Rewriting History Read Online Free Page B

raises his eyebrows and lets out a hearty laugh.
    “I have to tell you, shocked silence is not the usual reaction I hear after a job offer like this. You have any idea how many graduates would love to be in your position right now?” He shakes his head. “You owe your father a lot for this chance,” he adds.
    “Thanks. I appreciate it and I won’t let you down, sir.”
    He nods and turns back to his desk, indicating our little meeting is over. I thank him again and walk out, closing the door behind me. I’m torn. On one hand, I’m happy I have a job. My career is on its way. On the other, I hate the thought of owing my father anything. And then there is Jill. I grab my phone.
    Me: Where are you? Meet me behind the sheds in five?
    I don’t plan to make a habit of secret meetings on school grounds, but I want her to hear this from me and not somebody else.
    Jill: Sure
    I see her sitting in the sun, legs crossed, before she sees me. Even though the sun is out, the cool air is freezing on my face and seeing her makes me colder. God knows how she can sit there in that little skirt. My heart swells at the sight of her. Arms back, her face is tilted upwards and she’s smiling. She looks down and sees me, her smile widening.
    “Jill, they’ve asked me to stay till the end of the year,” I blurt out before she can say anything. I sink to my knees in front of her.
    “What?” she demands, her expression shocked.
    “I can’t believe it. I never thought they’d ask,” I mumble. I feel guilty for not telling her yesterday that this might have been coming. I thought I knew what I was doing, but I was wrong. I have no fucking idea. I lace my hands behind my neck and sigh. “It’s Junior History, but still. You’re a student at this school…”
    “So you want to end this?” Anger flashes through her eyes and my heart jumps. The last thing I want to do is hurt her.
    “No. That’s the thing. I don’t think I can end it. I’m…” I shake my head and laugh. “What am I doing?” I mumble.
    “What are you doing, Eli?” she asks, irritated. “I’m sorry, but you’re not even going to be my teacher. I know this place has rules, I know I’m a student and you’re a teacher, but dammit, I don’t care!”
    “Jill, calm down. I never said I wanted to end this,” I sigh. “We’ll have to be extra careful.”
    “Like not discussing our relationship on school grounds?” she suggests, an edge to her voice. I flush and glance around before straightening myself up. It’s late afternoon and school has dismissed for the day, but still—I should know better. I’m going to fuck this up if I’m not careful.
    “Shit,” I mutter. “Good point. Can I call you later? You know, to speak to my girlfriend?”
    She smiles. “I’d like that.”
    ***
    I stop by my office to get some files before leaving and find Dad waiting there for me. I’m surprised to see him in here, but I guess this is still his office so there is not much I can do other than try and hide my irritation. I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much his presence affects me.
    “Can I help you?” I ask, reaching for the files I’d forgotten and sliding them into my briefcase.
    He smiles and shakes his head, staring out the window. “You know, I always thought this office had the best view in the whole school. Rolling fields, trees…you see everything from here.”
    I stiffen and glower at him. I glance out in the direction he is staring and panic rises inside me. She’s still sitting there, on the grass behind the gardening sheds, her head tilted back as the afternoon sun sets on her beautiful face.
    Oh, fuck.
    “You still want to tell me there’s nothing going on with you two?”
    “Why do you care?” I explode. “It’s not like I’m doing anything you haven’t done before. Why the fuck are you so insistent on trying to run my life for me?”
    “I just know better than anyone that some things aren’t worth losing