Page 19 of Teacher of the Year

Mondays are always arduous for me to get my ass up and out the door. Today, feeling recharged from a weekend cuddling with Gonzo on the couch, I’ve come in ready to tackle the day with a positive attitude. The children arrive, and their sweet faces bring such joy… even on a Monday. We go through our typical routine, sharing about our weekends at Morning Meeting (Ricky made slime), and by mid-morning, we’re ready for a break outside – Maine winters be damned.

Jill and I huddle on the blacktop, trying to stay toasty in the direct sun, flanked by packs of children yelling as they zoom by us. The rhythmic swoop of the swings swaying back and forth draws my attention, and I wave to Cynthia.

“The sun feels nice. It’s almost warm,” I say.

“Yeah, the snot in my nose isn’t completely frozen solid today.”

“Gross. But also, same.”

“Nick and I painted our bedroom this weekend. I was getting tired of staring at the bright red accent wall he thought was a good idea.”

“I told you not to let him bingeQueer Eye. Poor guy. How did you get him to relent?”

“I told him red makes me angry and asked why he’d want me angry in the bedroom and he caved.”

“Smart man.”

My phone vibrates in my pants. Slipping my mitten off, I take it out to see who’s texting me in the middle of the school day. Seeing Olan’s name pop up prompts my heart to gallop in my chest, creating a surge of warmth against the crisp air.

Olan: According to a little bird, your coffee is usually cold by snack time. I’m out for a meeting and dropping you off a hot refill in the office. How do you take it?

Marvin: Thank you, that is beyond nice and also totally unnecessary.

Olan: I insist. How do you take it?

Marvin: Just one sugar. I’m sweet enough on my own.

Olan: ??

“Who was that?”

“Nobody. I mean, it’s nothing.”

“Does this nobody’s name rhyme with Rollin’?”

Jill’s face breaks into the widest grin, her eyes glistening in the direct sun.

“Maybe. Okay, yes. He’s dropping a coffee off for me in the office.”

“Are you kidding me? That is beyond sweet. Wait, I want one too. Text him back.”

“No way. It’s done. I’ll share mine with you.”

“A hot coffee. You realize he likes you, right?”

“Of course he likes me. I’m his daughter’s teacher, and his daughter loves school. Even I can do that math.”

“I think he might like you a little more than in a my-daughter’s-teacher-is-fantastic way, but what do I know.”

Jill’s words make my stomach flip. Part of me wants her to be right, but the thought of Olan having more than friendly feelings for me also makes me incredibly anxious. I don’t need to be catching feelings for anyone right now. And a parent?Oy. Rationally, I know there’s nothing imprudent with romantic sparks between a teacher and parent, but I’m conflicted about how others might view it. Other teachers, Dr. Knorse, the TOY folks – what would they think?

“We’re friends. Or becoming friends. Or friendly. Friends do nice things for each other. Like, bring each other coffee.”

“Okay, Marvin. Sure. Whatever you say.”

Crash! Olivia, Martha, and Taylor zipping around roaring like lions, or tigers, or maybe bears, come crashing into me with the force of three stampeding baby hippos.

“Mr. Block, we’re playing tigers!” Martha yells.

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