Page 42 of Assigned

Which means, now it’s time to keep the vow I made and stand up for my stepson. “Mrs. Shapiro, have you spoken to the other students involved in these altercations?”

She looks taken aback. “What do you mean? Mason is always the instigator. The other children know the classroom rules and that we expect them to be respectful.”

Can she really not know what’s happening in her own classroom? Or does she just not care? I definitely am not going to stand for the implication that Mason isn’t respectful. “It’s my understanding that the other students are not being respectful to Mason. Are you aware of the things they say to him?”

Mrs. Shapiro straightens in her chair while fidgeting with the file folder. “Yes, I’ve heard that they accuse Mason of fabricating.”

Fabricating? Is that what she calls it? But that tells me she does know and isn’t doing anything to help Mason, and that is one hundred percent unacceptable to me. “Mrs. Shapiro, they claim he’s lying about his father’s service. They say that Lucas actually abandoned Mason. Lucas is in the military and leaves for long periods of time to protect our country. We don’t always know where he’s going or how long he’ll be gone because of security concerns. You are aware of this, correct?” I pin her with a stare, eyes narrowed to make sure she understands I’m not some pushover.

“Ms. Ellis mentioned it.”

I sit back and cross my arms in front of my chest. “Well, what are you doing to protect Mason? Because from the bits he mentions to me, it isn’t much. Do you have other students whose parents are in the military? Any services you offer those children?”

Mrs. Shapiro squirms and avoids eye contact. “There are a few students. We do have them meet with the counselor if there is a problem. She has even met with Mason a few times.”

“Good. That’s a start.” I lean forward. “But helping Mason is only half the problem. What are you doing about the other kids?”

“Mrs. Craiger, I assure you we’re not putting all the blame on Mason.” Mrs. Shapiro leans forward, too, but I’m not backing down.

“Sure sounds that way to me.”

She stands up and huffs. “Maybe it’s better if I speak with Ms. Ellis once she gets back.”

“You go do that.” I grab my purse and stand. “Hey, Mason. Save what you’re doing and let’s get out of here.”

He looks over his shoulder and nods. Then looks at his teacher, who is all flustered, then back to me. A shit-eating grin spreads across his face. Poor kid needs someone fighting for him, and I’m happy to be that someone.

Once Mason logs off and grabs his book bag, we head toward the door. Before we walk out, I stop and turn to look back at his teacher. “Oh, I was just thinking. It might be a good idea for me, my husband, and Lisa to meet with the principal. Maybe even the school board to discuss the matter further. I’m sure they would be interested in how children of military personnel are being treated in your classroom.”

Mrs. Shapiro’s mouth falls agape. I offer a little wave, then exit. No one is going to mess with my family and expect me to idly stand by.

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