“Ms. DuPont, I meant to bring my English project in today, I really did! It’s just… well… I guess I was so busy this morning that it slipped my mind.” I set my final stack of graded tests for the day on my desk, and look at my student. “Evelyn, I understand life is full of distractions and is usually pretty crazy.” I notice her chest drops and she smiles. “Yes, exactly. And of course I’ll bring it in on Monday, first thing.” I pick up a pen and roll it between my fingers. “I know you will. It’s just that, this was the final due date for it to be turned it. I don’t think it would be fair for me to give you the same grade even though the project will be turned in late. I’ll probably have to deduct a few points.”

Evelyn holds her arms against her waist and sighs. “You won’t take off many points right? Because I promise you Ms. DuPont that I worked hard on this project. Very hard actually, and my family would even attest to that. I started the day that you announced the project.” I looked at her sympathetically. “Ms. DuPont -“. Her voice breaks, and she turns her head away and wipes her cheeks. “Evelyn, what’s wrong hon?” She keeps her head turned from me while she tries to speak. “It’s just- I really didn’t mean to let anyone down. I don’t wanna disappoint my parents any more than I already have.”

I set the pen down and stand up from my desk. I walk around so I’m in front of her but also giving her space. “Evelyn, you have not let me down. You made a mistake, which everyone does because we are human.” She turns to look at me, eyes red. She wipes her cheek one more time. “You are a wonderful student, but more importantly, a wonderful girl. You know that?” She gently nods her head. “Good.” I walk up to give her a side hug. “Thank you. I think I should get to dismissal, I don’t want to upset my dad.” I give her a smile and nod. She adjusts her backpack as she walks out of my classroom.

I lean on my desk and let out a sigh. I truly love teaching, but it does come with some tough moments. I’ve had quite a few troublemaker’s over the years. I’m not as accustomed to dealing with emotional situations. I walk behind my desk when I hear a light knock. “How are you Frenchie?” I chuckle and look at Ryan. “You could call me anything, and that’s what you’re sticking with?” He grins and walks into my classroom. “I told you that you could call me something. Doesn’t even have to be associated with my heritage.”

He walks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, his mouth close to my ear. “Hmm..” I say while slightly leaning back into him. “How about napkin, because you seem to love writing notes on napkins and hiding them in my desk?” He laughs. “That’s too romantic, Angela. I want to be humiliated. I want you to think of a name so embarrassing that I turn red.” I turn around so that I’m facing him. “You sure are a weird man, honeydew.” As soon I finish the sentence he opens his mouth wide, like he’s shocked. “How could you have possibly known about that?” “Your mother seems to adore talking about her children with everyone, especially her darling honeydew.”

He puts his hands on his face and rubs. “Gosh, just when I start to think my mom understands when to stop talking.” I can’t help but laugh uncontrollably. “It’s really not that funny.” he says while he grins. “Oh I completely disagree, Mr. Honeydew.” We’re both laughing and turn to see if anyone is around. “You better not reveal what you know to my students. I will never hear the end of it.” “I think they would be honored to know a special fact about their history teacher.” Someone clears their throat. We turn to look at the door, and standing there is Principal Monroe. “I need to speak with the both of you in my office.” “Is it urgent sir? Because our French English teacher here has been quite troublesome.” I playfully hit his shoulder and scoff. “Please see me in my office right now, the both of you.” He gives us a look showing us he is displeased and walks out.

“Uh oh. We’re being sent to the principals office. That can’t be good.” I bend down to the floor to grab my purse and stand back up. “This isn’t funny Ryan. I am familiar with that tone and facial expression. He is actually pissed, and I don’t even know what about.” I start walking towards the door. Ryan follows me and grabs my hand. “I’m sure it’s nothing bad. You know Ronald. He’s the grinch every day of the year. It doesn’t take much to piss him off. Makes you wonder why he works with kids.” I look at him. “Let’s just go to his office.”

We walk down the hallway towards his office. “We’re probably not the only staff facing his wrath today. He probably is just trying to scare us.” “Uh huh.” “Loosen up Ang. It’s going to be fine.” We arrive at his door. “Maybe we should just book it. Move to another country with nothing but ourselves?” I shake my head and sigh. “Tough crowd.” Principal Monroe opens the door. “Take a seat.” We enter his plain and dreary office. The walls are light grey and he has a couple of withering plants on the windowsills. He has a bookshelf behind his desk, covered in sticky notes and papers. In front of his desk are two forest green chairs. I sit down in the left chair, closer to the window. “What a homely office, Ron. Love what you’ve done with the place.” Ryan’s attempt at lightening the situation makes me grin, which I immediately remove when the principal looks at me. “Appreciate it, Mr. Danielson. Please sit.” He grunts and sits down in his worn out office chair. “As you know, the school has had its financial problems recently. I’m not going to get into all that’s happening, quite honestly because it’s none of your concern.” “None of our concern? I don’t know if I agree sir. We are teachers here, and should be informed if things aren’t steady.” Principal Monroe gives Ryan an annoyed look.

“I did not say that things aren’t steady, Mr. Danielson. Though teachers you may be, you are not members of the board.” He coughs into his arm. “Anyway, the reason you’ve been called here is because one or both of you, unfortunately, will be losing their job. I figured talking to both of you would be easier for me, time wise. I open my mouth in shock. “Sir, convenience doesn’t cover the fact that this is highly inappropriate. And I don’t understand, why would either of us be getting fired?” Ryan looks at me. I continue to look at Ronald. “Because a stolen envelope containing 3 thousand dollars was discovered in your classroom, Ms. DuPont.”

“I’m sorry, I have not seen an envelope in my room. “ “It was found by our janitor, Mr. Rockford. He found it on the top shelf of your closet.” I grab onto my purse tightly. I look at Ryan. “Angela…why would you do such a thing?” I stare at him in disbelief. “I did not steal an envelope.” “Now that I think about it, you’ve been acting strange for the past few days. I figured something was up, but I didn’t think it would be this.” Ronald clears his throat again. “Sounds like you have a cold, boss.” says Ryan. I continue to glare at him. “I have been feeling sick lately. Always do this time of year.” “Same here. Winter sure is a rough visitor.”

“So you believe that Ms. DuPont is guilty of stealing the money? I would have thought you’d defend her, seeing as how close you two have grown lately.” “Well, she sure had me falling in the beginning. Her beauty, charm, and kindness roped me in. But I haven’t known her long, and in my experience, people tend to show you what they want you to believe.” He looks at me and shakes his head. “And I am shocked that you would play me like this.” I don’t say anything. I refrain from saying the not so pleasant things that I do want to say. “I’m afraid that this will cost you your job, Angela. I’ll call you Angela because..well, you’re not a teacher here any longer.” “You’re really going to fire me? Even with no solid evidence?” He stands up from his desk. “I take my duty here very seriously. Theft is not acceptable at this school. You will not be returning to school Monday, so I suggest packing your things before you leave today.” I stand up from my seat, my purse swinging on my elbow. “Wow.” I scoff. I don’t even look at Ryan as I walk towards the door. I open the door and look back at the principal. “Thank God you’re not a judge in a court of law.” I walk out and slam the door.