“Mackenzie and Katie, I have some college-related news that has the potential to change your lives forever. Come to my office after cheer practice this evening. I’ll be working late.” I caught the girls between third and fourth period. The girls showed up a little before five. Both were somewhat disheveled with the frizzy hair that comes from dried sweat. They each sported tank-tops and sweatpants with their backpacks on...

My Office - Tuesday Afternoon “That stupid, bitch!” Katie yelled as she paced through my office. “I’m going to kick her ass so hard her children will feel it. What a FUCK-up.” I winced my ears closed and hoped in vain that people outside my office would not hear her outburst. I am a high school guidance counselor so outbursts are common, but it was the topic of the outburst I wanted to keep quiet. Katie is a favorite stud...

Mackenzie’s Attempt at Blackmail - My Story to Katie Mackenzie looked especially sexy yesterday morning as she walked into my office and asked to talk. Her unannounced presence was peculiar because she had been avoiding me since I'd blackmailed you guys. She wore a bright yellow sundress that was slightly too short for school, but so nice on the eyes. Mackenzie closed the door, arranged her purse and bookbag carefully on...

My morning run is a sacred time for me. It is time to clear my head and relish solitude and tranquility. Living in a small town often feels like living under a microscope, where everyone knows everyone else's business. That is precisely why I cherish my run; hardly anyone ever ventures onto this old logging trail. I have crossed paths with more bears than people here. I've stopped even bringing my phone; it is a complete...