I decided to take a long term substitute teaching job for a teacher who was out on maternity leave. It was a chance to get back into the classroom, as I had sub'd before, and maybe help me decide if I wanted to make a career of it. I already had my teaching degree and certificate so it would be an easy transition.
Riverside High School had a reputation for being a rough school in a small urban district. I had taught there before without too much of a problem, though it was in the elementary school. Nonetheless, I wanted to make a good impression on the administration in hopes that, when a permanent position became available, I would have a better chance of being selected. So I made sure my work wardrobe was fresh and professional. Of course I do like to add in my personal style into the mix, which is feminine and fun, and anything that makes me feel pretty.
I've now been in the classroom for two weeks and things are going well for the most part. I've made some friends with the other teachers and, one in particular, quickly became a confidant and mentor to me. Rachel helped me navigate the school, literally and figuratively, and I was grateful for her friendship and guidance. She also warned me about Steven, the supervising janitor. She told me to never be alone with him as he had a reputation for being a pervert and a bit odd. Rachel explained that she had never had any serious issues with him with the exception of being odd and his unnerving stare.
Stare? Yes. He would stand outside of the classroom and stare at you for a while before announcing his arrival. I told her I had already experienced that but didn't think he was outside in the hallway for long, but that he did startle me a couple of times. Rachel's face turned to a concerned look, almost fearful, with the revelation. He's done that to you, already? Thats not good, she advised. Rachel told me to report that to the principal because she is keeping track of all of his actions.
I found this information a bit confusing. He seemed nice, and he was certainly handsome. He was also a very tall 6'6 and musclebound man who towered over my 5'5 petite frame. Even in heels, I found myself almost breaking my neck to look up at him whenever he stood near me. His one hand was so large it would easily cover my entire face and then some. He just didn't appear to be a threat. Not yet, at least. In fact, I was more concerned about a couple of hormone raged students who would leer at me from time to time. One in particular I would catch practically undressing me with his eyes. Teenagers.
Thursday afternoon and the school let out. It was customary for the teachers and some staff to meet at the local pub after work. I was wearing my work clothes and looked cute in my soft white blouse and knee length blue print skirt, with blue heels. I was standing near the crowded bar talking with a group of teachers when Rachel looked past me and her smile turned to a concerned frown. I heard Steven's voice as he excused himself, reaching over me to get his beer that the bartender just poured.
As he leaned into me, I stiffened up with a start. I bit my lip and looked over at Rachel as she reached out for my elbow to pull me closer to her. She noticed my reaction. She asked if I was okay.
"I- I think he intentionally pushed into me. I mean, when he leaned over me, I think I felt his 'thing' push into my butt." I was not sure what just happened.
"Bastard. Thats what I'm talking about. He had a hard on and he purposefully planted that into you. He has rubbed himself on other women before, so this isn't new. Just incredibly inappropriate."
I stood there stunned not knowing what to say. I felt so many things at that moment. Violated, harassed, confused, and even a bit scared. Then there was also this feeling of astonishment, not only at this 'assault,' but his audacity. He doesn't even know me. I don't know him. And now, after all of these feelings, I found my nipples harden. What?! Why?! I looked down for a second and saw it had happened. I pulled my little white cardigan together to hide the 'girls' as even my bra couldn't keep them from my obvious reaction. I took another sip of my Cosmopolitan and changed the subject quickly to divert the attention away. I felt at that moment like everyone saw how my body reacted even though I doubt anyone did that quickly.
I began to take notice of my surroundings. I needed to regain the control I felt I lost during that brief encounter. I needed to feel safe again. Just as I did, I looked over to where Steven was sitting and our eyes locked for what seemed like an eternity. In reality, it was a quick glance with me turning away first.
I stayed for another twenty minutes then I felt it was time for me to leave. I said my goodbyes and told Rachel I'll see her tomorrow. I had to walk by Steven's table to get to the exit, so I pretended nothing happened before. He was sitting with a couple of his colleagues so as my heels clicked loudly on the floor as I walked by them, I said goodbye and his colleagues respectfully responded with something like 'have a nice night, Ms. Malone. Steven followed with 'see you later, Missy.' Something about his awkward casualness kind of freaked me out a little bit and I held my cardigan closed tightly across my chest as I passed them. By the time I stepped into my car, I locked the doors as I looked around. Took a deep breath and drove away.
The beautiful sunshine that Friday morning made me pull out my favorite gauzy floral print dress. It was a boho style dress with the skirt long and flowy. It was made for twirling! And as I checked my look in the mirror, twirl I did. Underneath I kept the theme going with a matching floral print bra and panty set. Finished the look with a pair of dangling earrings, bangle bracelets, and dressed it up a bit with kitten heels. It all checked the feminine and fun boxes and made me feel beautiful and confidant. The breeze played with the hem as I walked to my car. By the time I got to work, the breeze turned into a gusty wind. Great, I thought to myself, I didn't check the weather for today breaking a cardinal rule for us girls when wearing such outfits. And I was having such a good hair day, too. Oh well, I managed to keep the dress under control as I stepped into the school.
