Page 39 of Make It Without You

Normally my parent-teacher conferences are for kids that aren’t meeting their goals. But in this case, Dylan is overshooting every goal I set and not giving the other kids a chance to engage.

“So the problem is with Dylan over-shadowing the other kids?” Adam looks confused, and rightfully so. Usually, when these meetings happen it’s because the student is misbehaving.

“To put it short and sweet, yes. I need my other kids to shine just as much as him. He does tend to act out a little when I attempt to get involvement from the other students. I love that he’s so eager to learn, but…give me a week. I think I may be able to create a role for him that’ll help shine his quick thinking. Not just for my class, but the whole first-grade class. Is it okay with you if I give that a try? I don’t want to do anything without you knowing what I have planned.”

Adam glances back at Dylan looking through an encyclopedia with awe. “He has always been like that. I say give it a shot.”

“Awesome.” The breath I was holding releases quickly.

“Do you think you could email me your plans when you have one set?”

“Of course! Any involvement from my students' parents is highly encouraged.”

Adam continues to ask questions about what sort of plan could be involved to help Dylan. And I find myself warming up more and more to him. Helping people and finding solutions is what I’m good at.

“I know things get lost in translation, but is it okay if I leave my cell number? Just in case I’m unable to answer my email in a timely manner.”

I see where Dylan gets it. The doe-eyed look that gets me to do anything.

Getting up from the table we’re at, I pluck a notebook and pen off my desk. Walking back to him he takes the offered material and writes his number down. He takes a little longerthan I thought he would, but he closes the notebook before I have a chance to see what he wrote.

“All done?” I question him even though I know he is.

“Yep.” His cheeky grin has my face flaming.

Shaking my head, I step back. “On that note, it was good to see you again, Adam. Dylan, I'll see you tomorrow, buddy.”

I watch him put the encyclopedia back before getting his backpack.

“Bye, Ms. Bailey.”

“Bye, buddy. Adam.”

“Emily,” his eyes hold mine until Dylan shouts for him down the hall.

Once he’s out of my classroom, I lean against my desk.

Flustered.

A little confused.

And left with so many questions.

I flip open the notebook and see he wrote not only his number but a little note.

In case you change your mind.

-Adam

Emily

“Emily, you’re allowed to be happy,” Sarah announces at dinner.

I looped them in on what happened when they didn’t show up to the bar and then the other day with the parent-teacher conference.

Maybe it was for the best that they weren’t there. Otherwise, I’d have never released more of the grief that I had been holding on to. And I wouldn’t have had the chance to talk with Adam.

“Guys, I can’t,” I admit defeat.

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