Chapter 6

Raya

Joey was right, today was a much better day. At least my morning had been. Not one issue. Even the boys that had fought yesterday came to my office and apologized.

I'd like to think that they had come to the realization that their behavior was wrong and came to me on their own. But given that Orion changed our plans to meet at work during lunch instead, my gut said this was his doing, and not the boys'.

He would be arriving shortly, and I would hopefully have my answer. My cell phone rang, and I thought it would be Orion letting me know of another change of plans. But it was Kathy. My heart skipped a beat and instantly, I panicked. Had something happened to Joey? He was fine when I spoke to him a few hours ago when he went to bed.

"Kathy, is everything okay?" I blurted out, nervously.

"Yes, Joey is sound asleep. It's you that I am worried about," she said.

"Me? Why?" I asked.

"You looked...so tired when you Facetimed Joey earlier. And it's not just lack of sleep. There is something else going on. I want to know what it is," she demanded.

I love having a best friend who could just look at me and know something wasn't right. My own parents never knew me this well. That's one reason why I was looking for a place not too close to them. I love them, but we work better from a distance. Not like me and Kathy. No amount of distance could break our bond. She and Joey were all the family I needed. Because of that, I owed her an answer. An honest one.

"Yesterday didn't go the way I planned," I said, leaning back in my chair and spinning it around so I could look out the window while talking to her.

"What happened?"

"My first day was perfect. I met with the former administrator, and he went over everything I needed to know. I felt prepared. At least until some boys decided to fight during lunch," I said.

She chuckled. "And here I thought that only happened in the US. Good to know that they are normal kids."

"For the record, most kids don't fight," I clarified.

"Oh. I guess you got lucky, and they did on your watch. No big deal."

Kathy didn't stress over anything. Of course, why would she? The only person she was responsible for was herself. I not only had me but Joey and now, every student who attended school.

"You might be right, and it was just timing." I didn't believe that. The boys didn't do it while Orion was in charge, because they respected him. It was a test to see how I would handle it. Would I reach out to their parents or expel them from school? I did neither. Instead, I had brought them all into my office, given them a stern lecture, and explained what I expected of them in the future. None had shown any signs of even listening to me while I had spoken. Had they changed their minds? They had a night to ponder over it. I could hope but the doubt lingered.

"I have a feeling there is still more going on. Even though we are best friends, you never talk about home. How does it feel being back after all these years?" she asked.

"Not like I'm home," I answered honestly. "So much has changed, and I'm not sure how I fit in here. And when Joey comes, he's definitely going to stand out. And Orion, the man who I am replacing, obviously doesn't have any faith in me. I can tell, just by the way he looks at me," I said.

"If that were true, you wouldn't be here," I heard his deep voice from the doorway.

Shit!

I spun around to find him standing there with his arms crossed.

"I...I have to let you go. My...my boss just walked in." I ended the call without hesitation as I knew Kathy would keep asking questions. "Sorry, I didn't know you had arrived." If I had, I wouldn't have been talking about you.

He closed my office door before walking over and taking the seat across from me. The last time we were here, this was still considered his office.

Orion paused, looking at me for a moment, then finally said, "I meant what I said. If I doubted your ability, you wouldn't be here."

Should I remind him that it was Reesa who hired me? Probably not. The best thing I could do was accept his vote of confidence and let it go. Even if I didn't totally believe it.

"I'm glad to hear that." I looked at my phone to make sure it was in silence mode, then slipped it into my desk drawer. When I looked up at him, I found it difficult to meet his gaze. Thankfully I wasn't telling Kathy about Orion's unexpected visit last night. If he heard me speaking about that, this would be even more awkward than it is. "You wanted to talk to me today?"

"More of a touch base. It's only day three for you, but I wanted to know how things are going. Have you had any issues?" he asked.

As if you don't know.

Everyone loved Orion. And even though they are pleasant and kind to me, I've heard the whispers in Tabiqian. I might not have spoken the language in ten years, but I still understand every word. Some believe that I had something to do with his leaving the position.

"I am settling in. No issues that I couldn't handle myself. No matter what, there is an adjustment when someone new comes in. Also, there is a lot of speculation as to why you are no longer in your position. Have you considered addressing the school?" I questioned.

"That will be happening soon."

Not soon enough.

"Good. I think it will help ease the transition for everyone involved," I stated. "Is there anything else you wanted?"

He nodded. "Regarding yesterday, I wanted to apologize. It was not my intention to intrude or embarrass you. I was just..."

"Worried. I know. You told me last night. But if you wouldn't mind, I'd rather not talk about it." More like I'd love to pretend that it never happened.

But what I wanted and what too place was obviously out of my control. Orion continued, "I just don't want you feel uncomfortable coming to me with any issues before of that."

"Mr. Moyer..."

"Orion," he reminded me.

"Orion, I keep my personal and business separate. You have nothing to worry about. If I have an issue which requires your involvement, I will let you know," I stated.

"Yet you said nothing about the fight that broke out yesterday. Why is that?" he questioned.

As I suspected, Orion had informants. Leaning back in my chair, I crossed my arms and said, "Simple. I didn't need your help. It was handled and over. Today is a new day. But for someone who started this conversation with how you trust in my abilities, that didn't sound like you really do. Which is it, Orion? Trust me or not?"

All I needed was a yes or no.

"Your ability? Yes. But I must be honest with you. I'm not sure you're the right person for the job."

Even though I asked the question, I was taken aback by his honesty. "And why is that?"

"You're a woman."

Oh, you did not just say that.

Well, he just pissed me off. I'd given him too much credit and I was about to put him in his place.

"Mr. Moyer."

"Orion," he said.

"No. I like Mr. Moyer. I believe you are the one who is not right for this position. As head of the school, you should be able to encourage both boys and girls to be what they want to, and not determine it by their gender," I replied, my tone matching the anger deep within me.

"You may have misunderstood what I was saying."

I shook my head. "Nope. It was clear. You don't believe a woman can do this job. Not as good as a man can."

"That was not what I meant," he said.

"But it is what you said," I reminded him.

He nodded. "In a way, I did, but that was not my intention. I believe a woman will face things that I never had too. Not from the students, but from some of their parents. Things may have changed while you were gone, but not everyone is...happy about it. Some still believe that a woman's place is in the home. Not..."

"Running the country?" I jumped in. "I mean, Tabiq is run by a woman, is it not?" I challenged him.

"It is. And if you ask Reesa, I'm sure she would tell you that she's faced opposition as well. Not to scare you, but I know for a fact that there have been threats made to her life. Not because she isn't qualified, but because she's a woman. Reesa has people who can protect her. You don't," he warned.

A shiver ran through me. "I...I..." I leaned over and placed my hands on my desk, shocked to see them trembling.

Orion reached over and covered them with his. "Raya, I didn't mean to scare you. I was just trying to explain my comment."

His warm hands were strong and comforting. I didn't want to like it. I should have pulled my hands away, but I couldn't. I didn't want it to end. I could tell myself it was because fear still filled me. That was partially true. I was afraid, but not of some stranger hurting me. It was something more internal. My emotions. My desires. I had a restless night last night. And it was all because of the dreams. Sweet dreams about my predecessor that I had no right dreaming. Those dreams were filled with me doing and saying inappropriate things. And it all started with just an innocent touch of our hands and ended with making love on the desk.

There was a need building in me, and the fact that Orion was being this kind and protective of me again, was only enhancing it. But I wasn't here for anything other than a job. It wasn't easy, but I needed to bury everything else and focus on that.

"You don't think that someone would really...try to kill me, do you?" I asked.

He gave my hands a light squeeze, sending tingles through me.

"I would like to believe not, but I can't make any promises. All I can say is that I'll do whatever I can to ensure your safety. And if for any reason you don't feel safe, then please, I'm begging you, tell me. It doesn't matter what time of day or night. Call me. I have connections to people who can help keep you safe. At least until your boyfriend arrives."

Boyfriend? Interesting.

I had no one in my life. We never discussed it and Reesa never asked either. Why would he assume that I had one? It didn't matter. With what crazy thoughts I was having, it was probably better he believed I did. Not that I was worried he would make a move, but it was easier if I only had to deal with my own attraction to him, and not worry if it was reciprocated.

"I am very capable of taking care of myself. Even though I haven't been in Tabiq for years, I am very careful. There are enough dangers in the US too. I'm in the habit of always carrying pepper spray with me."

"What?" he asked, looking puzzled.

I slipped my hands out from beneath his and opened my drawer. My purse was inside. Searching for the small container, I pulled out the pepper spray. "All I need to do is point this in an attacker's face and spray. That gives me time to get help."

"I am well aware of what pepper spray is, but do you really think that is enough to keep you safe? It might buy you a few seconds, but if someone really wanted to hurt you, it won't be much of a deterrent."

"What would you suggest I do? Quit and go home?" I asked, sarcastically.

"That's not what I want," he stated.

"Then what do you want, Orion? Because I can't seem to figure you out." Maybe he doesn't know himself, because he was surely giving me mixed signals.

"Raya, I don't want you to give up on your dreams. If this is what you really want, then stay. Do it. God knows that I wouldn't back down from something I'm passionate about either."

"Good. Because I have no plans of doing so," I stated.

He looked me directly in the eyes and added, "I am just trying to tell you, I'll be here to support you in any way I can. Your success also means the opportunity for success for all the students. The same goes for your failure."

"I have no intention of letting them down." Reesa had made it clear what she wanted from me, and I was going to deliver. "Now, if there is nothing else, I should get back to work."

He stood up and was about to leave when he turned back. "Have you had lunch?"

"No. I'll eat dinner later. That will be enough," I replied.

"Same here. I know I canceled our dinner meeting tonight. Would you mind if I still picked you up at six?" he asked.

"Pick me up? I thought you were coming to New Hope," I reminded him.

He chuckled. "You don't forget anything, do you?"

Shaking my head I said, "Sometimes that can be a bad thing. But to answer your question, if there are things we still need to discuss, then yes, I am available."

"I'll see you at six. There's a restaurant that has some amazing food."

"Tabiqian?" I asked.

He shook his head. "No. And don't ask. I'll let it be a surprise."

"Do I look like a person who enjoys surprises?" I asked.

"You will like this one. I'll see you at six," he grinned and left my office.

Something in his eyes had said tonight wasn't about business. I easily could send him a text message backing out like he had last night.

A girl must eat. Might as well go.

Thankfully, I had plenty of things that needed to be attended to, so I wouldn't need to be distracted by thoughts of Orion all day.

Just part of the day.