Georges. His name was Georges René Sinclair. Georges seemed to have a hard time explaining his father's profession. He was an "important businessman" according to the young boy. Apparently too important to take his only son to his first day at a new school, Alexander thought with much disdain. His mother was a professional singer and was currently doing a world tour. To sum up: neither parent was looking after the boy.
"Are you alone at home?" Alexander asked.
"No. I am with somebody," Georges said, "They are paid to be with me."
"A nanny?"
"Yes."
Alexander took a deep breath as he walked alongside his new acquaintance. He had to remain calm, for himself and now for Georges. After 30 minutes of talking, the professor was starting to comprehend the young boy's psyche a little bit better. Georges was a lonely child, which explained his clinginess and his worrying tendency to talk to strangers. Alexander and Georges, although being different ages and coming from different backgrounds, had the same problem: isolation. Isolation was one of the worst possible poisons known to the human soul. Isolation was a wall; an invisible wall. Yet, it remained one of the most feared walls known to man. Few managed to get to the other side.
"Professor Smith?"
Alexander looked down at the boy.
"Is that right? You said that you had a doctorate," the boy inquired.
"Yes, yes, that's correct."
"Do you think you are going to be my teacher?"
"Depends. Do you fancy doing maths in English?"
"After talking with you, I think that taking your class would be an excellent idea!"
They chuckled together while entering the school playground.
Professor Alexander Smith had been right to not listen to his anxious thoughts that summer morning. It turns out, there was no reason to be worried.
YOU ARE READING
Back to school
Short StoryA veteran maths professor's nerves start to get to him on his very first day at a new school.
