Martha Miller walked into the empty classroom and looked around, taking in the odd solice. She was new to the school, new to MIDDLE school and new to just teaching Math. She had been a grade school teacher but felt ready for a bigger challenge. Eight grade Mathematics. Miss Larson, who had been the teacher the previous year appeared in the doorway. She introduced herself and told Martha that she was just back to pick up a few things she had left in the desk.
Suddenly the bell rang and in no time, the room began filling up with students, students who were delighted to see Miss Larson. They crowded around her like the Von Trapp kids around Maria in “The Sound of Music” chattering happily and beaming with excitement to see their old teacher.
“Miss Larson! We didn't know you'd be back!”
“We heard you were getting married and wouldn't be teaching us anymore...”
“I'm not.” She said loudly over the din.
Silence. One cough. “Oh...” one student said.
As the students sadly found their seats, Miss Larson said, “This is your new Math teacher, Mrs. Miller.”
The silence of the room Martha had entered had now returned and it was even odder seeing that it was packed with thirty thirteen year olds.
Martha thinking that it was time for her to seize control of her position as teacher stepped forward accidently bumping Miss Larson as she positioned herself in front of the desk. The awkwardness of the situation made her forget to say “excuse me” and it did not go unnoticed.
To be continued...