Faded

Chapter 1

“Are you sure you want to do this? It’s never too late to go back to school.” My father pressured. 

“I’m sure Dad. This is my dream job.” I argued, brushing my long black hair from my face.

“As long as you’re happy.” He said finally giving in. “There were no other schools you could go to, preferably away from the city?” 

“There probably are, but I love Chicago. I couldn't leave.” I sipped my hot tea. “And besides this city needs people like me.”

The lines of his aged face contorted. “You mean people that study at a top-notch college to teach in the, a….bad neighborhood?” His snarky tone that he also used when he thought he was right, annoyed the hell out of me at that moment. 

My dad is a good man but he worries about everything. Especially since I told him I wanted to teach on the south side of Chicago. Ever since I’ve been in school I’ve wanted to become a teacher, a music teacher. I have a particular high school orchestra director to thank for that. 

“Dad..” 

“You’re right, I’m sorry. Let’s just enjoy our dinner.” He poured me a glass of water. The entire night, I couldn't help ask myself if he was right. Was I making a huge mistake? 

“Hey, Lana! How was dinner?” Matt called from the living room. 

“It was all right. You know my dad, always trying to plan my life.” I threw my keys into the bowl and leaned against the wall. 

Matt has been my roommate throughout my college career. It wasn’t a small apartment. My dad insisted on making my college life as comfortable as possible; I didn’t argue. It was a two-bedroom, one bath, and a decent-sized living room that leads right to the kitchen, with only me and Matt. We met in the education department at the University of Chicago and immediately became friends. He got his teaching certificate, but then decided he wanted to be a lawyer. Which is fine, but I was disappointed not to be working with my best friend. He only had one more year anyway. Matt was the nerdy type; glasses, perfect haircut, and always had his nose in a book. He was the reason I passed my science Gen-Eds. I couldn't ask for a better friend. 

“You know he just wants what's best for you.” He got up and leaned on the wall next to me. “When do you start at…?” 

“Green-Wood High.” I finished for him. 

“Yea that place!” 

I pushed off the wall and started making myself some tea. It was the only thing that kept me relaxed, which meant sane. “Next Monday.”

“So, four more days till I get the place to myself during the day.” 

I smiled. He was joking of course. This place was always boring without me here and he knew it. When we first moved here I was able to make nice with the landlord so we were able to upgrade to the two-car garage while still keeping our outside spot. Matt and I split the garage and I took the outside spot. He didn’t seem to mind. My dad and I restored a 76 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible and it just fits down there. I take it out a lot, just not in the winter or when it rains. Matt was in love with it! 

“So, are you excited?” 

“Of course I’m excited! It’s my first job out of college.” I tossed my long black hair out of my face. 

Matt grabbed a cup and made himself some tea as well. Living together, we’ve picked up habits from one another. “I’m happy for you! Now run your first day by me.”

I straightened up and went over what I had already gone over a million times. “I’m going to present myself, explain a bit about my past. Probably tell them about my high school, then ask them what music means to them and get started on sections.” He nodded, approving of my plan as if he was my supervisor. 

“Very good! How many classes do you have?” 

“Only one orchestra class. The principal is having me teach an automotive class as well.” I ran to my bag and grabbed some papers. “Yes, intro to automotive maintenance and possibly a few others along the way, but my main focus is the orchestra. 

“How wonderful! I didn't think they had a shop for an auto.” He wandered over to the kitchen table, where his law books were spread out with about 3 notebooks filled with writing. 

“I think it’s merged with the woods shop. It was back when the city had money, but they quit using it because of budget cuts. Then they found me.” 

“Ah yes, the teacher that is only there to teach not for money.” The attitude in his voice made me a little uncomfortable. Of course, I wasn't in it for the money. 

“Don’t you judge me! A lot of teachers aren't in it for the money.” I spilled out the rest of my tea and headed for my room. 

Chapter 2 

“Do I really have to come with you?” 

“Matt, shut up. We’re already here.” I pulled into the Walmart parking lot. “You need to get out of the house. Studying all night isn’t good for you.” 

“It is when you have a test in 24 hours.” He struggled out of my car. “Why are we at Walmart?” 

“I have to get some last-minute school supplies.” I locked my little two-door Tundra and started towards the store. It wasn't anything special, just my daily driver with a bed that came in handy when I had to move things. 

“Oh, you know what, I could use some more paper for my book, and some coffee.” Matt jumped up beside me with his newfound energy. 

“Still working on that mystery novel?” 

“Nope. I finished that one. It’s on its way to my publisher. No, this one's going to be the best one I’ve ever written.” 

“Oh yeah, what’s it about?” I grabbed a cart and threw some paper in. 

“You’re gonna have to find out.” He gave me a devious look before wandering off. I just rolled my eyes and kept going. 

By the time we got out of there, I had spent about 50 dollars on my remaining supplies. I slipped the bags under the cover on the bed and drove back to the apartment. Matt’s books were still covering the dining table, right where he left them. “I’ve gotta run to the school and set some things up if you want to come,” I called from my study. 

“Sure, why not? I’d like to know you won’t get murdered on your first day.” He grabbed some of the bags I was carrying and followed me to the car. 

We started towards the school. “You know I have a gun in here right? There’s no need to worry.” 

“You know me. I always worry.” He opened the glovebox to show the dulled black Glock I had in there. 

The rest of the 45-minute drive was pretty quiet. Our attention sharpened when we entered the school's neighborhood. It wasn’t the worst but it certainly wasn't nice. A couple of houses had couches in the front yard with people sitting there day drinking. Most of the residents were African American or Hispanic according to Matt. Apparently, he didn't spend his entire night studying, some of it was to research the area. My dad had clearly planted some doubt in his head. We pulled into the parking lot and unloaded the two boxes. 

“Are you certain this is what you want?” Matt asked. 

We set the boxes down for the guard to look over. I turned to him. “Please don’t be like my father. I’ve made my decision and I don't want any backlash for it.” 

“I support whatever decision you make.” Nodding to the guard we continued to the orchestra room. “I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t offer my opinion.” 

“I know. Thank you.” 

On the way, we bumped into a couple of teachers I met at the last meeting. “Lana Winston, right?”

“Yep. And you’re Ellie and Brad, correct?” Both of them nodded. “Guys this is my friend Matt. He’s helping me set some things up.” 

“So nice to meet you.” Ellie Taper teaches senior and junior history. She was about in her early ’40s with short curly blond hair and very friendly. Then there was Brad Keller. He was in his mid 50’s but acted like he was 60. His black hair was already turning grey and wrinkles were developing everywhere. Every time I was around him, he gave off a grandfather's feeling. I was glad it was him I’d be working with, he teaches the band right next door to my classroom. 

“Ellie, I’ll meet you in the lounge. I’m going to show Miss. Lana to her new place of work.” Brad said. 

“All right. I’ll see you later Lana.” I smiled, and we followed Brad to the room. 

“So are you excited?” He held the door open for us. 

“I’m a little nervous.” Disappointment hit me like a truck. The room was pretty big, but it was a mess. Chairs were scattered everywhere, papers across the floor, and the chalkboard was filled with profanity. 

“That’s expected, but listen to me. With these kids, you have to be tough or they will eat you alive. The last orchestra teacher only lasted a month. I’ve been having to teach this class for the past two years.” He grabbed his keys and opened my office. I refused to look at Matt, I wasn't in the mood to see any kind of look of disapproval. 

“How do you handle them?” I popped my head into the office. It was a good size. 

Brad handed me the keys and moved to the cello/bass room. “Every teacher has their technique for teaching these types of kids. I’ve been here for 20 years and have made a reputation for myself. I get the respect I deserve and so do they. But new teachers…. The breaking point is a month. If you can make it past that, then you're golden.” Matt and I set the boxes and bags on my desk. I gasped in horror at the condition of the cellos and basses. 

“What the hell is this!!!” Anger pulsed through my veins. The cellos were in the worst shape I’ve ever seen. Swear words and genitals were carved into most of them, one was in the corner with a hole punched through the back. Only one bass looked functional while the other had a crack running down the face of it. 

“Yea, the students aren't the best at instrumental care.” He seemed unfazed and continued back to the main room. 

“School is in two days and I’m expected to teach with these.” I rushed after him. “Do the students have violins or violas?” 

“Probably not. Look, Lana, I’m sorry. Believe me, I wish we could get money for the entire department but we are badly scraping by with what we have. I’m sorry.” 

“I understand. Thanks, Brad.” He headed for the door. 

I looked around the room and questioned myself again. Six cellos, two probably functional, one decent bass, and 23 kids. This was going to be a disaster. “Lana..” Matt placed his hand on my shoulder. I expected some kind of statement about my dad being right, but he handed me a broom. “Should we get to work?” There really were no other friends like him. 

We worked tirelessly for the next hour and managed to get the room looking pretty nice. I hung my music posters and decorated the entire room while Matt organized the chairs, cleaned the chalkboard, and dug out an old podium from the closet. 

“Oh, yeah! We’re the best team ever!” Matt dropped the broom and crossed his arms over his chest proudly. 

“Don’t get too cocky. We still have the Auto shop to go through.” I grabbed the last box of things and headed across the hall. It was convenient to have the shop right across from the orchestra room. The shop wasn't as bad. Tools and car parts were lying around everywhere, but other than that it was fine. It was kinda neat. A classroom was attached to a small shop with two garage doors equipped with outdated, but working lifts. In the corner were two toolboxes, a complete set between them, with a large self of gently used parts. There were no cars though. Matt and I cleaned up organized and lightly decorated. 

After we were finished, I locked up the shop and we relaxed in the orchestra room. 

“Wow! This place looks fifty times better.” Ellie and Brad wandered in. 

“Thanks.” I looked at my phone, 3:21, 2 missed phone calls- Dad. 

“You’re dedicated. I’ll give you that.” Brad looked around. 

“Too dedicated.” A new voice surfaced from the door. Leaning on the wall were three women whom I’d never see before. 

“Lana, that’s Melissa Slater, Tina Tanley, and Denise Watson.” Brad introduced. 

“We don't need your introduction grandpa.” Melissa snapped. 

Ellie shivered in her seat. By the look on her face, I could tell she was terrified of these women, but why. They looked like a bunch of underdressed glorified soccer moms, except Denise. She was a little too heavy to be a soccer mom. 

“How long are we giving this one girl?” 

“Two weeks. 

“One.” 

Melissa laughed. “I give her three days before she runs home crying to daddy. There’s only one way to survive here and do you want to know what that is?” 

“By the looks of you, it seems like you hand out free service to all your students,” Matt said. 

“What did you say, nerd?” She rushed up to him. I quickly stepped in her way. 

“Back off.” We held an intense stare for a few moments before she broke away. 

“Got to have a woman defend you. What a loser.” The other girls laughed. 

“I suggest you leave before you find out all the different places I’ll shove those cellos.” I threatened. They all gave me a disgusted look before leaving. “Wow, talk about high school all over again.” 

“Well, it is a high school,” Brad said. 

“Think anyone would mind if I borrowed the cellos for a couple of weeks?” I asked, brushing off that whole interaction. 

“I don’t think anyone would even notice,” Ellie commented.  

I looked at Matt. “What are you thinking?” He questioned. 

“I’m thinking we should pay Mr. Miller a little visit.” I smiled. 

We managed to shove the two basses under the cover of my truck bed before deciding to rip it off. It was a struggle, but we eventually got all six cellos and two basses to fit in the back of my truck. 

“I’ll take these to his place tomorrow. Mind if we switch spots tonight? I don’t want these sitting outside.” Matt grabbed his car keys and pulled out of the garage for me. “Thank you for everything today.” 

“No problem. You’ve gotta leave me alone for the rest of the day. I’ve got to study for my test tomorrow.” He jumped right to the table the moment I opened the apartment door. 

“Deal.” While he buried his head in the books I made him a cup of coffee, then went off to my room to call my dad. 

“Hello?” He answered. 

“Hey, dad, did you call?” 

“Yea, I was just checking in to see how your day went. How was the trip to the school?” 

“It was fine dad. I need to take the instruments to get them repaired for the students.” 

“Right…” I clenched my fist. Thankfully he changed the subject before I ripped him a new one “So how’s Matt?” 

“He’s fine. Studying his head off.” 

He laughed. “He’s a good kid. Perfect for you, you know.” 

“Dad! He’s a friend. Is this why you called me?” I turned and sat on my bed. “How’s the business running?” 

My dad inherited a fortune as well as the ownership of a manufacturing company, Wells INC, from his father. It was rather unexpected too. He barely spoke to his father, so when he left everything to my dad everyone was astonished. 

As for my mother, there wasn't much to tell about her. She died when I was two, from lung cancer. It wasn't something my dad liked talking about so I never pressured him on the subject. He never remarried after that. There have been some women, but according to him, they would never live up to my mother. 

“It’s fine. A couple of mishaps with our facility in China, but Walter is handling it nicely.” About 26 years ago my father found a well-rounded businessman willing to pour his heart into our company and it has made all the difference. Walter is practically family to us. He comes to our holiday dinners and most of our family events. There’s no one we trust more. 

“I’m glad. All right, I’ll call you tomorrow dad. I’m exhausted.” 

 “Ok, good night.” 

“Night.” I hung up and let out a suppressed sigh. Peaking my head out the door I stole a glance at Matt. He was still nose-deep in his work, so I slipped into my pajamas and almost instantly passed out.

Here are two chapters of a book I am writing of a girl who has been pressured by her father to take over his family business but instead she makes her own choices and becomes a teacher.