Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

41 - Sea Level

41

Sea Level

Friday, March 31

At breakfast, Kevin announced to all: "Sorry, but the bus is broken. We will need to walk all the way down the mountain from here."

"No. That sucks!" A loud outcry of complaints followed. But Angela and the other adults just smiled.

"April Fools!" Kevin laughed.

Groans all around.

"Mr. Watson, that's so unfair. Today isn't even April yet," said John.

"True," said Kevin. "But, that just adds to the humor. I mean, we won't get to see you guys tomorrow, on the real April Fools Day, so this is legal. We're even fooling the month of April!"

Now that the kids weren't worried, most thought it was a good joke and were smiling. They packed up, cleaned the dorms, then took a quiz. Since they were allowed to use their notes on the handouts they had completed during the week, it was low-stress, but Angela and Kevin felt good about having some learning accountability. They had all gained knowledge about the rain cycle, the role of decaying wood into duff that fertilized new growth, and some more about local animals and plants. The kids had a quick lunch, thanked Miranda and Tommy, then climbed aboard the bus for the long ride back. The chill mountain air became warmer as they descended into the LA basin's hazy blue spring weather.

At Valle Grande, everyone piled out as they arrived near the end of the school day, ready to share their stories and adventures from the week at Lake Arrowhead. And Kevin hoped the camp had planted a seed, that their next generation might be a little more likely to put energy into protecting and preserving the environment.

Kevin was ready for a little solo time when he got home. He skipped the TGIF, perhaps in part because he knew Angela was heading home instead of attending. He tried calling Monica about the warrant for the parking tickets, but again there was no answer.

Saturday, April 1

Miguel and Stan were busy. Johnny had no gigs. Kevin spent a lot of time by himself. Maybe it was just as well. He worked on lessons, getting prepared and ready to teach again on Monday. He looked forward to coaching and being back in his class. There was a lot of cloud cover, and a cool breeze blowing. He got in a run, did some reading, ate Mexican food, and was in bed early. A relaxing evening. He fell asleep.

Then the phone rang, waking him up.

"Ummm. Hello?"

"Kevin, is that you?"

His heart sank. It was Monica. "Yeah."

She was sobbing. "Kevin, I'm in jail."

"What? Are you kidding?"

"No. I had all these stupid parking tickets. I hurt my leg and had to double park a lot, running errands for the store. I didn't pay the tickets, and now they have arrested me. I don't have the cash for bail."

"I tried calling you. The warrant was issued for me because the car is in my name."

She ignored that, crying as she pleaded with Kevin. "Can you please come to get me out of jail?"

He looked at the clock. It was ten p.m. "Can't someone closer do it? Your boss or assistant?" He knew she would never call her mother for something like this. The other alternative would be to let her stay in jail.

"No Kevin. I tried. You're the only one who answered. I'm so sorry. But please help me. Please."

"How much is bail?"