Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

49 - Forever Friends

49

Forever Friends

Monday-Thursday, May 22-25

The girls' softball team had continued to play well, winning both Monday and Thursday to finish undefeated. But even better, they were using their heads, applying the right strategy in their choices both out in the field and up at the plate. It was fun to watch how they had grown together this year.

After their last game, Kevin said, "Congratulations. You have earned your way into the district finals next Tuesday. It will be against Buena Vista, so we get a chance for payback, but just an opportunity. All you girls need to do is play your best and make wise decisions during the game. I am so proud of the way you support and help each other. Keep it up! It's a pleasure to coach you."

Huddled around Kevin after their last regular-season game, they beamed.

Wednesday, at the staff meeting, Otto was a no-show. Someone said he was at the middle school, but no one had any idea why. So Julie and Cassie ran the meeting, with a detailed agenda and some interesting discussions. Kevin loved it.

I'd offer a kingdom for a worthy administrator. I don't want to transfer. I love the kids and my colleagues here. But I don't know if I can handle Smith another year. Well, I don't have to decide till July.

At one point he caught Angela's eye, taking a big breath and exhaling as if to show he was relieved that Smith was absent. She nodded in understanding and rewarded him with one of her killer smiles. She was across the room but felt like she was next to him.

She is one of the main reasons I want to remain at Valle Grande.

*****

Thursday night, Kevin played tennis with Stan and beat him easily. Surprisingly so. They headed to the clubhouse for a meal.

"Hey man, you didn't seem to be on your game tonight."

Stan said, "True. Guess I'm a little distracted and excited. Have a long weekend planned in San Francisco with Gene, then another two weeks' vacation in June. There's this huge Gay Pride parade in SF. Did I tell you about it?"

"Yeah, didn't you say they've gotten enormous crowds the past few years?"

"Drew a quarter of a million people last summer. Expect it to be even bigger this year. Remember the gay politician I told you about, Harvey Milk?"

"I do. He was voted onto the SF Board of Supervisors, their equivalent of a city council. First openly gay official elected to higher office in the history of the United States. Awesome!"

"Good memory, Kevin. Well, Gene and I have been generous with our donations so we get to meet with him as part of his planning group this weekend, and he has chosen and inspired a designer named Gilbert Baker to create a rainbow flag for Gay Pride. Its colors will include hot pink for sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, turquoise blue for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit. Seems like it just about represents everything on the planet."

"I notice you brought up the color for sexuality first."

Stan laughed, "You probably would too. Not a topic restricted to gays."

Kevin smiled, "True. It's an interest in common among all of us! How's everything else going?"

"As I have become more public in my politics, I feel like it's important to be real about who I am. I told my family back in Chicago."