Thirteen

A Woman of Many Talents

Sharleen knocked on the door of the professor’s office before she entered. She gasped at the sight that greeted her.

Did I just walk into a gift-wrapping battle zone? Clearly, the paper is winning the war.

At her desk, Professor Richter was struggling to wrap a gift. In the process of doing so, it appeared the wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and rolls of tape had turned against her.

“There are things in life I’m good at, Sharleen,” Lena Richter explained. “Wrapping a Christmas present isn’t one of them.”

Sharleen laughed and moved closer. “Step aside,” she said. “This is a job for a professional.”

A look of astonishment came over the professor’s face. “You’re a professional gift wrapper? You really are a woman of many talents.”

Sharleen went to work, fixing the damage her teacher had done. “I worked in a department store when I was sixteen,” she explained. “When they found out they could trust me with a pair of scissors and a roll of tape, I was gold.”

“Lucky for me you’re here,” she said.

“Thanks.”

There was a pause before Professor Richter spoke again. “Forgive me for asking this … but why are you here?”

Sharleen reached for the scissors. “I got a message you wanted to see me.”

This stirred the teacher’s memory. “Oh, yes. It’s about your job.”

Sharleen stopped moving. “My job?”

“Tutoring in the piano lab. The department received some unexpected grant money,” said Lena. “You can start working again next semester. Isn’t that great news?”

“Wow. Thank you.”

“If I remember correctly, you said your job at the elementary school was temporary.”

“Yes, it is,” said Sharleen. “By the way, I hope you can make it to the show. The kids have worked very hard on it.”

Lena gestured to her day planner sitting on her desk. “It’s on my calendar. I wouldn’t miss it.”

Sharleen handed Professor Richter the wrapped present. “There.” She smiled. “My work here is complete.”

Lena beamed with gratitude. “I feel like I should pay you.”

Sharleen shook her head. “You already have, Professor Richter.”

Lena seemed touched by Sharleen’s tone of reverence. “That’s very kind of you to say.” Then, a slender hand stopped Sharleen from leaving. “I almost forgot!”

Professor Richter opened a desk drawer and pulled out a gift bag of gumdrops. She handed the candy to Sharleen. “Here. These are for you. I know it isn’t much, but I’m a teacher. You’ll understand what I mean by that soon enough.”

Sharleen smiled and laughed a little. “Thank you.”

“My advice?” Professor Richter said. “Eat ‘em while they’re still fresh.”

Sharleen nodded. “Yes, that’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”