Viewpoint: Principal Heather McCallen
Heather followed strict ethical standards for how she interacted with students. She viewed each student as a caterpillar waiting to fulfill educational metamorphoses- a personal motto of hers. She knew how to keep things professional and how to avoid any improprieties.
But when an 18-year old student named Luciana faced an emergency situation during winter break, it put the principal in a tough spot. The student's mother was a successful business woman who wasn't allowed to leave Mexico because of tax evasion allegations.
After a lengthy phone call with the mother, Heather agreed to look after the student for a while, even letting the student sleep over at her home. No one knew about the arrangement. Teachers have a habit of leaving as quickly as possible at the start of winter break, opting to grade papers at home. This was most convenient - no one was likely to discover that the principal had a house guest.
For a week it was like living a different life. She'd always gotten along great with the student, who was a real sweetheart and active within the student government. They shared the same quirky sense of humor, the same interest in fashion, and the same enthusiasm for sports.
Despite the fun she was having with her energetic and affable house guest, Heather still had important responsibilities to handle. Sitting on her living room couch with the laptop, she was getting some of her administrative work done. She was updating the budget for the upcoming Spring semester and corresponding with several parents.
"Good news," Luciana said, phone in hand as she entered the living room. "My mother got everything cleared up and she'll be here next week."
It was still an unusual sight having a student in her home, barefoot and in sweatpants and a tshirt. Some things are difficult to get used to. Particularly the growing attraction for her student, which was most certainly taboo.
Heather smiled, "That's wonderful. You must feel so relieved."
She moved her laptop aside so that Luciana had her full attention.
"It's a real weight off my chest," Luciana replied. "I can finally enjoy my winter break."
Heather teased, "As if you haven't already made yourself comfortable in my home."
"Hey, that is not what I meant! What can I say? You're an amazing host."
"An unofficial part of my job, I've come to learn."
"Speaking of jobs," Luciana replied with a twinkle in her eye. "We're really thankful that you've taken care of me. My mom agreed to pay you for letting me stay here. $10,000. Is that okay?"
Heather laughed. "No, no. That's not okay. Are you kidding?"
"I'm serious, Principal McCallen. My mom can afford it."
"Thanks, but it would be unethical for me to accept those sorts of gifts. I know you're trying to be nice, but it would reflect badly on me."
Luciana had a mischievous expression. "Come on, we won't tell anyone."
Putting an end to things, Principal McCallen switched back to work-mode and wagged her finger at the student. The exaggerated motion was contrived - she never wagged her finger at school! Not even for bad students.
"No, no, no. And that's final."
Eventually, they had to giggle at each other. Dressed in casual homewear, makeup-free with her hair down, the last thing Heather could do was give anybody orders, no matter what her job title was.
The student sat beside her at the same distance they used to when they watched crime movies at night. They were close enough to feel each other's body heat. Only this time, their eyes were locked and the mood felt a little heavier. There was no more burden or stress. Luciana was almost flirtatious.
"Can I see your laptop real quick?" Luciana asked. "I want to show you something online."
"Sure, alright. Don't screw up my browsers though."
Handing over her laptop, the student typed something, then handed it back.
Luciana pointed to the screen. "That's my family's lawyer in America. I'll be staying with her when I leave here."
The woman on screen was a young Latina attorney with a stern, beautiful face. Sharply dressed, too. The website header was filled with a team of lawyers in a downtown building, which to the average person suggested that this was a strong law firm.
"When will your lawyer arrive?" Heather asked.
"Some time tomorrow, but I'm not totally sure. She has a packed schedule and lots of clients."
"I'm glad things have worked out for you."
"Are you going to miss me?" Luciana asked playfully.
"Of course I will."
The student curled her leg and poked her big toe into the principal's thigh a few times. Then afterwards, the student rested her leg across the principal's lap. It was the furthest they'd ever gone in terms of touching each other. Trying to think nothing of it, Heather put her hand on the student's foot.
"Is that all?" the student asked, trying to pry more compliments.
Heather laughed. "Okay, I'll miss you a lot. You're oddly charming and, dare I say, you keep me entertained with your thoughtful conversation and hilarious insights."
"That's what I expected to hear."
In a moment of sheer weakness, Heather reached out and rubbed the side of the student's face, tucking Luciana's black hair behind her ear, showing more of the student's pretty face. It was a face filled with innocence and promise with the most feminine features. The student's eyes twinkled.
This was an unwise move, Heather thought, realizing her mistake and moving her hand away.
Get it together, Principal McCallen,
she thought to herself, but it was too late, and the student was left blushing and smiling shyly, having enjoyed the touch.
Was this the moment Heather would officially cross the line? She wondered. Inwardly, she was embarrassed that she had touched a student in such a manner. How she wished she could take it back. But what's done is done. Worse, the student seemed to like it.
Heather's touch gave the student something that would always be remembered. Little things like this are what tend to shape a young woman's sexuality. She wondered what impact this would have on a student like Luciana. Or maybe, things were taking their natural course.
***
School was empty the next day except for a few maintenance people lingering around doing menial tasks. A Covid cleaning team would be arriving tomorrow and it was the principal's job to make sure the campus was arranged for them.
Principal McCallen also took the opportunity to work quietly in her office, while the student was at home watching Netflix. Aside from corresponding with teachers and managing the school, Heather was also busy working on a business project she was developing. Something she'd hope would be revolutionary in the world of home-schooling.
Footsteps approached her office and she assumed that it was a teacher wanting to speak with her. When the steps came closer, Heather noticed the distinct sound of high heels. No one in the faculty wore heels. Especially not in winter.
A tall, thin woman knocked on the side of the open door. The mocha-skinned beauty with raven black long hair was sharply dressed in a pencil skirt, sheer blouse, and a luxurious coat. She had a slender briefcase in her left hand.
This was a true professional operator for a lady in her mid-30's.
"Good morning," the woman said. "My name is Maggie Chavez. I'm the attorney for the Heredia family."
Heather stood up to greet the woman with a handshake. A part of her was happy that she no longer had the responsibility of caring for Luciana. Another part of her knew she'd miss the student's company at home.
"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Principal McCallen. You can call me Heather."
Ms. Chavez remained rigid. "I prefer sticking to formalities. Apologies for showing up announced. I was informed that you'd be here."
"No worries. I'm just working on a few small things and it's always good to have a visitor."
"Great, because I'd like to speak with you for a moment."
"Sure, have a seat," the principal said. "Can I get you some coffee or water?"
"My day started with coffee, so I'm fine."
Heather sat behind her desk. The lawyer put her briefcase down and removed her coat. She was surprised at the beautiful young lawyer's no-nonsense demeanor and stern expression, barely even cracking a smile since arriving.
"Luciana is still at my house," the principal said, getting straight to the point. "She's a true sweetheart. I came to school alone because I have work to do."
"I know. I've already contacted her. May we get to the point?"
The question caught the principal slightly off guard. Luciana's departure wasn't the point?
"Sure, what did you have in mind?"
The lawyer opened the briefcase and placed a check on the desk.
"My client requested this for you," Ms. Chavez said. "It's a $10,000 check for services rendered, particularly to compensate you for Luciana staying at your home. But I've been told that you have refused to accept a payment. Is this correct?"
Heather smiled, "Please, I won't accept money. We're both professionals, so I'm sure you understand the ethical concerns."
"Yes, I thought so."
At this point, it was almost amusing how robotic the lawyer was. Heather wondered if it was purely a show of professionalism, or if the lawyer was this rigid in her daily life too.
"Tell your clients that I deeply appreciate the gesture," Heather said. "It's always been my life's goal to see students perform at their best. I've never had a student stay at my home before, but given the circumstances, I'm glad I could help."
"Duly noted. My clients will be informed of your response. Additionally, I've been authorized to increase payment. How does $20,000 sound?"
"You're unstoppable."