There where about ten white plastic tables for two set up around the class facing the front. Our teacher stood at the front getting her power point ready. The lights were dim so we could see the screen better. There were maybe twenty people in the class. There was one empty table at the back by the door and one table toward the front with one seat left. The lady from the bathroom was sitting there. I really wanted to take the table in back and have it all to myself, but, trying to be sociable, I walked up to the table with the bathroom lady sitting there. She was wearing a red sweatshirt. I should have known I would come to despise anyone wearing a sweatshirt in 100 degree weather.
As I grabbed the chair to sit down she coolly turned her grey head to look at me. The look she gave me stopped me in my tracks. My forward motion and haste propelled me to grab the chair, but her look prompted me to ask "is it alright if I sit by you"? She said in a loud whisper "I guess, but just so you know, I saw what you did back there." I was in the chair and setting my purse down when her words sunk in.
I slowly turned and looked at her and she glared back. I said "what do you mean"? "Did what, where"? "In the bathroom" she hissed at me. Still not comprehending her meaning I stared at her as she loftily informed me, "I want you to know that I work for the Health Department and I don't hesitate to point out to people when they don't wash their hands after using the restroom." I sat and stared at her as the meaning of her words sunk in, and then I looked away in shame. The teacher began her power point showing beautiful slides from gardens all over the world and all I could do is sit there and steam.
YOU ARE READING
The Arboretum
Non-FictionA true story of the insane thing that happened to me when I stepped out of my comfort zone and signed up for an adult ed class at a local arboretum.
