Chapter 31
Britney interrupted her thoughts. “Miss Truman, I’m afraid.”
Hope placed her hands on the student’s shoulders. “Let your mom know you’re okay. Then Dr. Holmes said everyone should go home for the day.”
Britney nodded. “I already texted Mom. She knows I’m okay. I’d rather stay here with you.”
Hope’s eyes filled with tears. “It’s over, hon. Tornadoes are scary. We were lucky. They come in fast and leave just as fast.”
Britney linked her arm through Hope’s.
“Do you want to walk through the school with me?”
Britney bobbed her head. Hope noticed her student’s acne was clearing up. “Yes, Miss Truman. I wanna stay with you.”
“Just be careful. There’s broken glass everywhere. I don’t want you to get cut.”
Willow, Hope, and Britney tiptoed through the hallways stopping several times to reassure a few remaining traumatized students. The teachers provided much-needed hugs and encouragement. The jocks acted tough.
“We want to help.”
“I’m not hurt.”
“I’m not afraid of stupid tornadoes.”
“What can I do?”
All of the male students were on their feet shouting comments and questions. Hope corralled them into a corner. “We’ll need your help with cleanup. The janitor can’t do it all by himself. Just gather the girls and guys in this corner who are unhurt. Have everyone keep their backpacks with them and if they have a cell phone, have them text their parents that they’re okay. We won’t be able to hear if everyone is talking on the phone so I’d rather you text.”
The class president, Neal, took the lead. “I’ll take care of telling everyone about the texting. I’ll use the school code to alert them. Don’t worry, Miss Truman. I’ve got this.”
“Thanks, Neal. I can always count on you. She gave him a slight hug. Surely, no one would think embraces were out of place on a day like this.
Emergency sirens filled the air. Hope saw the swirling red and blue lights reflect off the unbroken windows.
“Guess it’s time to go outside and assess the damage.”
Britney tugged on Hope’s arm. “Can I go with you, Miss Truman?”
After walking the halls, Dr. Holmes stepped inside and surveyed the room. She reminded the remaining students to contact their parents.
Hope winked at Neal. “You’re ahead of the game.”
Since school was dismissed and students were already boarding buses or driving their cars, Dr. Holmes continued to warn them about debris, sharp items on the ground, and against heroic efforts.
“Ask for help. Don’t try to lift heavy objects off of cars yourselves. Use teamwork and the buddy system. If your cars are damaged and not drivable, came back inside. We’ll help with transportation. There are plenty of buses available. Be safe, students. I’ll formulate a plan to deal with the aftermath tomorrow.”
Dr. Holmes appeared as exhausted as Hope felt. The principal added, “Students, leave through the back exit in the basement. I’ve checked the area and it’s clear. Form lines and be courteous. No running.” She paused and softened her authoritative voice. “Be careful.”
Hope glanced at Willow. “I’m going to check my office and see if there’s any damage. Britney, stay with Willow for now.”
Happily, her computer, desk, windows, and paperwork were intact. Before she sat down, the school nurse poked her head inside the door.
“Miss Truman, I heard you were knocked out or passed out. Regardless, will you stop by my office? I want to check you out.”
Hope shifted the bag of now-soggy peas. “I’m fine.”
The nurse pursed her lips. “Procedure. I’ll have to write up an incident report, so I need to examine you.”
“I’m telling you I’m fine.” Hope sighed.
The stoic nurse tapped her watch. “I want to go home, too.”
“Okay, okay. Be there in a minute.” Hope debated whether to call Suzy and Alex. She knew they’d be worried about her. After searching her purse and desk drawer, she couldn’t find her phone. She gave up and trudged down the locker-filled hallway to Nurse Geneva’s tiny office.
“Have a seat.” The all-business nurse removed a stethoscope from her neck and listened to Hope’s chest and back. She put a thermometer in Hope’s mouth and waited until it beeped.
Hope frowned. “Geeze, I don’t have the flu.”
“You’re worse than the kids. Hush.” Geneva winked at her. Then she took a miniature flashlight, leaned in close, and peered into Hope’s eyes. She examined both eyes twice. “Your pupils aren’t dilated. That’s a good sign.”
Nurse Geneva pointed toward an eye chart on the far wall. “Read the smallest print you can.”
Hope giggled. “Are you going to fit me for glasses?”
“Again with the lip.”
Hope shrugged. “Maybe I’ve hung around Alex too long.”
“Who is he?”
“She’s one of my best friends who is slightly blunt at times. Actually, most of the time.”
Geneva covered Hope’s left eye. “Read the smallest line, please.”
Hope read the letters: F D P L T C E.
“Perfect.” She repeated the test on the right eye. After Hope read the line correctly, Nurse Geneva actually smiled. “Your vision is better than mine. You don’t have a concussion and your vitals are excellent. I’d say you’re a walking bill of health.”
“Except for my weight.” Hope winked. “I told you I was okay.”
The nurse crossed her arms. “Don’t you feel better now that you know?”
“Yes, but what about this bump on my head?”
The nurse leaned forward and gently touched it. “The fluid will likely absorb in a week or two but you may want to check with your doctor. In the meantime, here’s some Ibuprofen. Take two to three with meals for a few days if the pain continues.”
“Thanks. I suppose I do feel better now that you’ve given me the all-clear,” Hope said. “Thanks for insisting I get examined.”
“Good.” The nurse walked Hope toward the door. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have a kid who vomited in biology before the tornado hit. I’ve got to determine if she has the flu or if she puked after dissecting a frog.”
Hope laughed. “I’m glad I’m a counselor.” She walked down the hallway as the nurse headed toward the science department. Hope shouted. “She probably already left and went home with the others.”
“Possibly,” Geneva said. “I need to double check though.”
After seeing Nurse Geneva, Hope strode toward the cafeteria feeling less dizzy and more confident. She joined the principal and several faculty members who stood in the middle of the room.
Dr. Holmes waved her arms. “I’d like for a few faculty members to meet me at the front entrance to assess the damage outside. The rest of the teachers should stay inside and assist the remaining students with cars and buses. Also, go view your classrooms. Once you’ve checked every floor and each classroom for damage, feel free to join us outside. Any volunteers to go now?”
Hope raised her hand. “Count me in.”
The janitor, Larry-slash-Mac, said, “I’ve swept up the glass and the boys are righting the tables and chairs in the cafeteria. I’d like to go outside, too, if that’s okay.”
“That’s fine,” Dr. Holmes said. “Glad to have your help. Who else wants to join us?”
Willow’s bangle bracelets clanged as she waved her hand. “I’ll help.”
“Good.” Dr. Holmes motioned to the football and basketball coaches. “Why don’t you join us, Coach Williams and Coach Renner?”
Both men said, “Sure.”
“Excellent. Thank you.” The principal turned back toward the faculty members who remained inside. “Please search for water leaks in the restrooms and lab. Look for anything out of the ordinary.”
A chorus of “Will do,” filled the room as Dr. Holmes led the small group outside.