Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

52 - Changes

52

Changes

Monday, June 12

"Good morning, students and staff of Valle Grande. It is with both sadness and excitement that I tell you I have accepted an offer to be the new principal at our district's Pioneer Middle School. I'm sorry to be leaving and will miss all of you. But it is time for me to change and grow. Your new principal, Mr. Rico Hernandez from Buena Vista, sends his greetings. He will meet the staff here at our brunch on the teacher's workday, Friday, and looks forward to welcoming new and returning students after Labor Day next September. This is our last week together, and I'm sure it will be a wonderful one. Best wishes to all this summer, and in the future."

Kevin was floored. I can't believe it. He's gone! Hallelujah! I can stay at Valle Grande! I can see our kids again next year, work with the same staff, and even get my mentor as principal. This couldn't be any better. Well, that's not true. I miss being with Angela so much. I wonder how she's doing?

"Carlos, did Mrs. Reyes say anything to all of you who performed on Friday?"

"She said how proud she was of us, and how much we had taught her. That didn't make sense. I mean, she was the one who taught us so much about music, dance, acting, and performing. We weren't the teachers!"

You students teach us more than you know about laughter and being in the moment.

"Was that all she said to you kids?"

"Well, she said goodbye. It was weird because it was just the end of the week."

*****

After the kids left at the end of the day, Kevin checked in at the office with the school secretary. "Hey, Amanda, were any staff members absent today?"

"Mr. Smith went to Pioneer Middle for most of the day and Ms. Fukuda had a district meeting for counselors. Oh, and Mrs. Reyes phoned in sick. Said she might be out for the rest of the week, but would call."

The whole week? I might not see her at all. Kevin felt shaken. He walked to his car. The sky was sunny, but it felt more like an unseen storm brewing.

*****

Jodi and Johnny came over, bringing dinner, part of his continuing support from friends. Kevin would have protested, but he felt down about missing Angela today.

Jodi added to the explanation as Johnny cracked open beers for all three. "Kevin, Angela called to say that she has accepted a new job at Eagle Middle School. She said you would understand, and hoped you would be happy for her because so many from Valle Grande go there after elementary school."

His expression fell. "I had a feeling when I heard she called in sick today. Again, I know I must trust her. She's right that it would have been much harder to see her all the time at work now. But I miss her."

"Of course you do, brother," said Johnny, lightly resting a hand on Kevin's shoulder. "That's natural. But we know she's making the best available decision. Distance and time heal. It will take both. And you're right to trust her. She's doing this for both of you."

"Yes, and for Carl's child."

"No," said Jodi. "For Angela's child. Carl just happens to be the sperm donor. We'll see if he shows up as a father and husband now. We all know, with her beliefs, that Angela has to follow this path. It's the best option that's open to her. Not a great choice, but the only one possible right now. And I know that your love and trust will get you both through this."