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It was just about time for the last bell to ring. Ms. Hardy sat at her desk, sifting through some papers quickly. I had spent most of the day avoiding thinking about Carson and Zo. Submerging myself in work was the only rational option.
“Ms. Todd,” she called as I helped one of the students with a word problem.
“Yes?” I glanced up from the child’s desk.
“Will you please pass out the homework packets?”
“Yes.” I nodded, getting up to get the stack of papers she handed me.
“Okay, guys.” She said, rising to her feet. “We have a field trip coming up next week. Don’t forget to get your parents to sign the permission slip. Also, this week's homework is word problems if you need help, ask your parents. If you’re still having struggles, on Monday Ms. Todd and I will help you, but we are having a text next Friday.” She said smiling at me.
The kids didn’t seem interested.
I glanced around the class, pursing my lips.
She’s not a hard ass at all and they still don’t give a shit. I smirked. I wonder what they’d do if there was a little incentive. I thought as I walked back up to the desk.
“Ms. Hardy,” I called.
“Yeah?” she smiled as I got a bit close to her. “You’re a little close, are you about to kiss me?” she smirked.
My cheeks warmed. Stop that.
“What?” I asked nervously shaking my head. “I was... I was just going to ask, can we have a pizza party or is that not something we do at school? I was just thinking about incentive or having something to look forward to.”
She smiled kindly at me and tapped me on my hands.
Here comes the, “Thanks for your help but I’m the lead teacher in here,” speech.
She strutted around the desk until she got to the middle of it and stood facing the class.
“Guys. You know this test is important. And Ms. Todd said if everyone does well, she might be interested in having a pizza party,” she said, persuasively.
“What? A pizza party?” a student enthused, as every student’s head lifted in the classroom. They all started to look at each other and smile.
“No way!” another child said.
“For real?” The student I was helping with their work smiled at me.
“Yep. So we have to work hard.”
“Yeah!”
Lots of happy murmurs filled the room.
I glanced over at Kim and her approving smile meant a lot to me.
The final bell rang.
Ms. Hardy walked a bit closer to the kids.
“All right everyone grab your things and get in line.”
As the children scattered to get their things, chatting about the possible pizza party, Kim walked over to me.
“I guess I need to let you take the reins a bit more, huh?”
“If you want,” I said, coolly.
“I don’t mind at all. I can send you the lesson plan structure and you could see how you feel about doing things your way. Why don’t you try it next week?”
I pursed my lips trying to hide my smile. I feared it would be dorky and huge if I let it go all the way.
“That sounds great. I’d love to.”
“I’ll email you tonight,” she said, tapping me on my shoulder.
“I’ll have it ready as soon as possible.”
She nodded.
“Okay who’s the line leader?” she asked, getting the kids ready to go.
Many “Me, Me, Mes” filled the room.
I stared at them as she caringly helped them line up and reminded them to have quiet voices in the hall.
I smirked.
Take that, Mrs. Lakeshire.