The last week of school had been more stressful than Megan would have imagined. It seemed to her that she should have been able to cruise through and ease into summer vacation, but that hadn't turned out to be the case. The amount of paper work at this time of the year was mind boggling. Add to that the parents who suddenly became concerned with their kids' education only after being informed that they were being held back, and this last week seemed almost more stressful than the first. Looking back, that first week seemed like it was both a million years ago and just yesterday at the same time. There had been times when she had thought that she would never make it.
But now, pulling out of the parking lot, she realized that it was truly over. She had not only survived, she actually felt that she had made a difference for at least some of her kids. It would have been nice though, if teaching was as financially rewarding as it was personally rewarding. As a matter of fact, that was one of the issues that she and Allen periodically discussed. According to him they were discussions, although they seemed like arguments to her. He thought that her teaching career really wasn't necessary. In fact, with all the money that he was pulling in, her salary really didn't make much of a difference at all. What he really wanted her to do was to stay at home, have some babies, and let him take care of everything.
That reminded her, she should call Allen and give him directions if was going to be able to stop by the get-together at Martin's place. She pulled out her cell and gave Allen a call.
"Hey kid, how are you?" Allen said, answering the phone.
"Great, I'm finally finished, can you believe it?" Megan responded.
"Congratulations, and now it's on to the best part of teaching huh? Summer vacation?" That annoyed her somewhat. He really seemed to have no respect for what she did. Even when he was congratulating her, there had to be some negative comment. But maybe she was taking it the wrong way. Summer vacation was a pretty nice perk.
"Do you think you'll be able to get over to Martin's? I'm on my way over now," she said.
"Yeah, that sounds like a great time. I'd love to go hang out with Martin and all his little fruitcake friends," he said. And then, "You know I don't get out until late though."
"It's probably better that you don't come if that's how you're going to be," she told him, bothered that he could be such a bigot.
"I'm just messing around. You can be so sanctimonious. But honestly, that really doesn't sound like my scene. Besides, it's all just people from school right? I won't know anyone."
She thought about mentioning all the work related functions she'd gone to with him. Instead she said, "I know sweetie, I just thought I'd ask and see if you were interested." What she really wanted was to relax and have a good time and she realized that she probably wouldn't if he was around. It was a sad fact, but one that was becoming increasingly apparent.
"Ok, I'll see you at home then. Bye-bye."
"Bye," she said, and hung up the phone as she was pulling up to Martin's place. It was a nice little ranch with more types of foliage in the front yard than she could name. The path to the front door was like a walk through a botanical garden. A sign on the door said to let yourself in, so she did, and started through towards the backyard.
As she stepped onto the patio Martin welcomed her and escorted her over to the mini-bar. "I was just about to make some celebratory chocolate martinis. Can I tempt you with one?" he asked.
This having been her first year, Megan had made a point out of not drinking much at all at work functions. At the Christmas party she had allowed her self one glass of wine and on a few occasions she had gone to happy hour with the members of her grade team. This was in stark contrast to a number of colleagues who took every opportunity to imbibe. She had been shocked at the number of teachers who had a few drinks at lunch on teacher work days and then returned for staff meetings. The principal tended to make remarks about what a fun staff he had and Megan was never quite sure if he was aware how lit they usually were.
"That sounds wonderful," she said as she sat down at the bar.
"Be careful darling, those things are deadly," she was warned by warm voice with a slightly southern drawl. A tall man, probably in his early forties had come up beside her at the bar. He had dark hair, a neatly trimmed moustache, and his hair was going slightly grey.
Megan turned towards him to get a better view. "Thank you for your concern," she said smiling, "But I think that might be exactly what I need."
He smiled and nodded slightly. "I'm sure you're more than capable of handling your liquor. I just felt it my duty as a southern gentleman to warn you." Then, turning to Martin he said, "You're mother is on the phone."
Martin, who had just finished shaking the tumbler, set it down on the bar. "Feel free to pour your own drinks ladies," he said and then Megan watched as the two men walked inside.
"Don't bother honey, he's definitely taken," said Allison as she began pouring the drinks. She was a 5th grade teacher and, like Megan, was one of only a handful of teachers at school who were in their twenties.
"And he's definitely gay," added Anne, a middle-aged matronly figure, who taught science.
Allison raised her eyebrows. "I don't know about that. I've heard that he has enjoyed the ladies in the past." Anne laughed and shook her head.
One thing that Megan had learned was that Allison seemed to know everything about everyone at work. "Was that Martin's boyfriend? What's his name?"
"His name is William Cook," Answered Allison. "Martin has been with William for over ten years now."
Allison had intended to be more social but the three women became engrossed in conversations that grew progressively less concerned with pedagogy with each round of drinks. Megan didn't know if they were on their third of fourth drink when Allison steered the subject towards the size of gay men's equipment.
"I think the general consensus among people who know about these things is that gay men tend to be significantly more endowed than straight men," she said.
"And who are these people who seem to know so much?" Anne asked.
"Oh come on Anne, it's common knowledge," she responded. "Megan, tell her that it's common knowledge.
Megan, who was trying to take a sip of her drink, laughed and set it down. "I'm not the one to ask."
"Well, how big is Allen?" Allison inquired.
Anne rolled her eyes. "Good lord Allison! Don't ask the poor girl things like that. I think you've had enough to drink."
"I certainly have not," Allison responded. "Besides, this is right up your alley. We're conducting a scientific poll."
Anne laughed. "It's not scientific at all. Questioning one person is hardly the way to conduct a poll."
"Oh be quite, school is out." Allison said.
"I'll drink to that!" said Megan and started to mix another drink.
"Seriously though, how big is Allen?" Allison asked and three burst out laughing.
Megan thought for a second. This past year she had managed to convey the image she had thought most prudent for a first year teacher. In every situation she had come across as professional towards her colleagues and nurturing with her students. Maybe it was the end of the school year or maybe it was the alcohol, but she was feeling free to be her self for the first time since starting work. "Let's just say that if your theory is true, then there's absolutely no chance that Allen is gay," And the three broke out into more laughter.
"You three are having entirely too much fun," said Martin as he walked up to the bar.
"Where have you been?" Anne asked him.
"Oh, saying good-byes, giving the grand tour, playing the gracious host. You name it."
Megan began to pour another round for everyone but Anne waved the tumbler away and told them that she really should get going. She said her good-byes and suggested that Allison ride home with her since they lived near each other. Allison declined her offer so Anne cautioned everyone to stay safe and headed home.
A minute later William walked over to the where they were sitting. Megan found herself staring at his groin. He sat down next to her and it took her a moment to realize that she should take her eyes away from his lap. From what she could tell, it seemed like Allison's theory had some merit.
"My name is William," he said and held out his hand. "I don't think we've been properly introduced."
"Oh, I'm sorry, this is Megan," Martin told him.
Megan took his hand with, stared at his dark brown eyes, and told William that she was very pleased to meet him.
"Well, apparently we're the only revelers with any fortitude here," William remarked.
Megan looked around and realized that all of the other guests had left that party. The only ones still left were the four of them.
"So this would have to be one of your tamer parties, wouldn't you say?" asked Allison.
Megan interrupted, "Didn't the invitation say that it was supposed to be a pool party?"
