Page 44 of I Think He Knows?

I love anything with a handprint, but I don’t want to copy Jess. With less than five minutes until the chaos starts, I come across a school favorites idea. I could write what each student’s favorite thing about our school is and have them draw a picture of it, then I could hang them outside our class. It’s not elaborate, but the families will love it.

I hear noise coming from outside my room, which means my little angels are arriving. I take a long sip of my coffee and a few deep breaths. Let’s do this.

* * *

“My favorite thing is PE,” Liam announces. “Because we can run.”

He proceeds to jump out of his seat and run-in place.

I’m having a wonderful discussion with my kiddos about our class project for the school event.

“I like to go on rollercoasters,” Jax says boldly.

“Me too, Jax,” I say. “But we’re talking about our favorite things here at our school.”

Sophie puts her arm up.

“Yes, Sophie?”

“My favorite thing is my friends,” she says softly.

“I love that,” I exclaim.

Five more hands go up in the air.

“Okay, friends, you all have the best ideas, so tomorrow we’re going to start drawing them, and then you’re going to tell me about your drawings.”

“Ms. Black,” Ella asks. “What’s your favorite thing?”

Cam instantly pops into my head, and I smile to myself. Obviously, I’m not going to tell the kids that our PE coach is my favorite thing at our school.

“My favorite thing—let me think.” I say, giving a thoughtful look. “All of you. Spending my days in our fun classroom is the best part of coming to school.”

“You’re my favorite, Ms. Black,” Ella exclaims.

“Me too,” a few more kids say. Naturally they all start talking at once.

“Thank you.”

I manage to get the kids to settle down just in time for lunch. I drop them off in the cafeteria and then make my way to the staff lounge. When I walk inside, my eyes immediately land on Cam and Lilly. They’re not alone at the table, but they are sitting next to each other. It’s too late to leave, so I confidently walk in to join my co-workers.

“Hey, Serena,” Lilly calls. “Sit with us.”

She pats the empty chair next to her. Cam’s eyes lock on me, and he gives me a warm smile.

“Thanks,” I hesitate before sitting down next to her.

“We were just talking about the big event,” Lilly tells me. “I’m so impressed with the effort everyone puts in to make it such a success every year. I’ve heard so many great ideas. And I love how the staff, parents, and community all work together.”

“Yes, it’s fantastic,” I agree. “Definitely a favorite.”

“We’re excited to have you here this year,” Kelsey gushes. “Our last AP barely came out of her office. I think I saw her at drop off and pick up or when she had to step in for Ms. Lewis.”

Lilly folds her hands and rests her forearms on the table. “That’s what I’ve heard. I’m ready to hit the ground running. I have so many fresh ideas, and I can’t wait to put them in action.”

Cam continues to scroll through his phone, not contributing to the conversation. I wonder what it’s like to work in the same space as your ex. I’d think it would be strange, but Lilly doesn’t seem a bit phased by it.

“You’ll quickly learn I don’t like to sit still,” Lilly states. “I’m all about action and progress. I’ve already been talking to Ms. Lewis and were going to start as soon as Celebrate Our School is over. I didn’t want to add to your already full plates. And I plan to take some time getting to know the staff so we can work together on a vision that will only make this wonderful school better than it already is.”

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