Page 26 of Wanting You

“I love getting to meet all my students for the first time. They come in with their parents and you get some who are excited to be there and some who are totally scared and I make sure I take the time to greet each of them and show them to their seats. It’s an easy transition from holding their mom's or dad’s hand to walking with me.”

“What do you do if a bunch of families come in at the same time?”

“I greet them all and then just work my way through all of them until everyone’s in their seats. Most of the time, the parents distract their kids by walking around the classroom with them and showing them something they think is fun. That’s why I always make sure the room is fully decorated. This way, they have a lot to look at.”

“And…that’s not distracting when you’re trying to get them to focus?”

She shrugged. “Sometimes, but…that’s normal. They’re only five, and for most of them, this is their first time in a classroom environment. Getting them to focus on the work takes a little time, but they get there.”

“That’s kind of why I wanted to teach in the older grades. In fourth or fifth grade, they’re more grounded and know the rules. I’m not sure how good I’m going to be at guiding them when they’re so young.”

Color me surprised…he’s admitting that he doesn’t know it all.

And just thinking like that made her cringe. It was like she didn’t even know herself this last week.

“I’m sure you’re going to do great,” she assured him. “As long as you’re smiling and excited for them to be there, they’ll be fine. If you’re uncertain or uneasy, they can sense it and have a hard time.”

Nodding, he continued to drive. “So basically, fake it until I make it, huh?”

“Maybe…”

Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she pulled it out to see a text from Ashlynn.

Ash: Where are you? Are you almost here?

Chloe: On my way. About ten minutes out.

Chloe: How did you get there so fast?

Ash: Was already on my way up with a change of clothes for Billie.

Ash: Is Levi with you?

Chloe: No. I didn’t even think to call anyone.

Chloe: Have you seen Mom or talked to her doctor?

Ash: Only for a minute with Mom. They were taking her for some scans.

Chloe: I hate this. I hate this so much!

Ash: I know. Me too.

Ash: Wait…if you’re not with Levi, how are you texting me? You don’t have voice command set up.

Crap.

Chloe: Oh, one of the teachers offered to drive me because I was so upset.

Ash: Aww…that’s so nice. I was worried about you driving alone again.

Chloe: It’s all good. I promise.

Chloe: I’ll see you in a few minutes.

Ash: Sounds good. I’ll meet you in the lobby.

Ash: Love you!!

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