Chapter ten: Unlike Bunny, Aster maintains a well-organized classroom. A classroom in which many students--such as Elizabeth Joy--thrive. But what should she do with students who refuse to learn, what should she do with Devin?
photo by ldyck
Chapter eleven
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Those who had arrived early gathered around Aster eager to benefit from her years of experience. One topic of discussion homework led to others assignments which led to others bedtime routines and...
“Kayla won’t eat anything green.”
and...
“All Andrew wants is junk food.”
Aster advised, “You need to set a good example for your children.” and “Serve them a well-balanced diet.” and “The expectation must be that they eat everything on their plate.”
They just stood there staring at her and then they erupted with, “Really? It’s that easy, eh? Well... How many children do you have?”
She longed to tell someone that she had presumed that—. No, surely it was more than that. There was an unspoken promise that they would have children—yes, more than one—someday. Someday... Someday... Someday... It took her too many days, weeks, months, years to realize that someday would always be a day away. She wanted to tell someone but she knew someone couldn’t be any of the parents that surrounded her.
They continued to stare. They continued to wait for an answer.
What could she say? She felt cornered. Her palms began to sweat. “No, I don’t have—. I’m not a—.” She gulped. “I have your children.” Her back straightened. “I am. Their. Teacher.”
“But?” and “What?” and “How?” and “Why?” Their questions exploded around her.
She looked for some means of escape and found—. “Well, Mrs. Morris, you came. I was concerned that you wouldn’t bother.”
“Wouldn’t bother. Why...wouldn’t...I—?”
“I’m glad you failed to find an excuse.”
Wendy Morris hurried away from Aster as fast as she could, as far as she could. But she didn't leave the classroom--she was determined to stay.
Other parents filed past Aster and she gave each a slight nod. When she judged it was time, she addressed her classroom of parents. “Welcome, please take a seat and we’ll begin.”
The group of mainly mothers surveyed the room and finding no other chairs, they were forced to squeeze into their children’s desks.
“I’m looking forward to a productive evening. I view us as team players in the education of the children—my students. We’ll discuss their progress.” Aster printed ‘success’ on one half of the board. “Some of you have gifted your children with keen eyes and a quick brain.” She beamed at Victoria Hall. “We’ll discuss the less fortunate ones.” She printed ‘failure’ on the other half of the board. She adjusted her glasses and looked down her nose at Wendy Morris. “Others of you unfortunately are lacking in natural inheritance and don’t have the time or the ability. Or perhaps you simply don’t care enough to give your children the necessary tools. And so, it falls on us—all of us—to develop strategies to compensate for what you failed to bestow upon them.” Eyes followed her down the aisle to the desk Wendy Morris occupied. “Mrs. Morris, why don’t you begin. Tell us about Devin’s academic struggles. Explain why you think he doesn’t try. Offer suggestions for how we may begin to help him. That is if you have any idea. We know these are difficult questions for you to answer and will assist when necessary. We are waiting. Please begin.”
There was a pregnant pause as Wendy slowly exhaled. “My son Devin is smart, he can learn and he does try. He’s the captain of his hockey t—.”
“Skating? Skating isn’t equivalent to academic success, Mrs. Morris.”
Wendy’s face was void of emotion, her voice controlled. “Mrs. Stevens, I won’t deny that Devin has challenges—as we all do. And I’ll be happy to discuss how best to help him address these challenges.” She wiggled out of the desk. “Privately.” She stood and faced the teacher. “You have my contact information.” Head held high, shoulders back, Wendy strode up the aisle—forcing Aster back. “Phone to set up an appointment.” That said, she left the classroom.
Aster took a few sips of water from her ‘World’s Best Teacher’ mug. “Now do you see what I’m up against? There’s just no helping some people.”
