dance?”

  “Sure sweetie, why don’t you go over there and dance while I talk to your dad quick and then I’ll be over there.”

  “Bye Daddy! I love you!” She wraps her arms around his neck, hugs him and kisses him.

  “Bye Baby girl. Be good, and I’ll see you after school.”

  Harlie goes over by the rest of the class and dances in the dance/reading area.

  “Here’s all the paper work and the court papers you said you needed.”

  “Ok, good.” I go over all the papers quickly making sure everything is in order.

  I hand him a piece of paper, “This has my email address, my classroom number and my cell phone number. If you need anything, this is how you can get a hold of me.”

  He smiles at me and my stomach flips. “Well Miss Hayes, now that I have your information, I guess I should go let you teach.”

  “Thanks.” I say quickly. “Oh there’s a sign-up sheet for helping out in the classroom if you or your mom would like to help. Always looking for volunteers.” I wink and walk away.

  “Sure, I’ll sign my mom up. Bye Harlie.”

  Harlie waves to her dad and he’s gone. I let my breath out I’ve been holding in since he walked in. I need to shake this feeling for him and I need to do it quickly.

  The first day went by really fast. My class is awesome. I have a couple of kids I can see are going to be a problem with their behavior but what class doesn’t? It’s about fifteen minutes until the bell rings and I have them start to get ready to go home. Thankfully everyone that I met on Parent Night was there to get their child. So it wasn’t confusing.

  Xander was standing in the doorway with his jeans and white t-shirt. Pretty much wearing everything he wore the night I met him. “Daddy!” Harlie shouts and runs into his arms.

  “Have a good day?” I hear him ask her. She said something in his ear and he whispered something back to her and before I knew it, I had a little person wrapping their arms around my leg. I look down and it’s Harlie.

  “See you tomorrow Miss Hayes.”

  I let out a giggle. “I’ll see you tomorrow Harlie. Have a good night.” I give Xander a smile and a nod and they leave.

  I shake my head and let out a breath. Keep it together Em, this is so wrong on every level, but that’s what making it even more tempting.

  “ALRIGHT HARLIE, YOU got any homework?”

  “Nope Dad, it’s just a bunch of papers for you to read. Can I go outside?”

  “Yeah take Axel outside with you.” Axel is our 3 year old Blue Nose Pit Bull. After Harlie’s mom left, I let her pick out a dog and she chose this beast. He’s got a white strip down his nose and a white patch on his chest but the rest of him is grey. I never have to worry about Harlie when they’re outside together.

  I grab the papers out of her backpack and go through them. Miss. Hayes has typed up a “Welcome letter” for all the parents with their daily schedule and an introduction to herself. She’s got a small picture of herself in the left corner.

  “Awe, a little farm girl.” I say out loud. I knew she was out of my league and seeing this, just spells it out even better for me. I have no choice to stay away, but damn it’s going to be hard. I mean fuck as soon as I seen her come out of that truck the other night, I wanted her. She’s got that pure innocence about her, but that’s all the reason to stay away from her. She doesn’t need someone like me. I’ll just fuck up her life and leave her hurting. I don’t do relationships. It’s fuck buddies and fuck buddies only.

  “Dad!” Harlie screams at me, snapping out of my own thoughts.

  “What?” I snap at her, not meaning to.

  “Grandma and Grandpa are home.” She shouts.

  “Ok.”

  When Harlie was a baby, my parents bought the house next door to me so they could help her mother and I, but since that dumb bitch left us 3 years ago. It’s been a blessing having them here. They’ve been able to take care of her when I need to go to work or when I just need a night out with the guys.

  “Xander?” I hear my mother calling for me.

  “Yeah Mom, in the kitchen.”

  “Oh hi. So how did Harlie’s first day of school go?”

  “Good, she was happy when she came out, turned around and ran up to Miss Hayes before we left and hugged her.”

  “Well, good. I like Emily. She’s a beautiful young lady and there’s just something about her. I like her.” My mother shrugs her shoulders.

  “You mean she’s not like the rest of the girls, ‘Hard and bitchy’.”

  “I didn’t say that, but she is different from the rest of the women in this town.”

  “Well, why you don’t read this. It’ll explain a lot.” I hand my mother the newsletter. My mom goes over it,

  “Ok, that does explain everything.” She chuckles. “You going to the bar tonight or what’s going on?”

  “Not sure yet. Blake called. He and Reese want to stop over for a bit with Jameson and Izzy. Not sure what that’s about, but they need to talk.”

  “Ok, well if you need Harlie to come over by us, just let me know. We’re home all night.”

  “Thanks Mom. I’ll let you know.”

  She kisses me on t
op of the head and walks out.

  “What’s for dinner daddy?” She comes in all smiling at me.

  “Not sure. What sounds good to you?”

  Her damn blues eyes got bigger and her smile got even bigger “Pizza delivery!” She says all excited. She knows when she makes her eyes like that, I can’t say no.

  “Alright, fine. What kind?”

  “Umm, pepperoni, bacon and mushrooms. Oh and umm peppers! Oh yeah, cheese bread too. Don’t forget my cheese bread with sauce Daddy.” She tells me.

  “Yes Ma’am one large pepperoni, bacon, mushroom and pepper pizza with a large order of cheese bread coming right up!” I salute her.

  “You’re weird Daddy.” She lets out a giggle.

  “Yeah, look who’s talking!” I throw a napkin at her. She runs off giggling. I call in the pizza and it’ll be here in an hour.

  When the pizza shows up, we take it outside on the patio and eat.

  “So did you learn anything at school?”

  “Yeah, we learned all the rules. Miss Hayes read us a bunch of stories and she’s really funny reading them too. I think tomorrow we’re going to start the hard stuff. Not sure I’m ready for that Daddy.” She explains to me. I can’t help but start laughing. “You going to need a beer after tomorrow?”

  “Yep, a big one too!”

  I lean back in my chair laughing hard. “Alright, I’ll make sure I have a big bottle of Root Beer waiting for you when you get home. Ok?”

  She sighs, “Thanks Dad, I’m going to need it! But I do like Miss Hayes. She’s pretty.”

  “Yeah Har, I couldn’t agree with you more.” She is very beautiful. I think to myself.

  “Yo, ass-clown where are you?” Blake shouts.

  “Yo, ass-wipe, out back with my daughter.”

  They come around the corner and I see Reese hits Blake “Watch your mouth around the kids.”

  “Oh please like they haven’t heard worse than that.” Blake rolls his eyes at his wife.

  “What’s up? Why did we need to “talk”?”

  “Just wanted to see how the first day of kindergarten went for my god-daughter.”

  “It went well. She seems to really like her teacher.”