Reluctance (The Exchange #2) Read Online Free PDF

didn’t see it back then, but now having worked in a High School— the same one no less, despite not being much older than my students, I can relate to her and how hard it must have been to get kids to open up to her. Thankfully, I’m not a guidance counselor, but my first semester was a nightmare and I came close to walking out on a couple of occasions. As time went on, the kids began to warm to me and now, probably because of my age, see me as one of the more approachable members of the faculty.
    So, I dug this journal out and Holly and I sat and read it together once Ellie and Jonah were in bed. It felt weird sharing it, but considering she featured quite heavily in it, I thought it was only fair. Also, it enabled me to answer some questions she still had, lingering from seven years ago.
    Becoming a parent at eighteen was scary as hell, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I loved Ellie the moment she arrived in the States, and then, when Jonah was born, I didn’t think there was enough room in my heart to love another in that way, but that boy has me wrapped round his chubby little finger.
    Holly’s an amazing mom. I couldn’t do what she’s done; move to another country with a baby, set up home in someone else’s house, and study for her degree while pregnant and having Ellie running around. Having Jonah put a stop to her studies for a few months, but now that he’s almost one, she’s slowly starting back up with them. The college has been understanding with everything, which really put her mind at rest. The last thing she needed was more stress on top of everything.
    Getting married was something we didn’t plan, but it felt right to make our family more. . . Permanent, I guess. I’m not the most romantic of guys, but even I had to admit that our day was perfect. Then, getting the house not far from my parent’s place— life is moving along quite nicely. From thinking I would only be happy once I was away at college to having  a happy family home, I’m surprised at the twists and turns that brought me to where I am right now; and I’m happy about every single one of them.
    Mizz Jones asked how things had progressed with Tyler, and actually said she wasn’t surprised when I told her we never became close. “Chalk and cheese don’t mix” were her exact words. She cooed over El, and even gave her a shiny silver dollar with a wink and a wide smile, before saying her goodbyes. Ellie was determined to head into the dollar store to buy a present for ‘Uncle Ty’s baby’ and who was I to disagree?
    As for Ty, well he moved across state after blowing out his knee during a lacrosse game. Unable to consider playing professionally, he’s got a job as a High School coach, which surprised me. Let’s face it, my brother’s not the most patient of people, but it seems to work with him. He’s even settled down with his fiancée, who’s pregnant with their first child, as I mentioned earlier. We still don’t speak much, but when we do, it’s better than it was when we were growing up. Maybe its maturity, maybe it’s putting water under the bridge; we’ll never be close, but at least we can be in the same room.
    Whenever they visit Mom and Dad, he’s great with Ellie and Jonah, so maybe he’s finally growing up. Either that, or working with kids has mellowed him out a bit.
    Well, my past is just that, behind me. All I can do is make the most of my family, and look towards the future. I’ll never forget that time in my life, though, it’s molded me into the man I am today, and for that I’ll be forever grateful.
     
    The End

About the Author
     
    M. B. Feeney is an army brat who finally settled down in Birmingham, UK with her other half, two kids and a dog.  She procrastinates on her assignments by listening to music of all genres and trying to get ‘just one more paragraph’ written on whichever WIP is open. She is also a serious doodler and a chocoholic. Writing has been her one true love ever