Tears and Laughter

By Michele Shriver

Kelsey has always believed in laughter as the best medicine, but has a hard time seeing the humor when she finds herself embroiled in a controversy that threatens her family and her job.

She’d like to count on her best friend to be there for her, but a shocking discovery might force Joni to choose between their friendship or her marriage.

Widow Olivia has long been the rock her colleagues turn to during hard times, and she’s there to guide them through with sound advice and a good dessert. That may change when a new adventure beckons.

As a newcomer to this close-knit group, Megan is hoping to find the type of friendship she’s never had. Can the others welcome her into their circle and help her bury a troubled past, or will she be left on the outside looking in?

Will old friendships survive, and new ones be forged, during a year marked by heartache and triumph, and tears and laughter?

• Language: English
• Publisher: SMC Publishing
• Release date: Jan 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507018477

Michele Shriver

Michele Shriver grew up in Texas and now lives in the Midwest, where she has a general law practice. In her free time, she enjoys bicycling, Zumba fitness and watching sports on TV. She is working on her second novel, a spin-off of After Ten.

Book preview

Chapter 1

August 2011

Hampden Park, New Hampshire

In less than twenty-four hours, the halls of Ramson Middle School would be filled with the sounds of bells ringing, locker doors slamming and the laughter, chatter and shouts of 624 eleven-to thirteen-year-olds embarking on the first day of school. For now, though, the only sound Kelsey Howton heard as she stood in her classroom in the south hall of the sixth grade floor was the soft jazz tune emanating from the CD player behind her desk.

She wore jeans and a Ramson Rhinos T-shirt, her shoulder-length auburn hair pulled back in a ponytail and tucked through a green Dartmouth ball cap. An assortment of colorful posters lay atop her desk, freshly laminated and ready for hanging. She pulled the first one from the stack and held it to the wall, reaching with her other hand to grab a few push pins from a box in her desk drawer.

’It’s okay to like math?’ a sarcastic voice behind her asked.

Kelsey glanced at the poster, depicting a boy and a girl at the beach, looking out at the water, both wearing oversized T-shirts that proclaimed that very statement. So it says. Want to help me with this?

Her colleague and best friend, Joni Whitlock, took the other side of the poster. I’m just giving you a hard time. It’s a cool poster. She stuck the final push pin into the wall and stepped back. I like the water.

I do, too.

So, how was the trip to Florida?

Kelsey pulled another poster from the pile, this one listing the multiplication tables, and aligned it for hanging next to the beach scene. We had a great time. The kids loved Disney World. Thanks to Epcot, Ryan now officially wants to be an astronaut. Of course, at his age he changes his mind every week, so we don’t expect that to last. Emily wants to marry Mickey Mouse, and she doesn’t care if that breaks Minnie’s heart. Oh, and I discovered a benefit to inviting the in-laws on a family vacation.

What’s that?

We got them to watch the kids so we could steal a couple of nights for ourselves. Kelsey smiled. Moonlight strolls on the beach can be pretty romantic.

Just strolls? Joni raised an eyebrow.

Kelsey chuckled. Joni knew her so well. Okay, there was a little more than strolling.

I figured. Joni stepped over to help her straighten the poster. If I didn’t like you so much, I might hate you. I haven’t taken a real vacation in years, and I think I’ve forgotten what romance is.

Kelsey gave her friend a sympathetic smile. Joni was forty-two, five years older than Kelsey, with brown hair cut in a short bob. They’d been friends ever since Kelsey joined the Ramson faculty fifteen years before. It’s time you change that. Even if it means you end up going alone. In fact, maybe that’s what you should do. You might have more fun without Tom.

Come on, Kel. Don’t start in on me yet, Joni teased good- naturedly. You’ve got all year to torment me.

Kelsey laughed as she selected another poster. It’s only because I care and want you to be happy. Hey, I know. Maybe you should have a torrid affair. That would get Tom’s attention. Maybe. Sadly, she wasn’t sure even that would.

You’re not serious.

You know I’m not. Kelsey shook her head and promptly changed the subject. The less thought she gave Tom Whitlock, the better. Which of these do you like? She held up two posters, one with a list of famous math quotes and another that focused on fractions.

Go with the quotes. Words are always more interesting than numbers.

You would say that! Kelsey didn’t agree, but it was a meaningless debate to have with a language arts teacher. It was like discussing politics with a loyal member of the opposing party. You never changed anyone’s mind, so what was the point? Still, she returned the fractions poster to her pile and pulled four push pins out of the box to hang the poster Joni suggested.

Her friend moved over to the wall to help her hang it. You’ve gone all out again.

Kelsey aligned the poster evenly with the others and inserted the first pin into the wall. I feel like I have to. It’s a pivotal year. If I teach them now that math isn’t their enemy, it makes it a whole lot easier for them later on. Granted, I won’t see these kids again, but that’s no excuse to do a half-assed job and leave it to their seventh grade teacher to repair the damage.

Oh my goodness. More talk like that, and you’ll be the poster girl for No Child Left Behind, Joni teased, making Kelsey grimace.

I’ll pass on that, thanks.

Wise choice, Joni agreed. The work you do pays off in the numbers, though. The performance of Ramson students on the standardized assessment tests was currently among the highest in the state.

It’s not just me, Kelsey said modestly. But anything that brings a little good press to Ramson, I’m all for. We certainly need it after last year’s debacle.

Speaking of which, what’s your take on the new man in charge? Joni asked.

Patrick Townsend, Ramson’s new principal, had a reputation as being progressive, which Kelsey liked. He also had a reputation as being a micro-manager, a control freak, and a little too political. That concerned her. Still, she didn’t like to judge without getting to know someone first. I don’t know. Kelsey shrugged. I’ve only spent about fifteen minutes with him. If he stays out of my way and lets me run my class the way I want to, and supports the faculty like he should, he and I will get along fine.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we actually get that? Joni asked. It would sure be different from last year.

Hey, hope springs eternal. Kelsey took a few steps back to admire her handiwork. New era, new leadership. The change in principals signaled a fresh start, but it also brought uncertainty. For all of his shortcomings, their outgoing principal, Joe Greenhill, had been the devil they knew.

Excuse me? An unfamiliar voice sounded from the doorway and they both turned to face a petite woman with long blonde hair who looked like she couldn’t be long out of college. Mr. Townsend sent me here. I’m looking for Kelsey Howton.

You found her. Unless, of course, you’re with the FBI. In which case, I plead the Fifth. The younger woman just looked at her, puzzled. Being married to a lawyer, hopefully soon-to-be judge, gave Kelsey a somewhat warped sense of humor. Or maybe it had always been warped. Either way, some people got it and some people didn’t.

No, I’m not with the FBI. I’m the new sixth grade science teacher, Megan Cassady.

Then you came to the right place. Joni moved towards the door and offered her hand. I’m Joni Whitlock. I teach language arts.

Kelsey walked over to greet her new colleague. I really am Kelsey. I teach math, and I’m also the head of the south hall, for whatever the title is worth. She still didn’t know for sure. It meant she was the liaison between their hall and the vice principal, Tyler Walters, whenever any problems arose. Beyond that, not much. She preferred to work as a team with her colleagues. It’s nice to meet you, Megan. Pardon my twisted sense of humor. I assure you I’m not really wanted by the FBI. At least not that I’m aware of.

Good to know, Megan said, walking into the classroom. It’s nice to meet both of you. I’m still a little unsure why Mr. Townsend sent me here, but he said I needed to find you first.

Kelsey sized up the newest addition to her team. Probably fresh out of college and painfully idealistic, thinking she could be an education pioneer and save America’s youth. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. Kelsey had long ago abandoned any idealism about being a savior and now settled for being a positive influence in her students’ lives and not doing anything that might incite the ire of Ramson parents.

Because we need to have a hall meeting before tomorrow, she explained. It’s just basically a review of how we do things and a how-was-your summer type of thing. In addition, we’ll meet for lunch every Monday for the rest of the year to discuss any pressing hall issues. It’s also a good chance to build camaraderie. Kelsey hoped Megan would fit in with the group and the transition would be fairly seamless. Still, it marked the first change to their group in six years, and she knew everyone would miss Kate.

Got it, Megan said. Who is ‘we’?

The three of us and our hall mother, who should hopefully be here soon with treats.

Hello, hello. My ears were burning, came a booming voice as slightly heavy-set woman in her early sixties came through the door. I brought chocolate peanut butter cookies today.

Right on cue. Kelsey smiled. And I love you for it. Liv, meet Megan Cassady, the new science teacher. Megan, Olivia Rimer, social studies.

As soon as Olivia set the tray of cookies down, Kelsey reached for one. The job had its perks. Liv’s cookies were one of them. She took a bite, chewed, swallowed and sighed. Bless you, Liv. Everything goes better with chocolate.

Olivia laughed. I couldn’t agree more.

Kelsey looked at the three of them. Ready, gang? Patrick says we have to have a meeting, so let’s have a meeting. No one voiced any objection, so she continued, Welcome, Megan, to Ramson Middle School and Sixth South. Our friends in North would disagree, but this is the hall you want to be in. We have more fun, we eat better, and we’ve always got each other’s backs.

Sounds good so far. Megan nodded in Olivia’s direction. These cookies are great.

As you’ve probably already noticed by that thing out front by the school sign, our mascot is a Rhino. Kelsey glanced down at her T-shirt. His name is Rufus. I’m not sure who thought that was a good idea, but at least it’s unique.

Is that the official school uniform? Megan asked.

Joni laughed. Only on spirit days, for which we are all grateful. We’ll make sure you get one, though.

Gee, thanks. I can’t wait. Megan chuckled.

Questionable choice in mascot notwithstanding, you’ve joined an elite faculty, Kelsey continued. Don’t let last year’s bad press give you the wrong impression. This really is one of the finest schools in the state, and I’m not just saying that because I’m paid to. She didn’t know how much Megan knew about the controversy the previous year, but figured it needed to be addressed.

You haven’t just joined a faculty, though, you’ve gained three close friends. I mentioned earlier that we always have each other’s backs, and I meant it. That’s the way we do things around here. As she said it, Kelsey couldn’t help but think about Kate. Did she still believe that everyone had her back, or did she feel like they hadn’t been there for her when she needed them most?

I’ll let the others introduce themselves in a minute. First, a little about me. You can call me Kel. Most people do. Feel free to come to me with any problem you have—and I do mean anything. That’s what I’m here for. I’m also your liaison to the vice principal, which means you’re supposed to talk to me, and then I talk to him. Don’t ask me why, it’s just how it is. Kelsey paused before moving on from official school business.

Finally, I’m part Irish and part Italian, which means I like to eat, drink, cook and talk, not necessarily in that order. I make a mean spaghetti sauce, as the other two will attest to. I host a dinner party at my house a few times each year. You and any significant other are officially invited, though attendance is not required. The only thing required is every Monday, during the sixth grade lunch, we have command of the faculty lounge. That’s our weekly meeting, and everyone needs to be there.

I’ll be there. Megan twirled a strand of hair around her finger. The dinners too. They sound fun.

They are. I cook, and Liv makes dessert. The only rule is that we never talk about work, Kelsey explained.

Megan nodded. Sounds like something I can handle.

Great. Kelsey leaned back in her chair. One other thing you should know about me is that I am prone to boring people with stories about my kids. I can’t help it. If I do bore you, just nod your head and act interested, and we’ll probably get along just fine.

Megan laughed. That won’t be a problem. I don’t have kids myself, but I like hearing about other peoples’.

Kelsey smiled. So far, so good. Care to tell us about yourself?

The young woman shrugged nervously. I just graduated from UNH. I transferred there from a college in Pennsylvania a couple years ago.

She didn’t offer any details about the college, or the reasons for the transfer. Kelsey figured there was a story there but didn’t press.

My boyfriend, Josh, is still at UNH, Megan continued. He’s a senior this year. We’re trying the long distance thing to see how it goes, even if ‘long distance’ is only about fifty miles. She laughed before turning more sober. Part of me worries it might mean the end of us, but if it does, maybe we weren’t meant to be in the first place. Anyway, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I can’t wait to get started. I’m thrilled to be at Ramson, because it was my first choice. I’m even more thrilled to have joined Sixth South, because you already seem like a really great group. Oh, and have I mentioned these cookies are fabulous, Olivia?

The older woman smiled. Glad you like them. You haven’t tasted anything, though, until you’ve had Kel’s spaghetti sauce. Or anything else Kel cooks.

You flatter me, Liv. Hang around after the meeting and I’ll give you your twenty bucks, Kelsey deadpanned, earning laughter from her colleagues.

I do flatter her, but it’s all true, Olivia continued. Kelsey is like a daughter to me, as is Joni, so I guess I have earned the title of hall mother. My kids are all grown and out of the house and my husband passed away two years ago, so this group is all I have now. I love teaching. That’s why I stick with it. I’m old enough to be your grandmother, Megan, but frankly that frightens me. So if it’s all the same to you, I’d still just prefer to be a surrogate mother.

Surrogate mother is fine. And I doubt you’re old enough to be my grandmother, Megan said, reaching for another cookie.

Oh, I assure you, she is, Joni said as the others laughed. She’s only old enough to be my mother, which makes me pretty close to ancient myself, but since I lost my own mother way too soon, I’ve gladly adopted Liv as a substitute. She paused for a second and studied the group. Let’s see. What can I reveal about myself? I’m Joni, as you know. As the language arts teacher, I’m arguably the most influential member of the faculty here, because I get the students for two periods, English and reading, while the rest of you only get them for one.

Yeah, but since they sleep through the second one, what does it matter? Kelsey teased her friend.

In case you haven’t noticed, Kel is also the Sixth South comedian. Joni rolled her eyes. But she’s good at what she does, she’s loyal to a fault, and she always makes us laugh, so we keep her around. And for some strange reason, we keep voting her back as head of the hall and she always accepts the position. If I didn’t know better, I’d suggest she was having a secret affair with Vice Principal Walters.

Kelsey feigned offense as she reached for another cookie. An extra fifteen minutes on the treadmill might make up for it and still enable her to fit into her size six jeans. Maybe. Oh, great, tell them that. Thanks, Jo. With friends like you...

A person is set for life? Joni offered.

It was impossible not to laugh. Yeah, something like that.

You guys are fun. I like you already, Megan said. It definitely feels like I joined the right group.

You did, Olivia assured her. We’re crazy, but we’re a great team, and if you ever need anything, we’re here for you.

I appreciate that.

All right, enough of a gush fest. Kelsey picked up a ruler and banged it against her desk. Her bid for attention worked; they all turned to look at her. I’ll dismiss you all in a minute to set up your own classrooms and prepare lessons for tomorrow. First, I have one very important personal announcement. She paused. Sarah just found out she’s one of the finalists for the new juvenile court judge. So, any good wishes, prayers, lighting candles, burning incense or whatever you do would be appreciated.

Joni clapped her hands. You got it.

Likewise, Olivia said. Not that I really think it’s needed...

Kelsey smiled, appreciating the good wishes. As exciting as it was, she also knew they might be in for a rough ride.

Who is Sarah? Megan asked, clearly confused but trying to be polite.

I guess that’s another thing you should probably know about me, especially if you’re going to come to dinner at our house, Kelsey said. Sarah’s my wife.

***

Finally satisfied that her classroom was ready for the onslaught of students the next day, Kelsey pulled her Honda CR-V into the driveway of her suburban colonial home. She eased the car to a stop as her family rushed out the door; Sarah followed closely by their two children, seven-year-old Ryan and three-year-old Emily. Three going on ten, it sometimes seemed.

Whoah! What’s the occasion? Kelsey opened the car door and stepped out.

You may as well get back in. Sarah greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. I sort of promised them pizza. She smiled sheepishly. You don’t want to cook tonight, anyway, do you?

Not really, no. Kelsey threw up her hands. Pizza? You guys want pizza?

Pisa! Emily yelled.

Okay, fine. I’m persuaded, Kelsey said. Let’s get everyone buckled in.

***

Their son met up with a few friends as soon as they arrived at Pizza Playland and disappeared with five dollars’ worth of quarters in the direction of the games. Emily, meanwhile, colored on a placemat, seemingly oblivious to the rest of the world. Kelsey leaned back against the red vinyl booth. These were moments to cherish.

Did you get everything ready to go for tomorrow? Sarah asked.

Hopefully. I think so. Kelsey sipped her Diet Coke through a straw. I met our new science teacher, the one replacing Kate. Her name is Megan Cassady.

Yeah? What’s she like?

Kelsey shrugged as she set her glass down. Nice enough, but pretty green. Straight out of UNH and ready to save the world, one sixth grader at a time. She smiled, thinking of herself at that age. I won’t hold her naïveté against her.

Big of you. Sarah chuckled. How long can she hang on to that, anyway?

At a school like Ramson? Maybe a year, at least if it’s not like last year. Kelsey bent down to pick up a crayon that Emily had dropped to the floor. I think she’ll work out okay.

And the others? How are they?

Liv is the same. She made chocolate peanut butter cookies for our meeting. May she never retire.

I’ll second that sentiment. I sure hope you brought a few home? Sarah asked with a laugh.

No. I brought a whole dozen. She baked extra for us and the kids.

Treadmill time.

I’ve got dibs on it first. I’m older and have a harder time keeping weight off, Kelsey joked. The age difference was only two years, but she used it to her advantage whenever she could.

Sarah rolled her eyes. If you say so. Thank Olivia for me. I think I love her.

Hey, watch it. You’re a married woman. Kelsey grinned.

That’s right, and happily so. I married the best cook in New England, even if I have to rely on her colleagues for baked goods.

Kelsey feigned offense. I can bake, too.

Yes, but your baking, while quite good, pales in comparison to your cooking. Their server set two pizzas on their table, one with mushrooms and black olives, the other pepperoni, for the kids. Sarah reached for a slice of the first one.

So that’s it? Kelsey asked indignantly. You just love me for my cooking? She put a piece of veggie pizza on her plate and then cut up a slice of pepperoni for Emily.

That pretty much covers it. Sarah paused, as if pondering that. Well, okay, there are maybe a few other things.

Nice recovery.

I thought so, Sarah said with a laugh. Are we still having a dinner party for all the gang?

Kelsey liked the way Sarah said we, as if it were truly their dinner party rather than just hers. I planned to, yeah, if you’re up for it. She hesitated for a second. You know what it means, though.

Tom. Sarah twisted her straw around in her drink glass, using it break up some of the ice. I don’t want him in our house, Kel.

You think I do? It came out harsher than she intended.

No. I know you don’t. Sarah sighed and took a drink of her soda. It’s fine. We’ll deal with it.

Thank you. Kelsey reached across the table and touched Sarah’s hand. I don’t want to talk about Tom right now.

Me neither. Sarah smiled. So we agree to drop it?

Consider it dropped. Except Kelsey knew the subject would come up again, and eventually they wouldn’t be able to drop it. Sooner or later, they’d have to face Joni’s husband again.

Can I have more quarters? Ryan asked as he returned to the table. Please?

Eat something first. Sarah pointed at the pizza. You were the one that wanted pepperoni.

Ryan slid into the booth, grabbed a slice and wolfed it down. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Now, please? He looked from one to the other. I’m about to get a high score.

Kelsey exchanged a glance with Sarah, who nodded and mouthed the word ‘one.’ She reached into her pocket and pulled out four quarters. Here you go, but it’s the last of our hard earned money you’re spending tonight. If you don’t get the high score, it waits ‘til next time, pal, she said firmly.

Sarah smiled in amusement as Ryan disappeared again. He’ll get it.

Kelsey nodded. Most likely. She reached for another slice of pizza. This was a great idea.

Across the booth, Sarah shrugged. Every once in a while I have a few.

More than a few.