Dog Days

"And we can't forget to honour this important time in our history! The civil war gave us a new found independence and a new outlook on life as Americans. So I'd like you all to go home and write a two and a half page paper about how important this was. I'm expecting it back to me in a week!" Finishing off my spiel, the bell rings and all of my students make a beeline to the door. "Zachary, stay behind please. We need to have a chat."

Groaning, he sits back down at his desk and looks at me. "I have lacrosse practice though, Ms.Williams." I shake my head and open my mouth to say something,when I'm interrupted by a very familiar voice. "That's right, son. So go ahead and let the adults handle this." Handing him a lacrosse stick, he pats his son on the back and opens the door for his son to leave. "Mr.Smith, you're not supposed to interfere with student discipline." He makes his way to the front of the class room. "And there's no reason for him to be held back. Anything that he's done wrong, I'm sure could be fixed easily." Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a wad of bills. I shake my head, shocked that he would even suggest bribery. "I'm sorry to inform you, Mr.Smith, but every grade I give out is based purely on academic standing, not based on how wealthy a students parents are."

Chuckling, he shakes his head. "Sorry to inform you, but that's just how things work in Westwood." He puts the bills back in his pocket and walks to the door. Pausing before walking out, he turns. "And Ms.Smith, you'd do well to remember that." So that, he walks out of the room and disappears down the hall. Feeling defeated, I sit in my chair shocked and deflated. Who does he think he is? Sitting up, I tuck myself into the desk and begin grading. Teaching was something I was very passionate, and I was not going to let one parent and his child ruin that for me.

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"The nerve of this man who does he think he is? Just because he has money and an ego!" Pacing in front of the couch that seats my sister and my mother, I unload the trials of the day. "I'm shocked that someone of his standing would even try something like that. If word got out to the press, he would be in major trouble." My mother shakes her head. Cassandra pipes up. "At least you didn't do anything you would've regretted. Good on you for sticking to your morals." I sit next to class and lay my head on her shoulder. "Thanks Cass, I can always count on you for encouragement. But I've got other things to worry about."

Picking up the magazine laying on the coffee table. "Such as the dog show. I hear it's going to be on of the most prestigious ones Westwood has ever had." My sister smiles. "Must be, they have one of the most attractive judges on the panel for that day." I roll my eyes and shake my head. "Will you guys ever stop trying to hook me up with people? Maybe I'm happy being single." My family shakes their heads. "Whatever you say Jessica. All I know is that I want grand kids before I die of old age." I laugh, and lean back into the couch. "You should be looking at Cass for that. I don't plan on kids anytime soon." After that's been said, the banter continues on the topics of kids, weddings and dog shows.

As it gets later and later, my sister and mother both make their ways to their respective homes. I make my way upstairs after putting the wine glasses into the sink to be washed tomorrow morning. With Ella in tow, I start on my typical evening routine. As the ever patient terrier she is, Ella sits in the bathroom and waits for me to finish everything that I need to do. Changing into suitable attire for bed, I get in and help Ella jump into the bed. I cozy up and close my eyes, drifting off with thoughts about the dog show and this apparently attractive judge.

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Welcome readers to the journey that is Dog Days. This isn't my first time writing, but I feel confident in this book. I'm sorry to those of you who read my last book, as it has been taken down. I just couldn't appreciate my own book, and I really wasn't in the mood to write about a band I wasn't really passionate about anymore. Anyways, enjoy this book. Don't forget to like, vote and comment!!