Page 105 of Above All Else
“And this is where we have our teacher’s lounge.” Mary opened the thick wooden door with a modest windowed slat on the side. “It’s not much, but at least we have a place to get away for a moment while the children eat lunch.”
The square room consisting of a long countertop with a coffeemaker, microwave, and a refrigerator at the end.
“This is much bigger than the one I had back home.”
Mary nodded as she opened the fridge, pulling out a bottled water. “It’ll be nice having a fresh set of eyes here. The kids will loveyou.”
She handed me the bottle, and I gripped it in my chilled hands—the condensation forming over the plastic, dampening my fingers. “Thanks.” I gave the bottle a shake. “I hope so.”
“So you start next week?”
I brought the bottle to my lips and took a sip. “Yes. I believe that’s what Principal Carpenter said.”
“Great.” Mary led me out of the teacher’s lounge as the bell rang. The halls filled with screaming children running towards the playground. “We’ll see you then. I need to check on my TA and make sure she hasn’t lost all of her hair yet.” She laughed over the children’s screeches, and we parted ways when she dipped into her classroom.
Buzzzzzz.
Buzzzzzz.
My phone vibrated in my purse, and I pulled it out, glancing at the screen as I answered.
“Hey, Mom.”
Kids raced toward the playground—the noise a constant roar, like waves crashing on a jagged shore. I ducked my head, plugging my ear with my finger.
“June, I need to talk to you... are... there?”
I frowned, holding the phone tighter to my ear. “What? I can’t hear you, Mom. Hang on.” I moved toward the edge of the hallway, pressing myself up against the cold brick wall.
“I said... something important... your dad...” Her voice crackled with urgency.
“Dang it.” I sighed. “Let me call you back later. I can’t hearanything.”
“June, it’s really—“
“Okay. Just give me a moment.” I hung up and put the phone in my dress pocket.
“June.” Principal Carpenter waved me over from the office doors. “I’m glad I caught you before you left. I wanted to introduce you to the teacher you’ll be replacing.”
I shifted from the front doors to the office and gave him a big smile as he gestured towards a tall man with long dreads pulled back.
“June, this is Damien Cole. Damien, this is June Collins.”
We shook hands and gave him a warm smile. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
“Damien, earned himself a position at Oxford University. You are looking at their new professor of Childhood Education and Development.”
I gasped in awe. “That’s incredible. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” His deep baritone voice carried as we followed Principal Carpenter into his office. “There are some things I’d like to go over with you about the curriculum, the students who are a little behind, and those who have excelled.”
“Great. Let’s hear it.”
Hours passed as I jotted down notes, my hand cramping from the constant scribbling. Pages filled with reminders, suggestions, and strategies.
Am I enough for these kids?