Cigarettes, Kisses and a little bit of Mischief

Melanie's Start

(Melanie's POV)

  I took in a deep breath as I prepared to step into the school that I agreed to teach at. I know I'm only an art teacher but to go from art therapist to art teacher is a change,and not necessarily one I'm okay with but it works. I have a feeling that somewhere along the way I'll make a difference just not here.
I make my way up the stairs and enter through the double doors. I'm met face to face with the secretary and am suddenly overwhelmed by the fact that I'm actually in a school and not a therapy based facility. 
This is completely new to me.
The woman smiles at me and I realize I've been standing here for a minute and haven't said a word.

"Oh, hi! I'm Melanie, I'm here to start as th-"

I was cut off by another female voice pitching in.

"The new art teacher. Pleased to meet you."

I'm greeted by an intense woman, whom I assume is higher up on the education system.
We shake hands and she smiles,

"I'm Miss.Laura, the principal. I'll show you the in and outs of the building, the fire and tornado procedure along with the lockdown basics and I'll do a run down of what your position as our art teacher consists of, then you'll be able to teach as creatively as you like, with guidelines of course.Sound good?"

I smile and politely nod my head in agreement.

Laura leads me to her office, and motions for me to sit in a comfortable chair. I do so and am amazed by how soft the chair is. I take notice of the certificates on her walls and I also see that she has a photo of two kids on her windowsill. I wonder if they're her kids and if they attend here.

She spins to where I'm looking and laughs

"Those are my foster children, Amelia and Bryson.They had some troubling experiences and as their aunt I decided to take them into my home. They're amazing kids,honestly."

She spins back to face me and puts her hands together.

"That's another reason I believe that when I hire anyone to work in the position I'm giving you, they should be able to teach not only art but ways to cope and distract ourselves from the pain,heartache and experiences we've went through."

She sighs and brings her hands up to her mouth.

"I want someone who not only is kind but also understands that kids are sensitive and need guidance along with creativity. So what do you say? Are you up for the challenge?"

I smile and look at the photo. I look down and then back to her face.

"I think it's a challenge I'm willing to take on and try to make a difference not only here in the school but hopefully in a child's life. I did art therapy to try and teach not only children to cope but adults too,so yes I'm up for it."

Laura puts her hands up in excitement and lets out a joy filled laugh,

"Haha! Yes! That's perfect! If you're wondering, yes my niece and nephew will be attending your class. Now that we covered that part, it's time to show you the basics of the school."

Laura pulls out a stack of papers with guidelines, regulations and numbers that are at reach for when situations of lockdowns,and other emergencies are brought up. I listen as she explains what to do during lockdown,tornado and fire drills. She informs me that there is a section of the school that is meant for the special education students and I won't be on that side because that is not in my area of experience.

Laura stands up and smiles

"I'm hoping to have you around for a while. Our last art teacher was here for a decade before we,"

She takes in a breath and I can see tears in her eyes as the next words escape her mouth.

"Before we lost her. She was brilliant and the school board had decided to wait a while before we took in another art teacher. That's another reason having you here will be beneficial too,not only the school but the students too."

I nod in understanding and smile.

"I'm here for the long haul. I'll definitely try my hardest to be a positive influence in this school. Thank you for the opportunity."

She nods and leads me to the office door.

I turn to head out and Laura catches my hand.

"Hey, can I ask you a favor?"

I nod and smile

"Of course."

Laura gets an upset expression upon her face and pulls me closer.

"Can you do yourself,and me a favor, don't get attached to the students. If they tell you something personal,don't take it to heart. Okay?"

I nod my head in agreement

"It's best to distance yourself so you can keep work at work and away from your home life.If there's a situation that shall need law enforcement or CPS, then bring it to me, okay?"

I understand where she's coming from with the CPS and law enforcement part,so I give a smile and shake my head, yes.

She pats me on my shoulder and opens the door for me.

For some reason, I felt uneasy thinking about what might occur to have to get authorities involved but I was definitely used to seeing adults get into trouble with the law, working at a school will be a little bit different.
I make my way to my classroom, at the end of the extra hall near the gym.It's a small room but it will work,especially just having a class of 20.

I begin to rearrange the objects,such as the papers among my desk.I sharpen the pencils and make sure the paints are set up to not spill. I also set up cups along the side of the sink, so the students can easily access them for rinsing brushes.I organize all of the art supplies and get my lesson ready.

Today's lesson will be a simple one, just something to get to know my students and what they like. It's not much for today but It's something. I don't want to push too hard so I'm keeping it easy and simple.