Tender Teachings

Chapter Two - Don't

The next morning, I woke with a light bounce in my step. Enough so, I made a detour on the way to school to pick up some starbucks for me and my friend Emily. Her and I bonded over our constant trips to starbucks together junior year, when we both got our licences. When you’re a teenage girl, with the freedom to drive wherever you want, it’s obvious the only place you’ll really go is starbucks. Looking back, I cringe on my stereotypical self, but I’m so grateful for the friendship that formed from it. Em didn’t have first period off like I did, but she was an assistant for the library, so she didn’t have any work just the same. The librarian didn’t seem to mind when I came in to hang out with Emily every other morning, as long as there wasn’t anything to be done.

I picked up the coffee (completely over-priced might I add) and made my way to the school, with no hurry in my drive. First hour had already started by the time I made my way through the door. Walking into the empty hall, I tried my best to hide the coffees behind my binder. Most teachers didn’t pay much attention to the “no food or drink” rule, but the few that did, were insistent about it. I was almost 20 feet from the library doors when the assistant principal noticed my not-so-hidden coffees.

“Excuse me Ms, where are you taking those?” he marched up to me, authority driven in his face. I knew if I could come up with some excuse, I’d be set free, but I didn’t have enough time to think of one.

“I umm...” I started, my voice trailing off. Just as I’d lost hope, I saw Mr. Henti walking around the corner, a stack of papers in his hands. “I was picking these up for Henti.” I blurted not thinking about the plan. His head instantly snapped back as he heard what I’d said.

“Here you go sir,” I said handing him the cups. He had a blank look on his face, almost confused, but trying to hide it. He took the cups from my hands as it clicked.

“Ah yes thank you Ms. May,” He said convincingly.

“Having students pick up coffee for you? Isn’t ..” the assistant principal began.

“Oh don’t worry, this was a one time thing. Marry here is my TA. I didn’t have anything for her to grade, but I was still swamped from conferences last night.”

He seemed convinced as he looked at him with concern. “Teacher’s Assistants aren’t really made for breakfast errands Henti. Use her time wisely, or another teacher will.” He snapped.

“Understood, sir. Won’t happen again.” He said turning to me. “We should get back to those papers. I might have some quizzes for you to grade.” I nod politely as he begins walking toward his classroom.I follow him as we leave Mr. Kep behind us. I glance back to see he’s already found his next victim to interrogate. We continue to walk towards his classroom as I my mind begins racing.

“I’m so sorry about that,” I say as soon as I’m sure Kep’s out of our earshot. “I didn’t mean to throw you under the bus like that.” I am comforted and relieved as I see him smile to himself.

“As if I didn’t cover for you enough last night.” His words are light and childlike. “Then you go and almost get me busted with my boss for coffee.” He lifts the cup up to his nose and sniffs it laughing. “And bad coffee at that.”

“Hey, at least it’s actually coffee.” I joke. “Not one of those frappuccino-shake-things people call coffee.”

He nods his head smiling. “This is true. Here, hold these.” He hands me the cups as he gets out the keys to his room, unlocking the door. I stand there, feeling slightly awkward. Though I am not completely sure if it’s me wanting to escape the situation completely, or if I’m slightly enjoying his presence. I assume the best, and attempt to cut the encounter short.