The Wave (14 page)

Ben watched Laurie and David and the last of the former members of The Wave leave the auditorium. When they were gone and he thought he was
alone, he sighed and said, “Thank God.” He was relieved that it had ended well, and thankful that he still had his job at Gordon High. There would still be a few angry parents and incensed faculty members to smooth over, but in time he knew he could do it.

He turned and was about to leave the stage when he heard a sob and saw Robert leaning against one of the television sets, tears running down his face.

Poor Robert, Ben thought. The only one who really stood to lose in this whole thing. He walked toward the trembling student and put his arm around his shoulder. “You know, Robert,” he said, trying to cheer him up, “you look good in a tie and jacket. You ought to wear them more often.”

Through his tears, Robert managed a smile. “Thanks, Mr. Ross.”

“What do you say we go out for a bite to eat?” Ben said, leading him off the stage. “There are some things I think we should talk about.”