Some of the songs we had to learn were stupid, and she took great pleasure in watching us by singing them badly, I loved her all the more for it. Things like "Morning Comes bringing" and "Cherry Ripe" made my teeth grind, but because she desired it, we'd sing our little hearts out, and she would smile with such a joy. She was our mistress. She would sometimes reward us with milk and cookies or even let us out five minutes before the bell rang, for hers was the last class of the day.
Late in school year came the day that i learned what she'd had in store for me from the beginning. Not only me. Johnny, Tina and I were to sing. Solos. Not only in front of the class, but in front of the school. Johnny would sing "The Impossible Dream". Tina would sing "Love Is Blue". And I--- I would sing " Time of my life".
Mrs. Weiler looked pained and fearful when i began breathing and sobbing so hard---- and came to me and stroked my hand, and gazed at me with such sadness in her green eyes. Kneeling before me, she looked truly beautiful, and i wanted to kiss those green eyes. But she said "Warren, you can do it, I know. Won't you sing for us? Won't you please?"
And taking a deep breath, I said, "Yes", because I could not refuse her.
