Page 77 of Here and Now
“I appreciate it.”
Without another word, she heads out, and I go back to review the notes we took on the candidates. I really have no idea what I’m going to do. We promoted another teacher to the head position, but that leaves her classroom open. I have kids returning in a few weeks without a teacher in place. When schedules go out, I have to have a name in that slot or I’ll have a whole other issue with parents.
It’s like a merry-go-round in my head, spinning between them, hoping something lands and I pick the right horse.
Before I know it, Lois is back. “You look deep in thought.”
“I was hoping I’d see an option out of the ones we’ve spoken with.”
She places the coffee down with a note on it:No date, but coincidentally, I might see you at practice tomorrow.
The stupid smile that forms should be embarrassing, but I don’t care. It’s been a few days since I’ve seen her, other than when she waves as she picks up Kai after clinic.
“Miles?”
I look up. “Yes?”
“Get it under control, we have our next interview,” Lois says and then walks out.
This interview is actually going great. I like this girl. She’s smart and worked out of state, moving back to this area of Virginia to be closer to her family. There are no real red flags and from what I can see, the reason she’s not already taken is she just moved a month ago.
I might actually have someone.
“Can you tell us a bit about your last school?” I ask Trinette.
“I loved it. New Jersey is where I grew up, and I planned to stay there, but then my aunt got sick and I just thought it was better to come stay here and help. I taught ninth and tenth grade, which was really wonderful. I can handle any English time period, but my two favorites are British literature and Shakespeare. However, I’m open to anything.”
“All of that sounds great. Do you have anything to ask us?”
Trinette shifts. “I do. Can you tell me about the school’s goals? Meaning, do you teach more to testing or do you work toward other goals?”
I smile at Lois, feeling confident that we might have found our teacher. “We’re a mix of both. Most schools are scrutinized over the test scores, as you probably know. We do want the kids to keep achieving the goals the state has required, but we are a little unique in that our students don’t say they feel that pressure. We do a lot of things, and I encourage my staff to find ways to just make learning fun.”
Trinette’s lip starts to tremble, and then her hand covers her mouth. I start to move, and then she just bursts into tears. I’m talking a sob that sounds like a wail.
What the . . . ?
I get out of my seat, as does Lois. “Are you okay?” I ask quickly.
She raises her hand. “I’m sorry. Yes.”
Lois and I look to each other and she shrugs. Great, she doesn’t know either. “Can I get you something? Are you sick? In pain?”
Trinette shakes her head. “No, no, I’m sorry. I just ... I need a minute.”
“Of course.”
I step back and replay that last conversation, trying to figure out what the fuck I said to trigger her into a full-fledged meltdown. A few minutes go by, and then she sniffs and seems to have control again.
“I apologize.”
“It’s all right. Can you explain what upset you?” I ask.
“It’s just ... Mercury is in retrograde, and I felt the tug against my heart. The planets are telling me this isn’t the right fit.”
And just like that ... I’m still teacherless.
“Beer,” I say, holding up a six-pack at Lachlan’s front door. “Beer.”
