We pulled onto a street with well-manicured mini yards and rows of condominiums and townhouses. Everything was so orderly and uniform that it reminded me of a movie set. Though this area did not possess large mansions or expensive lodge-like houses, you could see that there was still a level of class and money present. It wasn’t easy or cheap to live in Black Mountain, but I guess you could call this neighborhood the least expensive area.
“I have a two-bedroom condo,” Mr. D said as he pulled into a single driveway and waited for the garage door to open. “It works for me. Simple, I don’t have to worry about yard work, and it’s clean.”
I looked up at the light gray two-story condo that was lined up with others exactly the same but with a slightly different color. Though the condo was two stories, it appeared that it was actually one story of living space that sat on top of the garage.
I wasn’t surprised when I got out of the car that Mr. D’s garage appeared as organized and orderly as it was. Everything seemed to have a home. He had a mountain bike hanging on a rack on the side, and above my head hung two kayaks. There was also a punching bag in the far corner with some hand weights below it. It made sense that Mr. D would be so active considering he was obviously in such good shape. And it also made sense he would be into the outdoors since—other than myself—it seemed everyone in Black Mountain loved nature and outdoor living to some degree.
The garage door closed behind us as we walked up the stairs to the main level. Even though there were no fancy gates surrounding the house, or a keypad to get in, I hadn’t felt this level of safe in a long time. Mr. D didn’t seem like the violent type, but he also gave me the impression he wouldn’t back down in a fight either.
As we walked into the condo, it was exactly as I pictured.
Masculine.
There was a brown leather couch that sat in front of a large-screen television. Next to the couch was a matching reclining chair, and by the wear and tear of the leather, I could see he enjoyed spending time in it. The living room also had a gas fireplace, cathedral ceilings making the room look much larger than it was, and an old chest being used as a coffee table. Mr. D took my books from me and set them on the table, and I dropped my bag beside them before continuing to look around. There was also a sliding glass door that led out to a deck or porch or something, but I couldn’t tell because all I saw was pitch black on the other side of the glass.
I fought the urge to walk over to the large slider and pull the curtain shut. I never left windows open. Never.
But this wasn’t my house, and we were on the second story, so even if someone wanted to peek in…
But there could be a tree out there, or another building, or…
“It’s safe here. There are cameras all around the property, and a paid security guard patrols the area every hour on the hour. Plus, there is no way anyone can be a peeping Tom.” Mr. D motioned for me to follow him out on the porch.
When we stepped out onto the small balcony with two chairs, a small table, and a BBQ, and even a bird feeder hanging, I could see what he meant by saying no one could see us. The balcony looked over a manmade pond that had a fountain in the center. There were no trees to climb blocking the view, and no other buildings to use as a hideout. I could stand outside like this and never be seen by anyone at all.
I could be outside… something I hadn’t done since…
Mr. D walked back into the condo, and I followed. “So, I have two bedrooms, but I use the second room as my office. I don’t have a bed in there.”
“I’ll sleep on the couch,” I offered as quickly as I could. Middle name Burden that I was.
Adjacent to the living room was a small kitchen. It was clean, modern, and manly. Black granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and not even a hand towel or any clutter at all. But there was one thing out of place.
I looked up at the ceiling and saw pasta noodles stuck all over.
I giggled. “Why is there spaghetti on the ceiling?”
He looked up, smiled, and said, “If you toss up the noodle and it sticks, then the pasta is done. It’s how I cook.”
I laughed again. I was far from a cook, but his method seemed… very bachelor-like.
“I don’t keep much in the fridge, but compared to yours, I’m a supermarket in comparison. Help yourself to anything.” He opened the fridge, pulled out a beer, and then looked at me. “Can I get you anything?” He even raised his beer. “Want one?”
I laughed, surprised that my principal was offering me alcohol. “No I.D. required?” I teased.
He shrugged. “If you’re old enough to die for your country, then you’re definitely old enough to have a damn beer. Plus, weren’t you just telling me over dinner that you’ve tasted wine in world-renowned wineries that you have to practically give a body part to be invited to?”
I laughed but then shook my head. “Thanks, but no. I’m still stuffed from dinner.”
Opening his beer, he led me down a short hallway. He pointed to the bathroom. “I only have one bathroom.” He pointed again. “My room.” His finger shifted toward another door. My office.” He then gestured to closet doors that lined the hallway. “I have a washer and dryer behind there.” He turned and glanced at what I was wearing. “We didn’t think of packing a bag of clothes for you.”
I looked down at my school uniform. “At least I have on what I need for tomorrow.”
“I can give you a shirt to wear of mine to sleep in, and if you want to wash your clothes so they’ll be clean for tomorrow, you’ll find everything you need above the washer.”
Once again feeling like a burden, I didn’t have much of a choice but to nod in agreement. “If you don’t mind…”
He walked into his room, and I remained where I stood. It didn’t seem appropriate following him into his private space. When he walked out, he handed me a gray Oakland Raiders t-shirt. I took it, feeling my face heat, and walked to the bathroom, silently laughing at the absurdity of the situation I was in.
Here I was, with Mr. D, my principal, on a school night, having a slumber party, wearing his shirt.
6
Corrine
I wanted to take him up on that beer but wasn’t sure how to ask now that the moment had passed. I sat on the couch, in his shirt and nothing else. I didn’t have clean panties, so I had no choice but to wash those along with my school uniform. He wouldn’t know that I was full commando, of course, but I did. And after the day I had, the evening I had, and now facing the night I had a fear I would have… I didn’t think an entire six pack of beer could settle me down.
“I’m going into my office for a bit. I need to get a couple of things ready for a big meeting I have tomorrow,” he said as he stood near the hallway leading to the bedrooms and bathroom.
I looked over my shoulder at him and nodded.
“Don’t you have any homework to do?” he asked.
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Really?
“Yes, Mr. D,” I said in a sarcastic tone. “Whatever you say, sir.” I couldn’t help but laugh as I teased. I was sitting in the man’s living room, wearing his clothes, and he was going to now act like a father figure.