Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
That’s the thing about young kids—you can never give them an inch, or they’ll take a mile. And in order to be the Fun Teacher like me, you have to maintain control. Fun without control would just be pandemonium. And despite what Katy Dayton thinks, that’s not what’s going on in room 216.
Sandwich lesson instilled, I head toward the front of the school for the “big meeting” with my two biggest fans.
Several teachers stop me to say hello, and Mona even pops her head out of the nurse’s office at the sound of my voice.
Eventually, though, I make my way into the reception area and offer Betty and Carol a smile and a wink while sliding by them on my way to the principal’s office at the back.
“Well, well, well, Mr. Houston, it’s so nice of you to join us,” Principal Dana greets when I step through her office door. Katy is already sitting down in one of the chairs across from her desk, and the scrunched-up look on her pretty face makes it apparent she is not any more thrilled to see me now than she was two periods ago.
“Am I late?” I question innocently, already knowing that I am. Schmoozing the staff as I walk takes time.
“Only ten minutes,” Katy mutters under her breath. “But that’s nothing new.”
Principal Dana smirks and pulls out a nail file, loving every second of Katy’s disdain for me. I think she’s hoping if she gives Katy the space, she’ll do the legwork of eating me alive.
But this isn’t the first time Katy and I have been in this office together, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Ms. Dayton’s not shy about airing her grievances about me and my classroom as regularly as possible.
This year, the only thing standing in her way is that Principal Dana rarely agrees to meetings. Something about them getting in the way of her “self-care” time.
I sit down in the seat beside Katy, and I swear to God, she moves her body away from me on instinct. With her long legs crossed and her shoulders pointed away from me, it’s like her entire being revolts against my presence.
She sees us as straight-up rivals. I see our battles as a pastime. One thing is for sure—we are not built the same.
Truth be told, I’ve always had a bit of a thing for her. Maybe it’s her unattainable nature that calls to me—most women aren’t a challenge—but she’s also beautiful and complex. A little uptight, sure, but she’s got these big blue eyes and flawless skin and an almost majestic shade of brownish-copper hair that makes her feel a little otherworldly.
And she’s a good teacher too. I’ve heard that more than a hundred times from just as many students. Which, considering she teaches math, is a pretty big fucking feat if you ask me.
Her students don’t mind that she’s firm or that she makes them work in class. She’s patient and she’s kind, and apparently, my guts are the only ones she hates.
“Now that we’re all here,” Dana begins and stands up from her chair, hitching one mauve-pant-covered hip on her desk. “We can get this meeting moving. It should be noted I have to leave by 12:45 for a hair appointment that I cannot miss. And seeing as it’s already 12:15, let’s keep the questions to a minimum, yeah?”
I suck my lips into my mouth on a near snort. Oh yeah, whatever this meeting is about is obviously very serious. Katy doesn’t let Dana’s tone stop her from acting as though it is, however.
“If you’re leaving at 12:45, who is covering your recess shift?”
“Sounds like you’re on top of it,” Dana responds without hesitation.
“But—” Katy starts to refute, but Dana just barrels right over her words.
“As for why you’re here, I’ve decided to put the two of you in charge of Career Day.”
“But we’ve never done a Career Day before.” Katy jumps in, resigned to recess duty and on to the next problem. But that’s Katy Dayton for you. Everything is problematic.
“I know. But my father was adamant we add one this year, and we’re running out of time.”
“You want us to plan it?” Katy’s jaw looks like it wants to unhinge itself from her face. “Together?”
Clearly, I am a demon, and Katy’s desperately searching for the number for an exorcist.
“Yes,” Principal Dana responds. “We need volunteers in the community to come in and talk about their careers to our students. So, the two of you will have to pick a day between now and the end of the year for an assembly, find our guest speakers, and get the event organized.”
“I can handle this on my own.”
I almost chortle. Katy Cat sure can cut to the point if the point is cutting me out.
“I’d actually like to be involved,” I interject, stirring the pot beautifully.