72. Birdie

Confession: Condoms make great craft supplies.

I got up early Monday morning, because I knew it would take forever to dig through all of my boxes to find the things I wanted to wear to work. It was worth it too, because I found an adorable A-line sequined dress and a pair of strappy silver heels to go with it.

When I'd told Headmaster Bradford I didn't want anyone to dull the kids' sparkle, I meant it. But I realized I'd been hiding my own. Even before Dax broke up with me, I'd kept myself from dreaming of a bright life—one full of passion and love in all areas. Even when I met someone I truly cared for, I had tried to tamp it down.

I was done hiding any part of who I was or how I felt.

With my hair done, makeup on, and disco ball earrings dangling from my ears, I went down the stairs. An old couple lived in the ground-level apartment by the stairs, and I waved at them as they sipped their morning coffee.

"Have a great day," the woman, Coraline, said.

"Same to you." I waved with a smile.

As I got into my car, I heard her husband mutter, "Need to get sunglasses to look at that dress."

I giggled to myself. The outfit was working.

I couldn't wipe the smile from my face the entire way to school. I was early, because I'd have to carry my boxes back in, along with some extra decorative supplies I'd picked up at the dollar store over the weekend.

Today, though, walking into the school felt different. I realized it was just a building—it was the people inside who made it what it was. And after the protest and being offered my job back, I realized there truly were some amazing people here and that I could make a real difference.

I got to work on my bulletin board, hot gluing and sticking beads and sequins to create a shiny display with the quote Never Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle.

Slowly, as I worked, the noise in the hallway grew. Student after student and co-worker after co-worker poked their head into my office, welcoming me back. I thanked each and every one of them with a hug or a high five—whatever they preferred.

After the first bell, another student came into my office: Ollie Bardot.

I immediately went to hug him. According to the news, he'd organized the protest, and I had him to thank for the fact that I was back in my office. "Ollie, I saw what you said on the news... I can't tell you how much that meant to me."

He stepped back, a shy smile on his face. "You and my dad were miserable. I had to do something." He rubbed his arm. "And I—I feel terrible about what Ryde did."

I shook my head. "Ryde's decisions aren't your responsibility. I hope you know I don't blame you at all."

He nodded. "I do."

"Good," I said.

He was quiet for a moment, then he said, "I wanted to thank you—for giving the therapist's information to my dad. It's been really helpful."

"Yeah?" I said, so incredibly happy for him. "That's amazing."

He nodded. "I realized that I don't want to be with someone like Ryde. I broke up with him."

"Wow," I breathed. "That must have been so difficult for you."

His lips turned into a slight smile as he shook his head. "Actually, it was surprisingly easy. Ryde only wants to love me in secret. But I think we all know love doesn't live in the shadows. It happens out loud."

Tears pricked at my eyes, and I nodded. "You're a smart young man, Ollie. I have no doubt you will continue to do amazing things in your life."

"Thank you, Ms. Melrose."

I smiled and gave him another hug. "You can call me Birdie."

"Okay. I have to get back to class... but I have a suggestion for your board."

"Yeah?" I said, glancing back at the sequins I'd already applied. "What's that?"

He stepped toward the jar of condoms atop my filing cabinets, then pulled one out. "You know there's a silver side of the wrapper."

I grinned. "I like the way you think."

He handed me the condom and said, "I better go."

"You should have your own class," I said. "We have plenty to learn from you."

"Maybe someday." With a wave, he left my office, and I got back to work, using Ollie's idea to spell out the letters with the shiny side of the condom wrappers.

A few minutes later, a knock sounded on the open door. I turned to see Headmaster Bradford eyeing my bulletin board with a wry smile.

"Birdie," he said.

I set my glue gun down, rubbing my hands together to rid them of random strands of glue. "Headmaster. How are you?"

He looked away from the board to me. "Great. We're glad to have you back. However, there is still a protestor in the courtyard. Would you mind going to tell them there's no need? You already have your job back? I'm tired of dealing with them."

I chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Sure thing, boss."

He shook his head. "Come to my office after for a meeting so we can sign your new contract with the updated salary."

"Sure thing." I left my office door open, hearing him exchange a few words with Ralphie—no one could be rude to Ralphie—and continued down the empty hallway.

Who could possibly still be protesting? It seemed like every news channel had reported on the news of my rehiring.

I pushed open the double doors and stood at the top of the stairs in awe.

At the bottom of the stairs, Cohen Bardot held a bright pink sign with letters drawn in thick black marker.

BIRDIE, WILL YOU NOT-DATE ME AGAIN?