FanStory.com - Beneath the Mistletoeby HarryT

The morning of the Roosevelt High School staff Christmas party, Heather said, “Bob, this is our first big social occasion at your new school. I’m looking forward to this evening.”

“Oh, I’m, sorry, hon. I forgot to tell you the party is only for those who work at the school. So, you’re off the hook. The evening is yours.”

“Oh, I’m disappointed.”

“Yeah, there just isn’t enough money to invite spouses.”

Before leaving work, Heather received a call from her new friend Molly Kelly, a teacher at Roosevelt, asking if they would meet that night.

Heather responded, “I thought the party was for only those who worked at the school.”

“Who told you that?”

“Bob, did.”

“Well, it’s his first year. He must have misunderstood.”

“Okay, I’ll get dressed and see you there.”

“Wonderful. It should be fun. See you later.”

Heather wanted to be a good principal's wife and be there for her husband, so she drove herself to the school. She dropped her coat on one of the tables used as a wrap depository. She walked over to the make-shift bar and ordered a Pinot Grigio, her eyes scanning the gym for her husband.

She sipped her wine as she moved through the gym, wishing happy holidays and exchanging polite smiles. She finally spotted Robert standing between two sets of bleachers. His back was to her, but she would recognize his Robert Redford hair anywhere. Relief washed over her, and she made her way towards him, weaving through clusters of couples dancing on the tarp covered gym floor.

She stopped, dropping her glass onto the tarp. Bob had his arm raised, holding a sprig of mistletoe over someone’s head. As he tipped his head, she saw it was Janice, his secretary. Her fingers were fondling his cheek. Heather’s heart squeezed tight like a fist. Her face burned crimson as she watched the scene unfold. Under the mistletoe, Janice’s eyes sparkled with eagerness. Robert leaned in and gave her a tender, lingering kiss.

Heather’s world grew cold. The party decorations blurred, the laughter and music faded. A sour bile stung her throat.
She watched Robert pulled back, a soft smile on his lips. He was oblivious to her presence. Janice’s eyes sparkled with mischievous delight. Heather saw Bob whisper in Janice’s ear. She nodded her head and licked her lipw. Heather’s heart shattered, their intimacy undeniable. It took all her strength to push through the crowd, her vision blurred by tears. She grabbed her coat, ran to her car, and drove home.

The pain was as piercing as if a knife constantly stabbing her. She lie on her bed, crying into a pillow, then slowly an angry resolve took shape. Heather made a heart-felt promise to herself. She would want answers from Robert. She would demand Janice be fired, and reclaim her dignity. She resolved to summon the strength to move forward with or without him.