Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

3 - TGIF

3

TGIF

Friday, September 9, after school

Kevin took some forms to the office, which was as organized, sterile, and bland as the principal. An antiseptic smell. There were dozens of drawers, each with the name of a staff member. A counter divided the public area from the workspace, where trays with signs for specific forms were clearly labeled. Kevin set the required student information sheets in the correct inbox. There was a proper place for everything. He already knew the secretary, a pleasant woman in her forties. Wearing a white blouse and gray skirt, she glanced at Kevin, looking over her dark-rimmed reading glasses.

I wonder if there is an office staff dress code? "Hey, Amanda. You gonna work here all weekend? I can't imagine anything else that you or I would rather be doing than paperwork here at Valle Grande, true?"

Amanda laughed as he'd hoped. "You bet, Mr. Watson. I'd prefer to stay here. But at 4:30, we lock the doors, and I must head home to my family to make dinner. It's my cross to bear, but someone has to love my husband, laugh with my kids, savor a little pasta, and enjoy a relaxing weekend."

He grinned back. "It's tough, but hang in there. Maybe a glass of wine will help?"

She nodded and winked.

Kevin returned to his room, then began tidying up and preparing his class for next week. Half an hour later, the custodian arrived, limping badly. Johnny Avers was tall, 6'8", with dark black skin and a full Afro. Quite an intimidating sight for most people, but Kevin beamed. "Oh man, Johnny Avers. I can't believe you work here. My Mountain College team got killed by your UCLA squad when I was playing a few years ago. You kicked our tail. I think I remember your stat line: 32 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, plus some blocks and steals. Coach told us it was the only time anyone ever had that kind of production against us!"

Johnny smiled wide, showing shiny white teeth beneath sparkling, deep brown eyes, delighted with the memory. "Yeah, I remember that game. Your team did not quit. Never saw more effort than y'all gave."

Johnny went about his duties as they talked. Kevin made sure he did not stare as Johnny hobbled around.

Talk about tough luck.

Everyone knew the story. A hit-and-run driver skidded into Johnny while he was walking across the street. They arrested the drunk driver, but it didn't help Johnny when his shattered leg failed to heal properly. A tragic end for one of the top basketball players in America. The large insurance settlement must have helped pay lots of bills, but it couldn't make his legs whole again.

"Yeah, um, thanks for tossing us a bone. We had the work ethic but not the talent. Lost by nearly 40. That day I gave up any hope of going pro." Oh no, just the wrong thing to say. I'm such an idiot. "Look man, sorry I said that. I'm sure it brings up painful memories. Should have kept my mouth shut. Hey, I'm Kevin Watson, new here, teaching fifth grade." He held out his hand.

Johnny gripped it solidly. "No worries. My car accident was two years ago. That ship has sailed. I'm looking forward, man, not living in the past. I'm a drummer in a band that's gonna make it much bigger than I ever would have as a pro athlete. Sports careers only last a few years. Music will be for life."

Kevin watched as Johnny smiled again, looking like he was pleased with his situation. Somehow, he seems to have moved on and is following new dreams. Good for him.

"Did you hear my wife Jodi got hired as the women's head basketball coach at Mountain College?"

"Yeah. She did a great job as an assistant before their last coach retired. With her background as a top college player, I'll bet she does well in recruiting. I hope your wife stays there for a long time."