Chapter 70
Hope always kept her phone off during the day as an example to students, plus she enjoyed not being a slave to technology.
She paced and gave herself a pep talk before meeting with one of her student’s overbearing helicopter parents, knowing she had to intervene before the situation became worse.
After they exchanged pleasantries, they had an extended discussion about Jerry. Hope became exasperated when she obviously wasn’t getting through to them. All the parents wanted to discuss was their son’s grades and whether Jerry could retake tests or rewrite papers to improve his grade-point average.
Deciding to dispense with small talk, Hope leaned forward and animatedly made helicopter chop-chop noises. The parents appeared confused, obviously missing the point. “That’s what other students do behind Jerry’s back. He’s humiliated. I don’t want to give any of our students a reason to be bullied. To be frank, you’ve got to stop interfering. I’m concerned about him. Bullying leads to depression—or worse. You must stop meddling.”
The boy’s dad grimaced. When Jerry’s mother began with the “buts,” thankfully, the father said, “Enough, Phyllis. Enough. Didn’t you hear what Miss Truman said?” He reached across the table, shook Hope’s hand, and thanked her. Then he assisted his wife out of the chair and turned back to Hope. “You won’t see us again until graduation.”
Hope stood and shook their hands. “Thank you.”
~ ~ ~
Hope’s stomach growled as her office phone rang. She was so hungry she almost didn’t answer. “Hope Truman, Counseling Office.”
A chipper voice on the other end of the line said, “Hi, Hope. This is Cheri Van Buren. I’m in town. Can we meet?”
Hope’s eyes widened. Why would a New York socialite want to meet with me? “Sure. Just with me or with Alex and Suzy too?”
“Just you.”
Hope glanced at her wall clock. “I don’t have a long lunch period but sure. Where are you?”
Cheri laughed. “In the school parking lot.”
“In that case, come through the front doors and I’ll meet you. That is, if you don’t mind cafeteria food. Never mind, I’m sure you don’t eat cafeteria—”
“I’m on my way inside. I’d love to see the school.” Cheri hung up before Hope could reply.
She smoothed her frizzy hair as best she could, straightened her navy and white plaid blouse, and ambled toward the front wondering why Cheri wanted to see her, of all people. Alex, yes. Suzy, yes. But her?
Cheri stepped up the stairs like she owned the place. She wore a clingy leopard print dress, red pumps, and red sunglasses on top of her head. Hope noticed several of the male students gave her a once over and chuckled. The socialite grinned when she spotted Hope.
Hope began to shake Cheri’s hand but the New Yorker embraced her. “Can we eat somewhere quiet?”
“Schools aren’t exactly quiet.” She thought for a minute. “We can get our food and eat in the teachers’ lounge.”
Cheri nodded. “That works.”
After they entered the massive cafeteria, Cheri stared upward. Some of the panes of glass hadn’t yet been replaced and were taped like scars, bearing the marks of the tornado. After scanning the student-filled room, Cheri asked, “Is everything getting back to normal after the tornado?”
“We’re trying to move forward. Occasionally, a few students still break down when there’s a thunder storm or high wind.”
“It must have been traumatic. I can’t imagine.”
“It was.” Hope grabbed a tray for herself and handed one to Cheri.
Cheri followed suit as Hope added a plate, silverware, and napkin to her tray. “I drove around the neighborhood and saw the new construction outside. It looks like the three destroyed houses are already in the drywall stage.”
Surprised by her knowledge, Hope said, “They were framed quickly. We’ve had tons of volunteers. It’s moving fast.”
“That’s wonderful.” Cheri filled her plate with salad greens, tomatoes, chopped broccoli, red onion, and balsamic dressing.
Meanwhile, Hope reached for a burger and fries. She chuckled as she pointed toward her food. “This is why you look like you do and why I’m overweight.”
“Don’t be silly. You’re beautiful.” Cheri scanned the room. “Lots of students attend this school. You guys were lucky the tornado missed Hilltop.”
“Yes, very lucky.” Tears pricked Hope’s eyes. Her emotions still ran high. “Follow me to the lounge. It’s quiet in there.”
For once, the teachers’ lounge was empty. Hope sat her tray on one end of the rectangular table. “We’re in luck but it may not last long.”
“I’ll talk fast before anyone comes in.”
Hope furrowed her brows. “I can’t imagine what this is about.”
Cheri took a bite of salad, a sip of Diet Coke, and wiped her mouth. “I’ll get right to the point. I want to help out with the tornado rebuilding.”
Hope swallowed a bite of hamburger. “With the construction? I can’t see you painting walls or hammering, but thanks. That’s kind of you.”
Cheri waved her hand. “No, I want to furnish the houses and provide appliances.”
Hope’s eyes bulged. “All three houses?”
Cheri’s head bobbed as she ate more salad. “Yes. All three. But I have a condition.”
Hope held a french fry in mid-air. “Name it.”
“I want to be an anonymous donor.”
With a wobbly voice, Hope managed to say, “Done. I’ll talk to Dr. Holmes and the neighbors, but I’m positive they’ll all be thrilled. One neighbor didn’t have insurance so the students have had some pizza fundraisers for them. I’m just thankful no one was killed.”
Cheri nodded. “Thank goodness.”
Hope plunged three fries into her mouth. “How do you want to go about this?”
Cheri pushed her tray aside. “Easy. If you’ll take me to the new construction, I’ll take photos of each room. Then, I’ll go to my sources, order furniture, accessories, and appliances. It’ll be beautiful, I promise.”
Hope sucked in her breath. “That’s extremely generous of you, especially since you’re from New York. I can’t imagine what it will cost to furnish three homes.”
Cheri waved her hand. “It doesn’t matter. I want to give back. I love it here. You, Alex, and Suzy have made me feel very welcome. It’s the least I can do for my newly adopted city.”
Hope set her burger down. “I can’t finish. I’m too excited. I’ll give you a tour of the houses right now. Leave the food tray here. I’ll put it away later.”
Cheri stood. “Let’s go.”