Page 73 of Love's Bloom
Trying to hide her worry, Misty began her day.
Mid-morning, Brody appeared with the school secretary.
“Brody was upset about being late and was afraid you’d be angry,” explained the secretary.
“Oh, no. I’m so happy you’re here,” Misty said, smiling at him. “You can go in and sit in your seat.”
“We overslept,” said Brody, handing her a check-in slip from the office.
“Well, I’m sure glad you came. I was missing you. Brody, you can work on math at Table 3 while those in the reading circle will continue to read with me.”
Misty went over to Table 3, saw that Brody had the right paperwork, and returned to the circle, aware that Brody must not have had a bath. His fingernails were dirty, and he smelled.
When it came time for recess, Brody was hesitant to go outside. Misty realized that without Violet befriending him, he felt insecure.
“Better hurry, Brody!” she said. She saw that he was outside, and then she stood with her former schoolteacher, who was supervising recess.
“How’s everything going?” Marilyn asked.
“Good,” Misty replied. “I’m thinking of ways I can use volunteers to help my students who are behind in reading. Have you done something like that before?”
“Yes,” said Marilyn.
“I haven’t asked my student’s parents yet. Most of them work.”
“Why don’t you start with the one?” Marilyn said.
“Okay, that’s what I’ll do,” Misty said.
Marilyn indicated Brody. “Is this the student you were worried about?”
“I’m keeping an eye on him. Nolan warned me not to rush to judgment.”
“It’s a sensitive situation,” Marilyn said, and Misty merely nodded.
###
After school, Misty sat outside on the deck of her cabin while Sugar ran and played in the woods, challenging a squirrel to come down from a tree branch to play with her.
Later, she went through her school papers and discovered her students were stronger at math than reading. Science was something she wanted to make full of fun lessons for them. Kids that age were so curious.
When David phoned that evening, she immediately picked up the call. “Hi, David. It’s good to hear from you. I’ve been doing some writing exercises my therapist gave me.”
“I’m glad,” he said. “I’ve missed you.”
“Me, too. Missed you, I mean. How are things going at work?”
They chatted about their jobs for a while, and Misty enjoyed their interaction. After their conversation ended, Misty smiled, grateful for David reaching out to her. It was a new beginning,
###
The next day, Brody appeared at school on time and had a bath. Violet was back and seemed to make Brody more comfortable. Misty silently blessed the little girl.
Misty spent time with each student for at least a few minutes, getting to know them better and determining their strengths and learning styles. A few, like Brody, needed to keep busy and were rewarded with reading, puzzles, or math games, while others needed more time to complete tasks. Some needed extra attention in reading and math.
She sent an email to Nolan letting him know she planned to get volunteers in her class.
He didn’t object to the idea but let her know all volunteers needed training, citing privacy issues and how to address various problems.
