I know it was all bullhockey and just my subconscious trying to get me out of my funk. It worked until today when I’d been cleaning and found a stack of old pictures of my gran and me. I started drinking the wine while I looked at the photos.
I stand up and carry my glass of wine and the bottle into my little kitchen and set them both on the counter. I really shouldn’t drink any more tonight since I have to teach in the morning, and being hungover is not smart when dealing with little kids.
Since I was a little girl I wanted to teach — shaping young minds. It’s the most rewarding and challenging job I’ve ever had. Three years ago I began teaching at Jefferson Elementary and I’ve loved every second of it.
“Meow.” My cat, Marley, weaves between my feet requesting her nightly treat.
I smile at her. “Yes, baby I hear you.” I pull out the little bag of organic treats I got at a farmer’s market in town over a month ago. She sits on her hind legs and waves her paws at me. “Okay, okay.” Marley takes the treat and trots off down the hall to eat it on the end of my bed.
I lock up the house and turn on the security system. In the bathroom I go through my nightly routine before heading into my bedroom. This was the first room I renovated when I bought this place last year.
The walls are a softer shade of taupe and are covered in framed paintings I’ve done this past year. The flooring throughout the whole house is reclaimed wood grey vinyl flooring.
My bed is queen size with a brushed bronze head and footboard. I grab a nightgown out of my oak dresser and after stripping out of my clothes I slip the cotton fabric over my head.
I climb in under my soft dusky blue down comforter. I reach out and shut my light off, bathing my room in darkness. Marley jumps onto the bed and her purrs are music to my ears.
She stays at the end of the bed until she finishes her treat. And then she walks up my body until she’s at my chest—only then does she climb down curling up against me.
I stroke her soft grey fur as I stare at the little bit of moonlight I can see through the blinds. My mind goes to little Hailey Samuels. The sweet little girl hasn’t been in school most of the week and no one has heard from her parents.
My fellow teacher and friend, Dana, teaches first grade, and has Hailey’s brother, BJ, in her class. We talked earlier and if the kids are not in tomorrow we’re going to stop by their home to see what’s going on.
It doesn’t take long before I fall asleep.
I hang up my coat on the little hook behind my desk and then tuck my lunch bag under my desk. My lesson plan is already made up and I start pulling out the sheets of paper the kids will use to write their letters.
In the back of the room I get the art supplies separated into six separate baskets for each table grouping. I have eighteen kids so it’s three to each group. Once that’s all done I see it’s time to head outside to wait for the kids.
As soon as I step outside, my kids that are already here come running toward me for a hug. “Ms. Jones.” My student, Callie comes running toward me and hugs me tight around the waist.
“Hi, sweetheart. How are you?”
She arches her back to smile up at me. “I’m great. Momma bought me these new shoes!” Callie holds her foot up so I can see her pink glittery tennis shoes. “Aren’t they pretty?”
“Yes, they’re gorgeous. I wish they made them in my size. They’re a lot more fun than mine.” I hold up my foot and show her my plain black ballet flats.
Her giggle has a lyrical tone to it and she runs off to play with some of the other kids.
Dana comes toward me, smiling. She’s the opposite of me; where I’m quiet and more of an observer and the peace keeper—she’s loud and in your face, taking no shit from anyone.
“Hey girl.” She gives me a quick hug. “Have you seen Hailey or BJ yet?”
I scan the playground and don’t see them anywhere and I shake my head at Dana. I’m not going to worry yet, though. It’s not unheard of for them to be late.
“Okay, I’ll touch base with you later.” Dana starts hollering for her kids to come get in line.
Mine come running over to line up and I go down the line saying good morning to each one of my kids. Once I get to the end I holler for my student who is at the head of the line to lead us in.
I absolutely love teaching this age because they’re all so eager to learn, it’s awesome.
Once the day is finally done and the kids are gone I take a few minutes to pick up my room, putting everything back in its place. At my desk I grab a drink of water and gather my things.
“Knock, knock.” Dana comes in—she’s already in her jacket. “Are you about ready?”
BJ and Hailey were no shows again and their dad wouldn’t answer when we both called. We’re heading over there to check in. I’m not sure the school would approve, but I have to know if they’re okay. They’re good kids and this is not normal for them.
“Yeah I’m ready.” I look down at myself, hoping I’m dressed okay for an impromptu home visit. I’m wearing red and black plaid skinny ankle pants and a long sleeve white button up shirt with a black sweater vest over it.
I run a hand down my wavy brown hair after I
