Teachers Love

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September 3rd

Pensacola, FL

Robert Rihmeek Williams

"Come on Maria. You have school."

"I don't want to get up daddy. I want to stay here."

"I know, but you can't. Daddy can't either so let's go."

"Fine."

Maria is my 6 year old daughter. Her mom died a little after she gave birth to her. I am 27 and I'm a gym teacher at Pensacola High. I've been there since Maria was born and sometimes I bring her with me. She is in 2nd grade. I've been raising her on my own with my sister.

"Dad you have to do my hair."

"How you want it?"

"A bun."

She turns 7 on September 14th and her hair is beautiful.

"How about we both get haircuts Ria?"

"No! I like my hair how it is."

"Watch your tone. Behave at school. I don't want to come down there today."

She goes to Oakcrest Elementary School and she's been a troublemaker lately.

"Come on."

"I'm hungry."

"We're going to stop by and get you something to eat. Come on."

"Am I going to Auntie Na's?"

"Yeah. I can't be late."

I got my stuff then got hers. I got my cup of coffee off the counter and I opened the door. I walked out behind her and locked the door.

"Can I sit in the front?"

"No. You know the answer already."

"You let me sit in the front yesterday."

"Come on."

I put our stuff in the backseat and I got in the car. I waited for her to put on her seatbelt and I backed out of the driveway.

"Let's go to Na's."

-

"I was wondering when you were getting here."

"Hey sis."

I gave her a hug then gave her Maria's book bag.

"You ready for your first day of second grade?", I asked.

"No. I want you too be there.", she said sadly.

I picked her up and looked at her.

"How about when I pick you up, we can go out and spend some time together."

"That's sounds like a plan."

"Daddy has to go but I'll see you later."

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too."

I kissed her on the cheek then put her down.

"I'll see you later Na."

"Hold up. Ma wants you to go up with Philly."

"Can I bring her?", I asked and she shook her head.

"I'm good then."

Maria's mother and I were together since 8th grade up until Maria was born. My mom didn't like Crystal and when she found out she was having my baby, a lot of drama was created. Whenever I go up there to visit my mom, she always tells me to leave Maria with Na or a friend. Maria changed me a lot and I wouldn't want to have any other daughter.