Clive Perry couldn't decide which he disliked more: students who did not like being helped, or the teachers who treated said students as dirt. And, of course, he was in the middle of such a situation with Claire and the Stepford twin teachers. He had just gotten through with talking to the Stepfords, but none of his words were reaching past their thick, egotistical skulls. The truancy officer was only able to shut them up when he told them that he was getting Principal Atwood involved. The look on their identical faces was priceless, and would definitely be the highlight of his day.

Claire Austin didn't want to be helped by anyone but herself, and Officer Perry knew it. He had tried several times to help her to take pride in her school work by directing her to class, but the girl could care less. As far as he could tell, she was on cloud nine: she was dating the rather intimidating David Coen, and she had her own power of intimidation because most of the students thought she was the leader of Coen's gang.

So now, he was standing in front of Atwood's closed door, staring at his golden name plate. With out wanting to waste time, he lifted his hand, and began to issue three authoritative knocks on the door.

“Come in,” the principal called before the last knock sounded. Clive took a deep breath and slowly opened the door.

Atwood was on the phone, and possibly scanning the paper in front of him. Clive could never tell because of the sunglasses. He took the liberty to make his way towards the chair in front of the desk, but he had no desire to sit. So instead, he rested his hands on the back of the chair patiently waiting to be acknowledged.

“Yes, Mr. Nurnberg, thank you for the fax. I will look into the matter. Good bye.” The principal looked stressed, but relieved to be off the phone. He was massaging his temples and muttering darkly about the incompetence of others. Clive no longer felt sure that he should bring up the subject he wanted to discuss just yet.

“What was that, sir?” Clive asked, rocking the chair on its hind legs. His nerves were starting to get the better of him as he delayed the subject.

“A string of thefts at the West High School. The principal Zane Nurnberg believes that a December Smith, a student here, is behind them. So, of course I have to look into it,” Atwood explained, taking one last look at the paper before tossing it in his brief case. He then directed his attention to the truancy officer. “What is it that you need Officer Perry?”

“Oh! Well, actually, it's about Claire Aus-” he began, but was immediately interrupted by Atwood.

“You were in here, less then an hour ago talking to me about this girl. She couldn't have possibly gotten in trouble already,” the principal said. Clive could not tell if Atwood's voice was holding fear, annoyance or some other unidentifiable emotion. He bit his lip before answering.

“Well, you see, she had detention with the drama teacher, Stepford, and after being provoked by the teacher, she ripped off his wig in front of the class,” he said, hoping it did not sound completely unbelievable. He took a glance at Atwood, who's face was stoic (as far as he could tell).

“So, why are you here?” Atwood asked again. He began to shift through papers again as he cocked a brow at the officer.

“I believe that Claire should not be the only one at fault for this altercation. I believe that you should also hold Mr. Stepford accountable,” Clive explained, his voice quickly changing from the unease he held to his usual 'officer' voice as he grew more comfortable with explaining the idea. He stopped rocking the chair, his eyes on Atwood.

“Very well. But first, I want a witness to the altercation,” he told Clive, closing his hands together in front of his face.

“Sure. Lisa Chambers is in the class. She's an honest student,” Clive suggested.

---------

It was obvious to Atwood that Lisa Chambers had never set foot inside his office before. Her eyes were large, wide and alert, and she appeared to be shivering.

“Don't fret, Miss Chambers, you are not in trouble,” he explained to her. It did not look like his words were helping to calm her. “Officer Perry told me you were in the classroom and witnessed the altercation between Miss Austin and Mr. Stepford. Is that correct?”

“Yes,” she squeaked, now playing with the edges of her book's pages.

Clive decided to give it a shot and asked her, “Would you mind telling us what caused Claire to attack Mr. Stepford?”

With his simple guidance, Lisa began to explain everything that transpired in the period. Atwood listened intently as she paraphrased what the two had said to the other. When she got to the fight, her details became few, but explained she did not realize anything had really happened until Claire triumphantly held the wig up. When she was finished, she gave a sigh of relief then looked between the officer and principal.

“Why, thank you, Miss Chambers. Your account has helped my judgment greatly. You may pick up a pass from the secretary and head to your next class,” Atwood told her. She nodded and rushed out of the office with out so much as another word.

“Well, Mr. Perry, I am making my judgment in your favor. Let's go to that Ms. Stepford's office. No doubt her brother is still being coddled by her,” Atwood said, the frustration growing in his voice.

Miss Stepford's office was only a few doors down from his, thus a relatively short work. Atwood could feel this blood pressure rising as each step landed. The damn teachers were starting to treat their jobs as if it were a 'God' position, and it was causing disharmony with his students. But he had to take what he was given because West High School was run by Spiral Pharmaceuticals, and thus had top pick for teachers. Atwood had to shift through the resumes to find teachers that actually had credentials. And he was now realizing he had been dealt a pretty nasty hand by his rival, Zane Nurnberg. But at least he was able to get the Barkers since they were long time friends. But he didn't have as serious problem like Nurnberg. Then he remembered gangs were why he was standing outside Alexia's office with Clive Perry.

Damn gangs...

Comments

JamesKara

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We imagine gangs of pharmaceutical reps infesting a school such as this. "This stuff, the Synaptix, it beats the Xarnex by a long shot! The first one's free, kid."

Friday 08 May 2009, 16:39

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Violet

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Well, it is a very complicated job. The teacher has no right to make mistakes. I've read a book about this profession (it was an autobiography of an amazing teacher Ms Lucy, I found it at the book search engine http://pdf.rapid4me.com ) . Teachers need not only to know their subject very well, but to be able to learn and to be a Psycologist at the same moment. But usually at least a teacher can see the results of his work and its usefulness.

Saturday 16 January 2010, 12:43

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