School was almost out and Lisa could not wait to get out of class, especially Mrs. Grubtree’s class. Mrs. Grubtree was the meanest, most crotchety second grade teacher at Central Uptown Elementary and she always knew when a student wasn’t paying attention. Which was exactly what Lisa was attempting to do for the last fifteen minutes of class, but her mind kept straying to thoughts of her father. Lisa had not seen or heard from her father for at least a week now. This worried her as while he might be away for a time on an assignment he would always make sure to check in at least once every other day letting her know he was ok. But a whole week! She was only six years old and did not know what to make of her situation. Mrs. Grubtree made of Lisa’s situation for her.
“Lisa!” Mrs. Grubtree’s voice cracked out like a cold whip, “You are not paying attention.”
The other children-paying attention or not-found this immensely funny, turning to look at her as they giggled to themselves.
“You will stay after class Lisa, and then YOU, and I, will have a talk about proper classroom behavior.” Lisa turned thirteen shades of red as she sunk as far as possible into her desk-chair.The next fifteen minutes passed and nothing else to horrible took place, except for the long list of homework the children were assigned. As the bell indicating the end of the school day rang Lisa hurried to get out of the classroom before Mrs. Grubtree could catch her, but her teacher was swifter than her many years implied.
“Now my dear, it is time for our,” she paused, allowing Lisa the full measure of her old, dead eyes, “talk.”
“I’m really sorry ma'am, but I’ve just been worried about my father.” Lisa could think of nothing but the truth to offer up.
“Your father is an operative?”
“Yes ma’am’”
“Well, an operative’s life involves many risks, death being only one. As an operatives daughter you of all people should know this.”
“But,” Lisa was unable to speak any more before her teacher’s sharp voice cut her off.
“But nothing! You are a student and you will pay attention!” Lisa hung her head shamefully. “And the next time I catch you slacking off it’ll be more than a talking to you get.”
A fragile silence filled the classroom.
“Do you understand?!”
Lisa’s voice seemed like a kitten’s mew answering a tiger’s roar, “Yes ma'am.”
“Now get home,” Mrs. Grubtree snapped, and Lisa was out the door.As she shot out of the classroom Lisa almost collided with one of her classmates, Billy McCorman........
Well, that's the start. I'm still busting my butt to get more done, but I wanted to know what people think of the begining.
Jason K. Averill
Lucky '13
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