That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.
― Emily Dickinson
Breton's Office
Saturday morning, the day after I confessed my feelings to Autumn, I was in Father Breton's main floor office sipping tea.
I knew why I was there but just couldn't work up the courage to tell him the latest twist in my chaotic career.
Finally, out of the blue, Breton smiled and said, "I know something's on your mind, Jake, and it would help if you just told me."
"Am I that transparent, Father? I guess I am or you know me well enough by now to know when something's weighing on me."
I paused and took a sip of tea and then just blurted out, "I'm in love with one of my students."
I don't know what I expected. I couldn't even imagine how Breton might react, but he was totally calm. That's not something I could ever anticipate from him.
I wondered if he even heard me and was about to repeat it again when he put up his hand to stop me.
"I know I've been your mentor and confidante, Jake, but you're old enough now to make certain decisions without seeking my approval―and whom you choose to love is one of them."
"But Father, isn't a romance between an instructor and a student taboo?"
"The only consideration I'd have is conflict of interest. Can you really be objective about grading someone with whom you have an intimate relationship?"
"Well, that's off the table―she transferred to another course."
Breton smiled. "Intelligent girl. So what's your problem?"
"Her father's Dean Chandler."
Breton arched an eyebrow. "Then, I suppose we're talking about Autumn―a very controversial and free-spirited girl. I like her."
"You know Autumn?" I croaked.
"Of course, I've had many dinners at the Chandler residence and many discussions about student activism. You know of course this puts you on a collision course with Warren McQuade―he and Autumn don't see eye to eye on this topic."
"I'm only too aware of that. Warren called me into his office to forewarn me about Student Voices and now I've learned Autumn is leading that movement."
Breton's eyes twinkled. "She is, and I totally support her views. Her father is opposed but I think he's mainly concerned about losing corporate sponsors."
"That's exactly right," I sighed, "and now I'm afraid if Warren knows Autumn and I are together, he'll make my life a living hell."
"I'm not sure Warren will be able to leverage the fact you have a relationship with Autumn and turn it into some kind of scandal. She made a shrewd move in transferring out of your course into another. It's at arms length now."
"The input for that decision came from her father. Autumn informed him about us and he thought that would be the best move."
"That's good news, Jake. That means Conrad Chandler tacitly approves of your relationship. He's not likely to be swayed by Warren's opinion in this matter."
"I never thought of that, Father―you're right. He actually made a way for Autumn and I to continue our relationship. She's already planning for me to attend Thanksgiving dinner at the Chandler residence."
"Ha ha, Then you'll have another supporter there. I've already received my invitation from Elise, Conrad's wife."
I smiled with relief. "I'm so glad I dropped by to talk to you, Father. You've taken a huge burden off my shoulders."
"You know, Jake, Autumn is a beautiful and wonderful woman. You couldn't have made a better choice."
I left Father Breton’s office with renewed optimism about my future. Breton always gives me hope that things will get better and they always do.
I wanted to go home and relax before seeing Autumn this evening. I was actually looking forward to it like a schoolboy on his first real date.
I know she’ll be thinking it'll be some chic restaurant with romantic ambiance, but the place I love has romance of another kind. Stepping into will be like walking into the past and she’ll get to see another side of me she’s never seen.