When Art Falls by Lorrain Allen

Author:Lorrain Allen [Allen, Lorrain]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-25T16:00:00+00:00

My cell phone rings as I pull into a parking space at work. By the time Art took me home last night, my car had already been delivered.

“Hello.”

“The video of Art punching that guy is all over the internet!” Anneli exclaims.

“Oh no.”

“It’s going to be on the gossip news show What’s Poppin? tonight.

“This is a nightmare.”

“What the fuck happened?”

“Art saw us walking together.”

“That’s it?”

“And we were talking.”

“So what? Is that why the fight started?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you not allowed to talk to other men?”

“It’s a stipulation of our agreement.”

“That’s absurd!”

“Try telling Art that.”

“Are you at work?”

“I just got here. I’m totally going to get fired.”

“Maybe not. You can’t control the actions of another person.”

“But it never would’ve happened if it wasn’t for me.”

“Denise is an understanding person. Don’t worry.”

“I’ll talk to you later. It’s time to face the music.”

“It’ll be okay.”

I end the call, hoping Anneli is right.

My eyes roam over my surroundings. “Is it me or does this parking lot seem more crowded than it usually is?” I ask myself.

I take a deep breath before getting out of the car. My colleagues give me the side-eye, and students whisper as I walk towards the school. I’m transported back to Central High again—a memory that instantly increases my trepidation. The principal is waiting by my classroom.

“Good morning, Principal Joyner.”

“Ms. Belo,” she greets. “I would like to have a word with you in my office.”

“Absolutely.” Here we go.

I enter the office behind her and take a seat in front of the desk.

“I’m sure you’re not clueless as to what the topic of discussion will be.”

I clear my throat. “I truly apologize for the incident that occurred yesterday. It’s inexcusable. I’m devastated it was witnessed by students.”

“Are you aware Mr. Skinner is currently in the hospital with a concussion? He also received several stitches to close a gash at the back of his head.”

“No.”

I went straight to sleep when I got in last night without a thought to calling Jerry to check on him. Guilt and my sore ass make it impossible to sit still.

“Right now, we’re not supervisor and employee. I’m a woman speaking candidly to another.”

“All right.”

“You’re a fool for choosing him over Adrian.”

If this bitch wants to take it there, that’s fine by me. “My personal life is none of your fucking business.”

“It became my business when you brought your bullshit on school grounds.”

“I assure you there won’t be a recurrence.”

“You’re one of those stupid women who prefer a bad boy over a good man. Your employment is terminated effective immediately.”

“Then this discussion is over. I’ll leave right away.”

After Adrian and I stopped dating, her attitude shifted towards me, but it didn’t bother me because she remained professional. Well, I guess that’s over now. Goddamn it. How will I explain this to my mom?

Art and I are destined to destroy each other’s lives.

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