Chapter Twenty-One — Sandra

Sandra practically threw the book she was holding onto the shelf as she moved down the library aisles. After all they had shared the past week, how dare he just sit there, looking at his phone while the principal—Blair’s mom— accused Sandra of…what, exactly? Posting a picture online? Rubbing it in Principal Howell’s face that her son was dating the one girl that was off limits?

None of that warranted the principal’s reaction—or Blair’s lack of response.

The whole situation was just stupid.

“If you throw one more book, I’m sending you home,” Mrs. Klemin said. She stood at the end of the aisle, her arms crossed. But she looked less angry and more concerned.

“Sorry,” Sandra muttered. “Bad day.”

Mrs. Klemin motioned for Sandra to follow her.

Sandra was tempted to roll her eyes, but she settled for a grumble, before following the librarian. They sat down at a secluded table, not far from the checkout counter so they could keep an eye on it.

Mrs. Klemin studied Sandra. “We all have bad days, but it’s not like you to take it out on C.S. Lewis.”

Sandra gave a small nod, embarrassed by her behavior. Mrs. Klemin was right. It wasn’t like Sandra. And she didn’t like being that type of person. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

Mrs. Klemin chuckled. “I’m not your mother; I’m not going to ground you. What I’m more concerned about is what’s going on.”

If only Sandra knew the answer to that question. She didn’t have any definitive answers, but she was pretty sure she had just lost her first real boyfriend, and she hadn’t decided if she would show up to school on Monday, or ever again.

Rather than give an answer, Sandra gave a small shrug.

“All right,” Mrs. Klemin said, leaning back in her chair, like she could decipher what Sandra’s gesture meant. “It’s either boy troubles or home troubles. I’m going to go with boy troubles.” Mrs. Klemin must have seen the panic in Sandra’s expression, because she gave a satisfied nod. “Yup. That will do it. Though I have to say I’m surprised. You two seemed like you fit together so well.”

“We did,” Sandra said, blinking back moisture. “Until his mom got in the way. She doesn’t approve of…” She gestured to herself, but then realized she wasn’t even wearing her wristbands or skull T-shirt. This time, she couldn’t keep her emotions at bay.

“Oh, honey.” Mrs. Klemin came around the table and pulled Sandra into a hug. “If his mother didn’t approve of you, it’s because she never took the chance to get to know you. It’s hard being principal and having to be steward over so many young lives. Not least, of course, her own boys.” Sandra pulled back in surprise, and the librarian laughed. “It’s a small town, and I’ve been around a long time. I knew who Blair was the moment I saw him, and I know his mother.”

“Then you also know how awful she is,” Sandra said with a small sniff.

“No, I don’t. Patricia Howell is one of the most decent people I know.”

Sandra stared at the librarian in disbelief. How could anyone have anything good to say about that woman?

“That’s not to say she’s without her faults,” Mrs. Klemin continued, taking in Sandra’s stunned expression. “She’s been under a great deal of stress the past couple of years.”

“Well, she shouldn’t take it out on me.”

“I agree with you there.” Mrs. Klemin paused. “What does Blair have to say about all of this?”

Sandra averted her gaze, not wanting to admit that she had no idea, considering she hadn’t answered any of his texts. Or returned his phone calls. “I’ve kind of been avoiding him.”

Mrs. Klemin clucked her tongue in disapproval as she shook her head, making Sandra feel even worse. “Looks like it’s not just your principal that is at fault here. How can you be mad at her when you won’t even talk to Blair?”

“He had his chance, but he refused to stand up for me.” Sandra felt like a little kid as she slid back into the chair and folded her arms. “Blair chose his mom over me.”

Mrs. Klemin threw her arms in the air, like she didn’t know what to do with Sandra, and took a step toward the counter. She paused and turned back. “Maybe he did. But it sounds like he’s trying to make it right. Whatever happens now, if you don’t give him a chance, it’s on you.”

With those final cruel words of wisdom, the librarian hurried behind the counter to help a patron.

It took another minute before Sandra slipped out her phone, though not without grumbling, “I hate when she’s right.”

* * * * *

Sandra watched Blair walk up her walkway, and she couldn’t remember a time she’d felt more nervous. Actually, yes she could. Last night, when’d she’d called Blair from the library. She’d been so anxious as the phone rang, she’d thought she might throw up. But she hadn’t, and she’d gotten through it.

Which had led to this moment. Oh, why hadn’t Amanda or Gracie picked up their phones when she’d called? Maybe they could have talked her down, or at least helped her through some deep breathing exercises so Sandra’s hands wouldn’t be so sweaty. She wiped them on her pants, then combed her hair with her fingers. Her wristbands caught in her hair, and she yelped as they pulled a few hairs lose.

It had been Blair who had insisted she wear her wristbands and Day of the Dead T-shirt. Sandra smiled. It was good to be back.

Because it was Saturday, the library had closed early. As soon as Sandra had gotten off work, she’d hurried home in preparation for their date. Or…whatever this was. Blair had said he’d like to talk. In person.

So, maybe not a date. A farewell?

Sandra hoped not, but she didn’t see how they could get past all their…issues. AKA, his mother.

Blair now stood on her front porch, but he didn’t move to knock on the door. He was probably as nervous as she was. The sky was darkening, and he seemed to be lost in thought, watching the sunset.

He looked a lot smaller right then, his hands stuck in his front pockets. Nothing like the muscular swimmer he was.

Sandra moved to open the door but hesitated, wondering if he needed this time to himself. He turned and noticed her watching him from the window. Blair blinked in surprise, but then gave her a half-smile and a small wave.

Her heart melted. Just a little. Okay, a lot. It was now a puddle at her feet. She opened the door.

They stared at each other for a moment before Blair said, “Hi.”

“Hi.”

It was another awkward moment before he said, “You ready to go?”

Sandra was unsure if she was ready or not, but she gave a quick nod and forced her feet forward. She missed how comfortable they had been with each other the past week. Actually, just yesterday, now that Sandra thought about it. Had it really only been yesterday afternoon that everything had fallen apart? It felt longer.

So. Much. Longer.

She followed him to his car and waited as Blair opened her door for her. She slid in, and he shut it for her.

And then there was silence.

There was so much Sandra wanted to say but didn’t know how. Blair held the steering wheel tight as he drove. Was he having the same problem?

It was only a few short minutes later that Blair parked the car.

In his driveway.

Sandra’s gaze whipped to him. “I thought we were going out. To talk.”

“We are. In a manner of speaking.” Blair glanced at her as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Panic took hold of Sandra. “Please tell me you didn’t bring me to your house so I can have another pow wow with your mother.” She closed her eyes. “Please. Please tell me that’s not what this is.”

“That’s not what this is.”

Sandra first opened one eye, then the other. Blair held her gaze, all nervousness having seemingly vanished. He took her hand in his.

“I never want you to feel like you need to be anything other than who you are. No pretending.” He ran his fingers through his hair, the only sign that he was as flustered as she felt. “I didn’t stand up for you the way I should have. I meant to, but I stayed quiet too long.” His gaze dropped. “I’m sorry.”

Okay, he was seriously the cutest.

Sandra cursed her hormones. She needed to stay strong, but looking down at their hands, she knew she’d already lost the fight. “Thank you,” she said, giving his hand a squeeze. “While we’re at it, I think I have my own things I need to apologize for.”

Before she had the chance, Blair shook his head. “Nope.”

“Seriously?”

He ran a finger over her knuckle and smiled. “Yup. Because the time for apologies is over. I’d really like to start over, Sandra. The way it should have been in the beginning.”

“I’d like that too.” As soon as she said it, she knew it was true. She wanted to give them—their relationship—another chance, and she wasn’t about to let something as silly as a picture or a disapproving mother get in the way of what they had. Because, frankly, they were the cutest couple ever, and apparently social media agreed, if all the comments on their picture could be trusted. Who was she to argue?

Blair grinned and looked like he wanted to kiss Sandra, but he pulled back instead. “Come here, there’s something I need to show you.”

Sandra’s heart plummeted as he got out of the car. Oh, no. When he had said he wanted to start things off the way they should have been in the beginning…he hadn’t meant spending more time with his mother, had he?

He was walking around the car to open her door, so it certainly seemed so.

“I don’t know about this,” she said as soon as Blair had opened the door. She pushed herself against the seat, like that could stop whatever was happening. “Walking into the lion’s den seems a bit premature.” If she had to talk to Principal Howell right now, she didn’t know if their relationship could withstand another onslaught. Not so soon after the last one.

Blair only smiled at her and held out his hand to help her out. Why wasn’t he worried? He should be. In fact, he should be terrified.

“I—”

“Please,” he said, his expression earnest. “I know I probably don’t deserve it, but I need you to trust me. Just this once.”

Sandra’s gaze flitted from Blair to his front door and back again. “If you break that trust, I’m walking away. And I don’t want you chasing after me.”

“Deal.” He said it so quickly, it caught Sandra by surprise. He seemed so confident—so sure of himself and what he was asking of her—she couldn’t help but agree.

“All right.” Sandra took his hand, and he helped her out. She glanced down at her clothes, and she absently fingered the spikes on her wristbands. They used to bring her comfort, but not at that moment.

Blair must have been able to tell what she was thinking. “You look beautiful, as always.” He took her hand and led her to the front porch. “You ready?”

“Not in the slightest.”

He gave her a quick smirk before opening the door and letting her inside.

Steeling herself for a fight that she hoped wouldn’t happen, Sandra stepped over the threshold.

She froze, not understanding what she was seeing.

Blair closed the door behind her and placed a hand on the small of her back. “Surprise,” he said as he led her forward.

“But…how…”

They hadn’t walked into Blair’s living room, but into a celebration. Colorful banners hung from the ceiling and the walls. Against each of the walls were small tables covered in colorful cloths. On each table sat black and white photographs, candles, food, and flowers.

Two girls walked up to them. Their faces were painted white with black lines outlining their eyes and mouth. Colorful flowers were painted along their foreheads. One wore a beautiful orange dress that flared out in a traditional Mexican fashion and a hat that covered her hair. The other wore a green dress with a matching hat.

“Isn’t this amazing?” one of them asked, twirling for Sandra to see the full effect of the dress.

“Amanda?”

“Can you believe it?” the other girl asked. “I don’t recognize myself, even when I know I’m me.” That one was definitely Gracie.

Amanda grinned. “It took two hours for your mom to do my makeup, but it was so worth it.”

“But my mom isn’t even home,” Sandra said. At least, she hadn’t been when Sandra had gotten home from work.

“I know. She was here.” Even with Amanda’s makeup, Sandra could see the mischievous gleam.

Sandra was so overwhelmed, she didn’t know where to direct her attention. “A Day of the Dead party?” she asked, turning to Blair.

“I should have paid more attention,” he said. “You were right, I had no idea what Day of the Dead was, and I should have known it was something that was important to you.” His gaze landed at one of the tables across the room, and he pulled her toward it. “I made an altar for my ancestors. See this one?” He pointed to a color photograph of an elderly woman. She was grinning, like she knew something the rest of them didn’t. “That’s my grandma JoJo. I placed chile chocolate next to hers, because it was her favorite.”

“You even have the marigold petals,” Sandra said, fingering the yellow petals. “They help guide wandering souls back to their place of rest.”

Blair grinned. “I know. I stayed up all night doing research. Did you know that Day of the Dead is nothing like Halloween? Like, it’s not supposed to be creepy or anything.”

Sandra gave him a look that said, I could have told you that. He didn’t seem to notice as he rattled on.

“So this altar is called an ofrenda. It’s a way you can show love and respect for those who came before you, and to welcome them back to the realm of the living during Day of the Dead. That’s why there’s food and light—so they can find their way. Everyone who came tonight placed pictures of their ancestors so we can celebrate them.”

Sandra laughed. “I did know that, but I’m impressed that you do too.” She looked around in awe at how they had transformed his house. She recognized her own ancestors on an altar by the kitchen. There was one color picture. Her brother, Clark, who had been hit by a delivery truck when he was only four years old. That was what had started Sandra’s fascination with Day of the Dead in the first place. It had been her way of coping with the grief—it helped her feel close to him.

Her mom was dressed for Day of the Dead and was placing a few more marigold petals on their altar. Sandra turned back to Blair. “How did you find all this stuff on such short notice?” Lakeview was not known for its Day of the Dead party decorations.

“My mom. She called probably twenty stores and ended up driving us clear out of town to a little Mexican shop about an hour away. You should have seen her, she was relentless.”

Sandra had to blink back her surprise. “Your mom? As in…Principal Howell?”

“Yup. At least, last time I checked she was still my mom,” Blair said, teasing her.

Heat rushed into her cheeks. “Of course, I know that she’s your mom. It’s just…she did that…for me?” It didn’t make any sense, not based on their conversation in her office the previous day.

“I know what you must be thinking,” a woman said as she walked up. “Blair was a bit shocked himself.”

“Principal Howell?” It sounded like her, but the woman standing in front of Sandra also had a painted face and wore a bright green dress and a large-brimmed hat.

The woman was quiet for a moment, but when she spoke, her voice was soft. “I take my role as principal very seriously, and when I saw your wristbands and the skulls on your T-shirts last year, I made assumptions. I wanted to help you, and I thought I was. Truly. I also thought I was helping my son by steering him away from you.” She wrung her hands before she looked up and held Sandra’s gaze. “I couldn’t see the beauty of what you were trying to convey, and I didn’t try to understand before jumping to conclusions and trying to fix things. I’m sorry.”

Sandra tilted her head to the side, trying to wrap her head around what was happening. Principal Howell was apologizing. And she was dressed for Day of the Dead—she had been an integral part of what surrounded them.

“Thank you,” Sandra said. Her lips quirked up into a half-smile as she asked, “Does this mean that Blair and I have your blessing?”

The principal looked between Sandra and Blair, like she was trying to decide. “Yes, under one condition.”

Uh-oh.

Principal Howell smiled, which looked a lot creepier with all the makeup she was wearing. “No more viral photographs. I really don’t want to have to see pictures of you two kissing every time I get online.”

Blair squeezed Sandra’s hand, sending a rush of adrenaline through her. She was dating Blair. The principal’s son. And she planned on loving every minute of it.