Conflict and Control

Unscheduled Meetings

Once I stumble my way out of the corridor and into Mr. Wetzit's room I head straight for my locker in an attempt to avoid lingering stares from my classmates. I know full and well that I am in a deplorable state but do not make a big deal out of it, I think when Mr. Wetzit finds me and pulls me aside.

"Kallie," he starts. "What's wrong? You look like you tried to replicate the time when you stayed up all night on your assigned calculus homework. You aren't stressed out about graduation are you?"

In the back of my subconscious I ignite with fury because he had no right to bring up that calculus assignment again, promised me he would not for as long as I remained a student. To calm myself down I also reminded myself that it was a one time thing and I even told him that.

"I'm fine Mr. Wetzit. Last night I decided to treat myself a little for being so close to graduation, and I may have gone a little overboard with my snacks. All that pizza and..." I start to drift off remembering that night and how I wished I could order another pizza. I shake my head to help me refocus on the discussion. "It won't happen again Mr. Wetzit I'll promise you that."

Once I told him I expected some disappointment or judgement, but instead he smiled and clapped a hand on my shoulder. Apparently he knows what I am going through and went to get me a bottle of water. I started sipping the cold and clear liquid when he spoke in a whisper. "I'll forget this ever happened Kallie. I'd recommend that you take it easy on that water too, otherwise we'd have to call your parents, tell them you're having a food hangover." Before he went to resume his place at his podium he patted me on the shoulder again. I guess everyone has those moments of weakness and disarray, but at least he gave me the benefit of the doubt. Feeling so grateful for his silence I gathered my supplies and sat at my desk ready for class.

He stood at the podium proud and confident, and began with the announcements. "Today we are all one step closer to becoming citizens of Caiman. As per the request of the Education Board I have files for each of you that may explain what job you're being considered for, so bear in mind whatever is inside these files may not be the job you think. I'll call each of you one by one back to my office to have this conversation with you, for those of you waiting I expect you all to be studying for your final physics test." He went on talking more about graduation like how-we-should-cherish-this-occassion and how-much-responsiblity-we-carry-once-we-graduate speeches. After that he started calling names back to his office, and others pulled out their study guides and began calculating answers.

I started glancing at the problems and instead of wanting to work I started worrying about my job because I think I do not fit anywhere. Time seems to freeze as I begin freaking myself out thinking of where I fit before he calls for me. By about eleven o'clock he reached me and I tried to walk slowly when it felt my heart was racing my mind to a solution. Mr. Wetzit pats my shoulder once more and gestures to a small room with a manila folder on the table. Two chairs faced each other across the table and all the while I want to escape this tiny room, go back to my house and curl up in my bed, imagine all of this is some dream or hallucination.

Welcome Kallie, I've saved one of my best students for last." The way Mr. Wetzit is positioned with his arms on the table and his back straight he means business, and will not talk very long. "I'm going to give this to you straight: the Education Board has determined that you won't fit anywhere in Caiman. As of right now they're planning to take you to the detention facility and basically brainwash you into fitting in. They will succeed, unless you take this deal I'm about to offer you." At first I was relaxed thinking he was joking, but the more we sat there the calm feeling turned to fear.

"But, but, but," I stutter," that can't be possible everyone has their place. Everyone gets placed somewhere."

"Not necessarily. Citizens with creative abilities are supposed threats to the social order and are promptly detained. Once you're caught the government alters you and those who will know you will be convinced of your disappearance. They'll take you to the detention center where they will mold you to a job and provide you a new identity. I'm telling you this because I refuse to have anyone lay a hand on you Kallie. I encourage you to never tell anyone else what I'm about to tell you and take my deal."

"You're just my teacher, why do you care so much about what happens to me? Why not just let me take the blows and get accepted here in Caiman instead of sticking out?" Inside I was thoroughly torn between my given passion and being at risk of being labeled an outcast. Whatever Mr. Wetzit is planning to offer me is nothing someone my age should ever deal with.

"Remember the man who refused their job?" When I nod he smiles back. "That was me. The government took me after school one day and convinced my parents I was being considered for an internship for international exploration. Held me for two years, I was only fifteen years old then. I turned seventeen after their torture and mental tampering they released me to becoming a teacher. Majority of their methods and words have been lost as time has taken its toll. Needless to say it was miserable and I'd be wasting my memories if I didn't at least warn people what they're up against. I became the leader of Caiman Rescue, an organization that allows people like you to escape Caiman without losing your memories or your talents. My offer is if you wish to be safe and practice your music freely contact me, or stay and have your whole life changed to fit their ideals. I want you to think long and hard before you choose."

As overwhelming as this problem is the answers were laid out plain and transparent in the time I have been here with him. I either leave my life for Caiman or leave for myself, much more complicated than that calculus homework. "Say I'd say yes, how're you getting me out of Caiman?"