Just Sh*t: A New York City Story

Chapter 31: The Praise Parade

By lunchtime, Jamie had transformed from a nervous substitute teacher into the most popular person on campus. As he walked into the bustling cafeteria, students waved and called out to him. "Mr. Brooks!" they shouted, as if he were a rock star making an entrance. Laughter filled the air, and kids crowded around him, eager to chat and share the latest TikTok trends or celebrity gossip.

Even the teachers seemed to rally behind him, cheering him on with playful jabs. "Look at you, Jamie! Who knew you had it in you?" one of the other faculty members said, winking at him. Jamie couldn't help but feel a swell of pride, riding high on the energy of the kids and their newfound enthusiasm.

But as the afternoon rolled around, the mood shifted dramatically. The door swung open, and in walked the assistant principal—an imposing figure who commanded instant respect. The air in the classroom went icy silent, the contrast stark against the earlier chaos. Jamie's heart sank; he could sense that this was not someone to take lightly.

The assistant principal, impeccably groomed and dressed in a tailored suit, scanned the room with a piercing gaze. It was clear he was well accustomed to classrooms like this, and Jamie felt his stomach drop as the realization set in: no real learning had taken place.

In the back, a group of students had settled comfortably on the counter, feet up and chatting away. Jamie cleared his throat, trying to regain some authority. "Hey, guys, could you get off the counter, please?" he asked quietly, knowing he was treading on thin ice.

As if sensing the tension, the group reluctantly hopped down, exchanging sheepish looks. Jamie stood at the back of the classroom, flanked by a few girls who were giggling and whispering among themselves. Just then, the assistant principal gestured for Jamie to step into the hallway.

Jamie's mind raced with anxiety as he followed the man outside, anticipating a stern talking-to. Instead, the assistant principal turned to him, his demeanor shifting to something more encouraging. "I just wanted to take a moment to talk to you, Jamie," he began, his voice smooth and higher-pitched than expected. "You've really brought a, how should I put it, a 'new light' to this campus. You feel me?"

Jamie blinked, caught off guard. "Um, thanks?"

The man continued, his well-manicured hands gesturing animatedly. "The kids are responding to you. They're engaged in a way that I haven't seen in a long time. You have a unique energy, and I appreciate that."

Jamie nodded, still trying to process the unexpected praise. "Really? I mean, I just—"

"Just keep being yourself," the assistant principal interjected, smiling warmly. "You're more than welcome to come back anytime. You're doing great work here."

Feeling a mix of relief and elation, Jamie thanked him as they stepped back into the classroom. As soon as he re-entered, the students erupted into cheers, the earlier silence forgotten. It was as if Jamie had just returned from an epic battle victorious.

"Mr. Brooks! What did he say?" one kid shouted.

"Was he mad?" another asked, wide-eyed with curiosity.

Jamie raised his hands, silencing them. "It was good! He liked what we were doing!" The room erupted again, this time in genuine excitement.

The assistant principal stepped in briefly, and the room instantly hushed again, the respect for authority palpable. He held up a hand, and with a single pointed look, he commanded silence without needing to say a word. Then, just as quickly as he appeared, he left the room, and the students wasted no time.

"Mr. Brooks is the best!" someone shouted, and the class erupted into laughter and chatter, although this time it was at least 50% quieter than before. Jamie couldn't help but smile, a feeling of triumph washing over him. He was navigating this chaotic classroom like a pro, and for the first time, he felt like he might actually belong.