Going Anyway

Another Reason Why I'm Moving

Friday, May 12

I don't think my Friday could've ended any worse.

After school, two of my students got into a fight. Before I could do anything, Quince, a muscular kid was punching a fatter kid, Darin, in the face. Blood was already everywhere because they had both thrown punches. Next thing I knew, Darin was on the floor. Quince was on top of him banging his head on the floor. Without even thinking, I dashed over, wrapping my arms around Quince, grabbed his hands, squeezing as tightly as I could, pulling him off of Darin.

"GET ON THE FLOOR, AND PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. DON'T YOU DARE MOVE," I ordered Quince.

Quince obeyed, but I realized Darin had his eyes closed. Blood was coming from his nose and mouth. I got on the ground to sit him up, so he wouldn't drown in his own blood. He was limp, but breathing. I literally thought he was going to die.

Next thing I knew, the PE teacher, Ryan Hill, was by my side, and had his knee on Quince's hands. I held Darin, praying he wouldn't die.

Everyone around just stared at nothing in focus. "Mrs. Weaves, please call 9-1-1." Mrs. Weaves is the History teacher across the hall from me. She's an older lady. "Mr. Davison, please go find the nurse." He's the seventh grade English teacher, and he was walking by the scene. "And, Miss Samuelson(Alice), go find the principle." I knew some people could have already been on it, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I looked at all the students. "Just give us space. Please go."

Jeff came down and didn't really do anything. He just stood there. The nurse rushed over.

I explained what happened, and she looked very concerned and was thankful the paramedics were coming.

The paramedics took both kids, but they were especially worried about Darin. They rushed him to the nearest hospital. The cops interviewed all the bystanders, including me. I didn't get home until after five. I texted Ava that I had to stay late, but didn't give her a reason why.

As I was walking out, Jeff was talking to Ryan near the front office. I glared, staring down at my blood stained shirt. "If you're wondering, this is another reason why I'm moving." I could hear the anger in my voice because this whole thing shouldn't have happened in a middle school.

I could tell Jeff took offense to that when he put his hands up. "It could've happened anywhere."

"But it happened here," I reasoned.

He walked over to me, and put a hand on my shoulder. "He's going to be fine."

I took in a deep breath. "Keep me updated."

"Will do."

When I got home, Ava saw the blood, and was immediately concerned. I told her what happened in as little detail as possible. I didn't tell her how bad it really was.

We usually go out to dinner on Friday nights, so we still went out to eat at our local pizza parlor. One thing I've noticed about having a kid is that her life still goes on, even when I have a bad day. She doesn't need to understand the world's problems. It was nice to just listen to her talk tonight.

I did get a text from Jeff at around eleven o'clock tonight. Darin is going to be fine. He just suffered a severe concussion. He will not be back at school for a while. Maybe until the fall.

Long day.