Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

16 - Monica's Needs

16

Monica's Needs

Monday, November 7

The sky was overcast, gray, and gloomy, reflecting Kevin's mood. It wasn't going to rain, but it just felt depressing. Even the kids' antics at school didn't get him out of his funk. Somehow, he got it all done, the teaching, coaching, and paperwork, then he went home to convalesce. Around five, he got a call.

"Kevin, I'm so glad I finally got you on the phone. I was worried I'd miss you again. How are you?"

Tempted to tell her everything about his frustration, his anger over being relegated to getting messages from her assistant manager, and his bad case of poison oak, Kevin didn't feel like sharing. "Fine."

"Oh, good. I was worried. I called several times and just couldn't reach you. I'm so sorry."

"I also called several times and left many messages for you at work. Did you get them?"

"I did. I guess we just missed each other. I only have a few minutes now, but needed to hear your voice."

"When did you call? I never heard the phone once, except when your assistant called Friday."

"Um, well, Tuesday and Thursday evening, and then a couple of times on Saturday and Sunday. You were probably out."

Because the poison oak got worse, Kevin hadn't left the apartment from Friday night until Monday morning. She was lying. He felt hurt but didn't react outwardly, asking, "You were in meetings all weekend?"

"Yes, but I'm all caught up now and will be home soon. I'll work late Friday, so I'll be there early Saturday morning, okay?"

"Sure."

"You don't sound like yourself."

"Uh, there have been a couple of things happening, but you said you only had a few minutes, so I'll tell you all about everything next weekend."

"Oh, thanks for understanding. This work schedule is crazy, but I'll see you soon."

"Okay, bye."

Tuesday, November 8

Kevin was so preoccupied with Monica that he almost forgot his stopwatch. He grabbed it and reminded himself to be present for the team. He felt a light breeze and was shaded by huge clouds at cross-country practice. Kevin counted out loud as the kids ran the bases. "If you get to first base before I count ten, slow down! You can't run two-thirds of a mile going faster than that." Some of the kids were beginning to understand, but others still sprinted at first, then had to walk and finished last. But he knew they would learn over time. They just had no experience running long distances.

Valerie Holmes was steady. She ran almost effortlessly, her consistent rhythm like a metronome. She finished far ahead of the others once again, but not quite as far as she did last Friday or yesterday, even though she is getting a little faster. Yes, the other kids are finally learning something about pacing themselves. Good.

The boys had no individual standout, but used their smarts and habits of listening, so they improved quickly. The ones who had played football for Kevin followed his instructions.

*****

He went home. The poison oak was better. It still looked terrible, but didn't feel as itchy. It would be at least a week before he could join Miguel for basketball or play tennis with Stan. He tried calling Monica both at home and work, but didn't bother leaving a message when he couldn't find her. Why is it so hard to reach her?