Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

51 - Surprises

51

Surprises

Monday, June 5

On a blustery day, Kevin and Angela both pulled into the school lot at about the same time. She parked on the far side and waved briefly upon emerging, but kept her head down as she walked toward her room. She did not seem to want conversation and looked pale.

Kevin left a note in her box: "Are you okay?"

He taught, then hung out in the staff room at lunch. It was weird being done with coaching for the year. He had time to sit and talk but did not see Angela around. He felt concerned but had agreed to trust her actions.

At the end of the day, he stopped by the office on the way home and found a brief card from Angela, unsigned as before: "I'm a little ill. Have a doctor's appointment scheduled. It's nothing you caused, I promise! I'll be okay. Our memories keep me hanging in there. Thanks." She added a smiley face picture but spared him the 'Have a nice day' part.

Kevin beamed, appreciating her.

What a lady. Wish I could hold her till she's better.

That night, he got a call from Miguel canceling basketball for the following night. Then Miguel said, "But hey brother, could you join Helen and me at Jodi and Johnny's for a meal this Wednesday eve?"

"Sounds great. We can catch up then."

"Oh, and could you also tell Angela? I tried phoning her directly but there was no answer each time. If she can join us, that would be even better. Would be fun to have her energy there."

"Yeah, I'll make sure she gets the dinner invitation. I agree that would be fun. See ya Wednesday."

Tuesday, June 6

Kevin left her a note including the invite details. He set about his teaching, still thinking about Angela with fondness at different times each day. She floated across his dreams at night and did the same at times at school. He smiled, thinking about the fun they had together and their lovemaking.

Wow. Hmmm. Didn't see her at lunch. She has the kids' performance happening Friday. Probably lots to do. I do miss her. I will continue to trust Angela. I do so more than anyone on the planet right now. I love her so much more than I thought possible.

After school, he stopped by the office and saw her answer. "Sorry, but I can't join you tomorrow night. Have an appointment. Making sure what I have isn't contagious. Please send my regrets and hugs." A picture of a heart but no name, as per their unspoken agreement. It was all he needed to know. She loved him.

He was disappointed but understood. That night, Kevin competed in the basketball league without Miguel but didn't play well, worried about Angela. It would have helped to know that her illness wasn't serious, but he didn't know she had chosen a white lie to cover up the real reason for the office visit tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 7

Kevin dropped off an anonymous card in Angela's box when he arrived early, wishing her a speedy recovery, and added a weak-looking heart picture. She picked it up later and read it, then smiled with fondness knowing art wasn't his strength, and had to wipe away a single tear. She whispered to herself, "Kevin, you deserve so much. We both do."

The students were sharing career reports. The prior week, Kevin started it all, having them interview him first, so they got to practice before they talked with a family friend, relative, or other adults. The kids took turns asking questions, like reporters, and he answered the first one, "Why did you become a teacher?"