Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Published: November 10, 2021
Goodreads
I am a recent college graduate. My upbringing and education have limited my world view. I’ve led a sheltered life. My first job takes me away from home to a new town where I am on my own. I know the second we meet there is a spark between us, but he is out of my reach, in a position that will never allow for a romance.
Over time what was once unthinkable is now a possibility. Outside influences and the realities of life press upon me in ways I could have never imagined.
Our spark grew into a flame and then... a series of events leaves me emotionally crushed and alone.
Will our love endure?
“Pleasantly Corrupted” is an adult romance, full of heartbreak and love. Based on a true story, more than twenty-five years in the making.
Chapter 1
Two years later
It is the first week of May, and I have two more exams before graduation. I’ve received several interview requests for teaching positions. The interviews I’ve been through so far have been a learning experience. I had the feeling those positions were filled before I even arrived. Have you ever been in a room full of people, and no one notices you? A sense I have become accustomed to. The interview process is deflating to anyone’s confidence. It certainly hasn’t helped mine. They have something you want, and you feel you have to grovel for it. So far, my interviews have ended with the same result. Still, I’m excited, nervous, and overwhelmed. I need to finish the semester, get my certification paperwork complete, and find a job.
This morning I have an interview with a prominent New Jersey suburban high school just east of Philadelphia. It is one of two large high schools in an affluent community. A Google Earth search of the area shows it’s densely populated. The high school’s adjacent to a hospital in a residential area. There is a lot of local large and small businesses nearby. My graduation class at the academy was fifteen students. The enrollment at my college is less than half the size of this school. The size of the school gives me pause. The location, however, appears to be ideal. It’s just a few minutes from Philadelphia and centrally located between NYC and Baltimore. I can catch a train, drive, or fly almost anywhere from that location. The area is very desirable for professionals who don’t want the city life but are only a short distance away from sporting events and activities offered in the city.
It will be a three-hour drive, depending on traffic through Philadelphia, so I hit the road in the early hours for a two o’clock interview. I arrive early enough to stop at a local diner. I look again at the school profile over a turkey sandwich and an iced tea.
* * *
At the school
I look intensely at Ted as we sit around my conference room table. Ted is the science department supervisor. He’s in charge of the interview committee. We’re scheduled to interview ten candidates. I’m not impressed with the list of potential candidates so far. I see his frustrated look as he catches my displeasure. The other members of the committee don’t look like they’re enjoying themselves either. At least we are all on the same page.
“Ted, please tell me it gets better,” I say with a shake of my head. “Is this the best of the candidate pool?” Before Ted can respond, I add. “How many more? And before you answer, I need to mention that I haven’t seen a candidate yet that I would put in front of a child.”
Trying to hide his frustration with me, Ted responds to the rising pressure. “Good science teachers are hard to find, Jason. You know this. Especially someone who connects with kids. Science folks can be eccentric.” Fumbling with his word choice, he adds. “You know what I mean. Out of a pool of close to one hundred applicants, we selected the top twelve. Today’s group represents the best, on paper at least.” Ted’s comment comes with a forced smile and a shrug.
I peek over the following resume and look at Ted with raised eyebrows, I add. “Do I need to remind you that we all have a science background. We all were, or are now, science teachers. We’re not all odd, Ted.” He lowers his head and ducks back behind the resume he has in his hand. His reaction forces me to flash a slight smile.
Trying to lighten the mood, Ted follows. “My friend, you are the exception.” As he finishes, the others in the room slump in their chairs a little, looking at each other. They’re waiting for my response.
We’ve been good friends since I started teaching here a few years ago, but his comment does nothing to relieve my frustration. Looking back up. “Optics aren’t everything, Ted.”
Ted continues talking from behind the resume, “It’s just the first round, so we need to get through the last two this afternoon and hopefully get two or three back for a second round. Then we can either select a few or open the position up again if you think we need to.”
I am a new author. A former Chemical engineer and a current educator I have spent my last twenty-eight years in education. I currently work at a large high achieving high school as a Dean of Students.
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