Meredith

What a morning! I am so glad its lunch time. Just a little break might help me make it through the day. The kids are off their chains today. Craziness. I wonder if it was a full moon last night. I never used to believe that full moon crap the other teachers talked about had anything to do with behavior; but, after experiencing the craziness of the kids on full moon days over the last couple of years, I know there is something to it. It makes you just want to stay home on those days. However, today sure started out pretty darn good with Mr. Brandt’s conference. What a hottie! Oh, I wish I had worn something different today. How totally boring I look. Brown pants with a teal blouse, hair a flat mess, and not even good make-up. I look like I got dressed in the dark. I am certain he didn’t see me as anything but a school teacher. Just my luck. What am I talking about? He was totally rude to that girl in the restaurant last night. He publicly humiliated her. Although she did ask for it. He made it perfectly clear he does not want a serious relationship. I need to not give him a second thought other than as Nellie’s guardian. I need to keep right on looking. I’m certainly not getting any younger. I’d like to have a kid of my own before the clock stops ticking.

“Hey girl! Wasn’t that hunk in your room this morning the same guy at the restaurant last night?” Allison asks. “I have not seen him here before.”

“Hey, Allison. Are you talking about Mr. Curgin?” I know exactly who she means but I like lunch time banter.

“You know full well that I am not talking about Mr. Curgin. He and Mr. Hunk aren’t even close to the same category.”

“Oh, you mean Mr. Brandt. He is quite good looking. It was such a pleasure meeting him. I was able to see a different side of him today.” I give her a sly little grin.

“Nice full sized grin you have going on there. Mr. Brandt. When are you going to see him again? Did you slip him your number?” She asks with a little bit too much exuberance.

“Of course I didn’t slip him my number. That would be unprofessional. He will be coming back in for another conference in three weeks.” I can’t help grinning more even though I know he’s not going to be my type.

“Great! Let’s have a make-over party between now and then. We’ll go shopping for a couple new outfits and get your hair rejuvenated and you can practice doing your make-up again. It will be fun.” Allison is practically beaming with excitement.

“Listen, you are getting way too carried away. Remember, we saw this guy at dinner last night with his girl-friend. He was so disrespectful to her. I don’t think I need to get involved with him, even if I could catch his attention. Although, he did stick around while I conferenced with Mr. Curgin. I could tell he didn’t care for Mr. Curgin right away and was hanging around to deter any friction I might have with him. Kind of protective. I guess that should earn him a point or two”

“At least a point or two; and you can get his attention, if you haven’t already. You short-change yourself too much. And you should take your own advice, listen to both sides of the story before making judgment. Besides, wouldn’t you at least like to see him naked?” Allison teases.

“Hm. Well, he does look really good fully clothed.” I reply truthfully.

“Better watch it. Your face is telling on you; it’s gotten pretty red while we speak. Anyway, you have to grab the opportunity to meet a guy when it comes along. It’s not like you try to get yourself out there so that you might meet someone.” Allison is almost always right.

“I just don’t want to meet my future husband in a bar or at a booze party. How could I tell my future children that I met their daddy at a bar while I was boozing it up?” This is my main excuse for not finding a man to share my life with. I just don’t know where to look for a good man.

“Okay, so we will just practice sprucing you up and if he does take notice and ask you out then you can judge him after you have had more time with him. And I will want all the details.” Nice reasoning skills, Allison!

“You are so funny. You act like this is really going to happen.”

“Oh, it will!” She’s so full of herself.

“Anyway, I enjoy having his niece in my class. She’s a sweet little girl, although she doesn’t talk much. She keeps mostly to herself. I did get a new student yesterday that she seems to have taken a liking to. Maybe they will become friends and she will open up a bit. My heart hurts for her. She lost both parents recently and now she is forced to get used to a whole new life without them. I just can’t imagine how she feels.”

“Maybe you will be able to help her, Meredith. You have such a good way with kids. They all love you and seem to connect with you.” Allison has said this a dozen times. I do love working with the kids.

“Maybe. I feel bad about the run-in she had with Bobby yesterday. He can be so mean. His role models aren’t helping his personality at all. I know I shouldn’t take sides but I am secretly happy that she kicked him in the gonads. Maybe he will think about how he treats the girls in the future.” I say quietly.

“Probably not. I think his dad eggs him on. His dad probably treats his mom pretty bad. She never makes even a peep when I see her. I just know someday she is going to show up with bruises on her arms or face.” Allison remarks with sincerity.

“It’s a sad situation,” I say. “If Bobby ever shows up with bruises I will waste no time calling Child Services. He may be a little bully but it’s only because he has been taught to be one. There’s still time for him to change for the better.”

“Yep. I agree. Well, lunch is about over. We will chat later to discuss our shopping date! Oh, and don’t forget to stop at the store this afternoon for the remainder of the stuff for the party tomorrow. I will make one last trip to the party store for essentials. The kids are so excited about a fun day.”

“Got ya! I am pretty excited too. I love getting to have fun with them without concentrating on teaching them. A little fun never hurt anyone.”

“Try to remember that yourself, please!” Allison calls as she leaves the lunch room.