Page 6 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 5

Hope plopped in her squeaky desk chair, checked the time, and stared at her appointment calendar. Good. I don’t have many appointments today.

Stepping over to the window to watch latecomers race into the school, Hope chuckled. Alex would be one of the stragglers. She smiled as her favorite student, Britney, bounded inside. “I need to talk to you, Miss Truman. Is this a good time?”

“It’s the perfect time,” Hope said.

A smile spread across Britney’s freckled face. “I bet you say that to all of your students.”

Hope shook her head. “I wish I could say that about all of my students.” Putting a finger to her lips, she said, “Shhh. Don’t tell. I’m not supposed to have favorites.”

Britney plopped into a chair opposite Hope’s sparse metal desk. The student’s eyes darkened. “I’m not sure I want to go to college, Miss Truman. I don’t think I’m smart enough.”

“Don’t ever think that. You’re very smart. Your ACT scores are well above average.”

“But my grades aren’t great. I miss school because of—”

“I know. Because of your mom. She’s out all hours of the night, you don’t get fed properly, and you depend on yourself for everything. I get it. I’ve been there.” Hope gazed out the window remembering her former life with her hippie parents, Larry and Montana. Clasping her hands together, she put on her invisible high school counselor hat and locked eyes with Britney. “A college degree is very important. You’ll get a better job and make more money.”

Britney’s brows knitted. “Four years is forever, Miss Truman.” Staring at her worn tennis shoes, the student said, “I have to tell you something. I never sent in those applications last year.” Tears filled her eyes. “I’m really sorry. I just couldn’t bring myself to commit to four years.”

Reminding herself that teens think a year is a lifetime, Hope quickly offered another alternative. “There are many types of colleges. A community college is a good place to start if you’re more comfortable with that timeline. You can get a two-year associate’s degree, and after you graduate, either get a job or transfer to a four-year college.”

Britney perked up. “I like that idea. I can handle two years. Four sounds dreadful.”

“Then let’s start there.” Hope reached into her drawer and retrieved a bulging file marked ‘Community Colleges.’ “Are you thinking about a local community college or one in another state?”

“I want to be close to you,” Britney said.

“Hon, that’s sweet but don’t keep from spreading your wings because of me. There’s a big, exciting world out there. Your whole life is ahead of you.”

Britney’s chin quivered. “I want you in my life. You’re my favorite person in the world. You’re also my role model.”

Hope’s heart swelled. She had never married, let alone had children. Counseling students was the closest she had ever come to being a parent. Beaming, Hope said, “Thanks, Brit. You’re a wonderful student and a lovely young woman. You mean the world to me. Don’t ever forget you have a lot to offer this world.” Hope sniffed as she thumbed through the bulky file. “Here are some brochures for two local community colleges.

Britney nodded. “Sounds good. Thanks, Miss Truman.”

Handing her applications, Hope noted the deadlines, required essay questions, and suggested Britney make a photocopy to practice first. “These won’t be much different from the applications you filled out last year and didn’t send in.”

“Sorry.” Britney stood and reached for the paperwork. “You’re the best, Miss Truman. I’m gonna make you proud.”

“You do every day.” Hope grinned. “Now get to class.”

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