The Player

Denver Prep

"Ms. B! I have a Question!" One of my students yelled from the back of the classroom.

"Yes Kyle, what is it?" I asked.

"You said that back then, women weren't allowed on stage. So when the man was playing a woman... he had to kiss a man?!" He looked petrified. 

laughing I responded, "Yes sir! and hey. I'm sure its not so bad. There are plenty of men today that kiss other men." His face said it all. He was not here for it. "So like I was saying class, Back in the 6th century....." I was giving my usual talk about the beginning history of theatre. One of my favorite parts until we get into modern day. After about 5 minutes there was a knock on my door and Principal Smith walked in he was grinning from ear to ear.

"Oh hi Principal Smith! To what do we owe this honor?" My class was the quietest its been in weeks. 

Principal Smith looked flustered, "Ms. Burrow you have someone here to see you." he must have noticed the shocked look on my face. Who could be coming to see me while I'm working. "I think its best for him to just.... yeah." 

Michael walked in right behind him and I couldn't hold back my excitement. Neither could my students because they all started to scream. I noticed all the office ladies in the doorway watching like this was an episode of the bachelor. Immediately I started to blush. I feel like I'm in a movie where the leading male is perfect in every way. 

My students snapped me out of it. 

"MPJ!!! MPJ!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" they all yelled. "Ms. B!!! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US HE WAS COMING!! MPJ!" 

"OK CLASS GET YOURSELVES UNDER CONTROL!" they quieted down at my "Theatre voice" as they call it. Anytime I yell I'll hear someone say "Ooooooh Ms. B is mad. Her theatre voice came out" Michael had his eyes on me the whole time as he was laughing at the reaction of the students. Surprise visits from NBA superstars never happen here. I can imagine this is going to spread like wildfire through the teachers lounge. 

"Michael." I said hiding my smile, "it's good to see you again." 

He nodded, "Likewise Ms. B. I was hoping that I'd be able to visit with your students a bit before we go to lunch" the whole room gasped and I dropped my head in disbelief. He was serious about lunch today. "only if its ok with you and Principal Smith" He looked at Principal Smith hoping to get some back up.

"Oh yes of course. Do allow me to stay?" Principal Smith looked like he was about to faint at his excitement. He's lived in Denver his whole life and everyone knows he's a huge basketball fan. He walked towards the back of the room to take a seat behind my students. 

"Y'all. We're learning about 6th Century theatre! Is that not more exciting than talking to Michael?!" I asked teasing the whole room.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" they all yelled including Principal Smith. I just shook my head and laughed.  

"Fine. Fine. Michael you have the court. But you owe me." I smirked. 

"Of course Ms. B. Lunch. After the bell" he was grinning from ear to ear like a kid at Christmas. I took a seat at my desk and watched as he interacted with my students. Even my quiet and reserved students were excited to have him in class. I invited the rest of the teachers in the hallway to come in and join the conversation to try and draw less attention to what was going on. 

"If you are passionate about something and know that's whats going to make you happy for the rest of your life, you have to go for it." He was giving them a last bit of encouragement before the bell, "it won't be easy. It will never be easy. But when you get knocked down, get back up and go for it 10 times harder. Prove others wrong. We all have the ability to make our dreams come true if we chase after what we want." 

At that, he looked up at me. I immediately got butterflies and before I could catch my breathe the bell rang.

"MONDAY! We are getting BACK to 6th century Theatre! Michael, thank you so much for stopping by. Ok ok ok. Everyone say bye. Principal Smith thank you for sticking around."

"Ah. Ava why didn't you tell us about Michael? We would love to get him here for the whole school. Maybe he would be interested in.."

I had to cut him off, "I'll see what I can do. You know better than anyone how busy their season is this year. But I'll talk to him." 

Michael was making his way over after signing the last autograph. He reached out to shake the principals hand, "Thank you Principal Smith. I didn't mean to interrupt the whole day but I wasn't sure where her classroom was." 

"Oh no problem whatsoever Mr. Porter! Its a pleasure to have you here today!" he looked over at me, "Ava, let me know and we can get it worked out."

"yes sir. I'll see." Principal Smith walked out with a huge grin on his face. "Michael. What on earth..."

"I'm sorry! I just couldn't wait! I wanted to see you. Since you said you had to work I figured I'd stop by and spend your lunch with you. I just didn't know when it started which is my fault. I'll do better next time. Are you mad?" 

"No I'm not mad. And you're right, next time. Principal Smith wants to plan an all school assembly for you to come to and talk to the students."

"Of course lets do it." He seemed ready for the assembly to start now. 

"Calm down. We'll work out the details later. In the meantime, I'm starving. What did you have planned?" I asked.

"Planned? Nothing." He laughed to himself, "I'm joking. There's a new sushi place that just opened up and I've already ordered our food. It should be ready when we get there."

"Is that a perk of being you?" I asked half serious, "You can order ahead and the food will be waiting at the table?" 

He blinked a couple times before answering like we was thinking of the proper answer.

"Yes."

 I laughed and we walked out to his car with half the school watching our every move. "Michael, the amount of questions I'm going to have to answer because of this.... You're lucky I like you."

He put his hand to his heart, "you like me? you really like me?" he said jokingly. "I'm worth it Ava. and so are you." 

He grabbed my hand as we walked out the school and something just felt right. For the first time in a long time I was genuinely happy with where I was in life. Although me and Michael had just met it was like we had known each other for years.  I was so comfortable with him and he made me feel like I was the only person in the room. I couldn't wait to see what was in store for us moving forward. 

We got into his car and headed to the restaurant that was a short drive from the school. Once we arrived they had everything ready for us. I saw Salmon Rolls, Miso Soup, Calamari, I was in heaven! 

"Michael how did you know these were my favorites?" 

"Oh. Uhm" He sounded nervous, "I stalked your Instagram on the flight back. Lets just say now the guys think I'm whipped. For you though, it's worth it." He smiled as I laughed at him. Michael doesn't even have an Instagram so he set himself up for that one.

"I appreciate it. Thank you for everything Michael." 

"No Problem. I just hope I can take you out on a proper date tomorrow night? Pick you up at 7?"

I was seriously blushing, "Yes. I'll be ready"

We finished lunch and he dropped me off right in time for the next bell. "Tell Principal Smith I will be in contact about that Assembly!"

"I will. Drive safe please!" I waved as he drove off. Another date tomorrow. I can't wait to tell Dee. So happy she's going into fashion because I couldn't do this myself. She might as well start putting her almost degree to work now.