Mother

Chapter 11

When I walked in, the loud hum of  different conversation greeted me. Ms. Ramirez was already seated at a table, along with Mr. Jacobson and a few others I recognized from earlier. I hesitated for a second, unsure if I should join them, but Ms. Ramirez waved me over before I could decide.

"Ms. Thampson! Come sit with us!" she called out, her smile warm and welcoming.

I made my way over and sat down, grateful for the invitation. Unpacking my lunch, I tried not to look as frazzled as I felt.

"So, how's the day going so far?" Ms. Ramirez asked, sipping her coffee.

I smiled, a little sheepishly. "Busy. I've taught five classes already, and I feel like I haven't stopped moving since this morning."

Mr. Jacobson let out a chuckle. "Welcome to our world. You'll get used to it."

I laughed with them, feeling more relaxed now that the first big chunk of the day was behind me. "I hope so. The students have been great though, really enthusiastic."

"That's the key," Ms. Ramirez said, nodding. "If they're excited, you're halfway there. And don't worry about remembering all their names right away. It takes time."

I smiled, grateful for the reassurance. "Thanks. I'm definitely still working on that."

"How was it like teaching your own students?" A new voice questioned.

"it was alright." I replied cautiously.

"Good to hear, I had heard that you got both the Rossi boys in your class." The same voice answered whose name I had learned to be Ms. Davis.

"Yes I do, is there something I need to know about  them or anyone else." I asked intrigued.

"Well try not to engage with the Rossi brother too much, they're spoiled troublemakers, especially the older one, Julio."

"why, shouldn't I treat everyone equally?" I expressed.

"I'm not forcing you to stay away from them. But warning you,  unless you want to get fired like the  last teacher  did. Try doing what's best  for you, and mind your own business that's the only way you can keep this job."  Ms. Davis said warningly.

"Stop it already, you're going to scare her away." Ms Ramirez interrupted trying to lighten up the mood.

"Don't be too Frightened, there is more to this school than what meets the eye, don't listen to everything Ms. Davis says. There are a lot of good things about this school too. I awkwardly smiled hoping we could forget this conversation already.

But the conversation after flowed easily. We shared stories, and laughed about some of the more ridiculous things that happen in classrooms. I could already tell this group of teachers was tight-knit, and they made me feel welcome in a way I hadn't expected on my first day.

As lunch wrapped up and the other teachers began heading out, I felt a little more grounded.

"Good luck with the rest of your classes today, Ms. Thompson," Mr. Jacobson called as he headed toward the door. "And remember, we're all here if you need anything."

"Thanks," I replied, feeling a sense of warmth at his words.

As I gathered my things and prepared to head back to the art room for the afternoon, I couldn't help but feel a little nervous about what I heard from Ms. Davis. The nerves that had been buzzing under the surface all morning had started to climb back up, replacing my more solid—confidence.

What do I do now,  I had talked back  to the boys already, am I about to get fired. But when I think about it, Mr.Smith, the vice principal didn't mention anything about it today so maybe i should stop thinking about it too much.

"It hadn't even come to an end yet, and I may have already caused trouble, ugh I'm literally cursed." I thought to myself.