Big Chicas Don't Cry(91)

After quick introductions, they got right down to the point.

“As you know, St. Christopher’s has a very strict morality clause in our teacher contracts. And, while it doesn’t specifically mention out-of-wedlock pregnancies, there could be an argument made that such a condition would go against the general spirit of the clause, which is to require teachers to honor our Catholic beliefs both professionally and personally.”

Father Dominic cleared his throat and shifted in his chair. “What Sister Catherine is trying to say is that while we, of course, would never suggest that you violated the contract, others outside of this office could see it differently. This is a very complicated situation, and we want to make sure that we are all on the same page here.”

“And what page is that, Father?”

Agatha threw her hands in the air. “Can we stop beating around the bush and just ask her?” The other two stayed quiet. “Fine. I’ll be the bad guy. Ms. Lopez, we need to know two things—do you have plans to marry the father of your baby, and do you plan to keep teaching here? We’re not trying to be nosy. But you need to understand the ramifications of having an unwed pregnant woman teaching first graders and then having to replace you midway through the school year, when we have no idea if you’re going to even want to come back next fall.”

I had to take a moment. How could I answer the question about the father of my baby? If they knew for sure it was Tony, they didn’t let on. He wasn’t on staff anymore since he was leaving in a few weeks. There was zero chance of us getting married, but I wasn’t going to tell them that I hadn’t talked to him since the day at the fiesta. I would start to dial his number but always hung up before the call went through.

“It would just be considerate of you, Gracie, to inform us of your plans since this situation affects everyone in the St. Christopher’s family.” I didn’t miss the bitterness in Sister Catherine’s voice.

She had hired me herself to take over the first grade—the class she had taught for fifteen years before finally being promoted to principal. She had entrusted me with the privilege of caring for the youngest students at St. Christopher’s. I was her protégé. And now she looked at me like I had betrayed her.

The guilt hit me hard. They were right. This pregnancy wasn’t just going to turn my life upside down; it was going to affect my students in some way or another. It would be hard to explain to them why I was having a baby but wasn’t married. Some of the more zealous parents might even stir things up with the school and threaten to take their children out.

My hand clutched the gold cross I was wearing on my neck as I silently prayed for God to tell me what to do. And then I remembered Welita. She’d given me the cross in high school when I told her that I’d decided not to become a nun after all. I thought she’d be disappointed. Instead, she said she was proud that I had the courage to do what I wanted and not what everyone expected.

Because even back then, I was the girl who’d usually acquiesce rather than confront. The girl who’d rather settle than challenge. The girl who was fine being in the background, quiet and complacent, because she was afraid of being noticed.

Welita, on the other hand, had fought to overcome so many obstacles in her life. She did what needed to be done and made sure her voice was always heard. She was a force to be reckoned with, a tsunami even. Meanwhile, I’d spent my life trying hard to not make any waves.

How had I become such a doormat? If I let them bully me or shame me now, then I didn’t deserve her cross.

It was time to be a tsunami.

“While I appreciate your concern about my condition, quite frankly it’s none of your business whether I plan to marry my baby’s father or not. And if for some reason I don’t, I also understand some people—but not any of you, of course—could use the morality clause to terminate my employment. I don’t think that would fly, though, but I’m willing to hire a lawyer to challenge the clause if it ever comes to that.”

Sister Catherine’s jaw dropped, and Father Dominic cleared his throat again. “Gracie, I think you misunderstand—”

“No, I think I understand perfectly. That said, I’m a good teacher, and I care about my students. I would never do anything to take the focus away from their learning. It’s never been an issue when a married teacher has had to take maternity leave in the middle of the school year, so that’s not even an issue. You want us all to be on the same page, right? Well, here it is. I’m going to go on a paid leave starting January first. That way there will be no questions or rumors to deal with, and it gives you enough time to find a long-term substitute. Then I’ll return next fall and teach a new class of first graders.”

“The board will have to approve this arrangement, of course,” Agatha said stiffly.

“Well, I’m sure you three will work hard to lobby on my behalf. Since, you know, this situation affects everyone in the St. Christopher’s family.”

How I managed to walk out of that meeting without pumping my fist in the air will always be a mystery.





Chapter Fifty-Eight


ERICA


I don’t want this job.

I was sitting in the small lobby area of Above the Fold waiting for my appointment with the managing editor, and I tried to take my mind off the fact the building was in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.