As I walked out of the cafeteria that night after the meeting, I felt like I had a new beginning. I was the last line item on the agenda so I didn’t even wait for a dismissal. I just walked straight out of the cafeteria behind Mr. Sussman. As we stepped into the hallway he turned to me and said, “I hope this puts any of the doubts to rest.” I smiled at him and gushed, “I think you handled any doubts just fine! I truly appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to come down here for me.” I knew he would be my champion after a long rift between his wife and Mary Beth had erupted years ago. This was information I found out after the fact, but all the more reason for him to come down and share the information in person. As I ushered Mr. Sussman out the door, Brendan came up behind me and whispered in my ear, “So now is it my turn to have to stay after school Madam Principal?” I smiled slyly and told him that as bad as he was he would be in eternal detention. We decided to meet back at my place for a quick night cap. I had to wait until the school emptied so that I could lock everything up. I formed a makeshift reception line when most of the parents that came out of the meeting wanted to give me words of support and to shake my hand. This made me feel good that they knew I was only after the best interests of the school.
After everyone left I was on the way home to Brendan. I had given him the key to let himself in since I was going to be coming along some time after. I couldn’t help but notice that there was one car left in the parking lot that I didn’t recognize. My mother always taught me to be aware of my surroundings. It was an older model mustang, blue, no license plate. I think this is what caught my eye most. I got in my car and started home and the mustang started up too. I followed my normal route home and realized that the first three turns I made that car made them also. It didn’t follow too closely but close enough for me to keep an eye on the rear view window. As I noticed it kept getting closer I had my hand on the cell phone to call for help but suddenly he turned off on a side street. I was still a bit shaken up and called Brendan at my home. “Baby, are you sure he isn’t still following you?” he asked in a concerned tone. “No, I have been riding around for a while and I don’t have any cars behind me. I am almost to the house though, can you meet me outside?” I said in shaky voice. “No problem at all V, I’m going now.”
I drove up to the house and got out of the car and he was standing there just as he said he would. I did calm down just at the sight of him. He ushered me into the house and just held me.“I am so glad you are here right now Brendan. I don’t know why I am so shaky, but I just got an eerie feeling. I’m not sure why.” Brendan just held me and listened to me for the next few hours. We had a glass of wine and talked over some soft music. I glanced at the clock and saw it was almost one in the morning. “Oh Brendan I am so sorry I didn’t mean to keep you out this late!” I said. He laughed and told me not to even worry about it. He offered to spend the night but I still didn’t trust myself to be with him. I brought out my Strong Black Woman attitude. “I’ll be fine baby, and if I do get uneasy I promise to give you a call so you can come and rescue me, “ I said as I leaned in to kiss him good night. I watched him back out of the driveway and go down the street. I made sure all the doors were locked and the alarm was set. That night my sleep did not come easy. Perhaps it was a sign of things to come. That next morning as I walked to my car I saw a note on the windshield. On the paper, written in what I hoped was not blood were the words, “I know where you are Veronica. No hiding now!”
I went back in the house and called Brendan.
©Lainey Starr 2008
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