The next day, I arrive at class a bit earlier than usual to review today's lesson. We're still doing the algebra unit. The class is learning about the different aspects of algebra and yadda yadda blah blah. It doesn't take me long to feel confident that I've prepared a lesson that's both informative and fun, and I'm even including a few ironic math puns that the kids like.
I have about fifteen minutes left to kill. So, I kick my feet up on my desk, lay back in my comfy wheely chair, and stretch out an arm with my hand tucked behind my head. The other hand holding my coffee, of course.
I allow my mind to run freely. Removing those school-only limitations from around my imagination, I close my eyes, and let my thoughts wander, allowing them to bring back whatever topic they please to my attention.
Kenneth.
I nearly spit out my coffee. I find myself sitting upright stiffly. Holding my breath. Feet on the ground. Shoulders lifted as high as my nose. Unmoving. Tense.
I mean, it's normal for me to think about the guy – after all, he's my only close friend. But why did it feel so... wrong? Man, I need to get some more friends. I'm a grown man being overly thankful for one companion.
I finally exhale and allow my muscles to relax. Having only one friend must be driving me crazy or something.
Slowly, the students begin to flood my classroom, talking amongst each other.
"Good morning Mr. Baldi!" cheers a student.
"Bet you've got a fantastically boring lesson planned," jokes another kid with a snicker. "Kidding."
"Psst, you should pass me on that test next week," whispers another student to me. The small group behind them giggle.
I give the jokesters the witty responses they're looking for, and after everyone has arrived, I begin the lesson. And I continue the lesson for about 45 minutes, using my signature trusty ruler to point to equations and such. The block is filled with laughter, learning, and fun. I swear these kids are all angels.
Class is over soon and each student leaves with a smile on their face, so I did my job.
I glance up from my desk and I'm surprised to see Kenneth standing just left of the doorway outside, allowing the last bit of students to exit the class, chattering happily. My gaze remains in his direction as he briefly greets the exiting students. Once they're gone, he lifts his gaze up to meet mine and enters the classroom, holding something behind his back.
"Anything I can do for you, Mr. Principal sir?" I ask.
"No sir Mr. Baldimore sir, just came here to enjoy my lunch, if you don't mind, that is," he says using a satirical authoritative voice while waving a brown paper bag in front of him. He holds a tray containing two cups of coffee in his other hand.
"Well if that's the case, pull yourself a chair up and have a seat."
"Don't mind if I do."
Kenneth pulls up a chair, takes a seat at the other side of the table, and digs out a sandwich from his bag.
"Those kids seemed awfully happy when they left class," he comments, undoing the wrap around his lunch.
"They must have a great math teacher," I say with a grin.
"A great principal must have employed that great math teacher."
"And great students must be in the school of such great educators," I say, removing an apple from a drawer in my desk.
"Preach. Oh, I almost forgot, I brought you a coffee," he said, handing me a cup of some of that sweet bean juice. I had my eye on the extra cup from the moment I saw it.
"Oh, how nice, thank you," I say, extending my hand to receive the drink.
"'Oh?' Come on Baldi, don't kid me. I know you, we could both spot a cup of coffee from a mile away. You knew it was yours before I even stepped foot in this class," he protests, drawing back his arm and the coffee.
"Alright, alright, you caught me. I saw it. I'm just trying to be modest."
"Knew it! Ah, well, your trial is over," he says, finally giving me the cup.
"Thank you," I say as he hands me the cup, drawing out the 'thank' until the coffee's in my hand.
"No need to thank me. You deserve it and more, for managing to do the one thing no one else can do – making kids enjoy math."
"Oh, tha- I mean, good observation," I say with a chuckle.
"Thank you."
YOU ARE READING
Teach me How (Baldi x Principal)
Fanfiction"I'm a dude. I like a dude. Meanwhile, we're trying to thwart an awful lie about me before it spreads too far." ●●● Baldi has been teaching for 11 years, and he's never been happier. His students absolutely adore him and are alwa...
