The Swiss Escape

First-day jitters

It’s a week before the school year starts. Today there is a staff meeting, and I am incredibly nervous. I don’t know what to expect.

Walking into the school, Kayla is close to my side. I’m not sure where the staff meeting would be, so I end up being late. I am the last to walk into the room; everyone looks at me. Well, this wasn’t the impression I hoped to make.

Kayla and I sat towards the back. I hand her some crayons and a coloring book. I also have some toys and stamps in my bag in case the crayons didn’t work.

Alexander watches me closely, I thought maybe he was angry, but his eyes held no emotion. Alex passes me a copy of the PowerPoint in English since the main one displayed is in German. Written on the top is a note to me, ‘Stay late, and I will explain everything to you in English.’

At least he cares enough not wholly to single me out in front of everyone. I try to follow along with the slides the best I can, but it isn’t easy. Before dismissing the teachers, he introduces me. To my surprise, he does it in English, “Everyone, please welcome the new English enrichment teacher, Kamryn Miller.” He motions for me to stand. I do, and everyone looks at me. Some smiles while others look at me curiously.

When everyone left, Alex walks over to where I am sitting. “I hope you don’t have a habit of being late.”

“No, Sir. I got lost when I was walking through the school.”

Alex nods in understanding. “I should have given you a tour. If Kayla gets bored, we will go and walked around so she can move. Since it is just the two of us, we can finish talking outside if needed.”

“That sounds fun. I tried to follow along with the best I could.”

“Yes, I watched you.”

“You were watching me?”

Alex smiles, “I guess I was interested in what you would do. I wanted to know how resilient you are. Can you cope under stress?” His expression changes to one of admiration. “I must say I was impressed.” Kayla heard about going outside and is now continually asking. Alex stands up and motions for us to follow. “This way, Ms. Kayla, let's go see the playground.”

We make it out to the play area, and Kayla takes off towards the slides. “You asked about coping. Life has thrown a lot of obstacles that forced me to find another way.”

“With your parents?” He asks. I nod. “What about Kayla’s dad? Where is he?”

“I left him. He was becoming abusive. To keep Kayla safe, I ran away.” Alex looks at me with sad eyes.

“Why here?”

“So, he can’t find me. Even if he did, there is no law forcing me to go back to the U.S.”

Alex looks at me with sad eyes. “So, are you divorced?”

“Technically, no, I fled the country. I found out my husband was having multiple affairs. I told him I was leaving. Then he threatened to kill me. I filed for divorce a little over a week ago. It could take up to sixty days to finalize. I am waiting for confirmation.”

“Well, if he comes to school, I can have him arrested.” I look at Alex; he seems upset.

“I shouldn’t have told you. If my ex does show up, you might be in danger now too.”

“I’m glad you told me. I want you to know that you can always come to me for help.” Alex seems sincere.

“Thank you, Alex. That means a lot.”

We spend an hour talking about protocol and what he expects from me. Then we begin talking about curriculum. “I looked over some of your previous work, as long as you teach them and they’re learning. You are free to use any method you wish.”

His confidence in me is reassuring. “Well, thank you for the vote of confidence.”

“I changed your German lessons. They will start after you settle in more. We will iron out the details later. I need to finish some work. I will see you later.”

“Yeah, we should probably get going anyway.”

“No, you don’t have to. Please stay, let Kayla play, and get comfortable with the surroundings. Here is a key to the building.” Alex reaches into his pocket and pulls out a key. “You can go anywhere in the school except for my office.”

“Thank you, Alex. For everything.”

He gives me another smile before turning around and walking back inside. I watch Kayla play awhile longer. Then I call her to go home. It is after her usual lunchtime, and she needs a nap.

The rest of the day seems to go by like a blur. By the end of the night, I am exhausted. I grab the phone and text Jenifer. I wasn’t sure if she would be up or not. ‘Hey, I told my boss about being married. I feel odd now, I am glad I did it, but I also wish I didn’t. I find him attractive. My divorce won’t be final for a few more weeks.’

Jenifer’s response is immediate ‘Is this the headmaster guy? He sounds attractive. I also think you did the right thing by telling him. If by some small chance he comes looking for you there, someone knows he is bad news.’

I thought about what Jenifer said. ‘you’re right. I guess it’s my paranoia. Has he tried to contact you at all looking for me?’

‘No, he has told everyone you went to visit an aunt out of the country. I think he doesn’t want people to know you left him. It would cause a scandal.’

I’m not sure why it would cause a scandal. People got divorced all the time; it would be better than staying in a relationship you find miserable. ‘I am glad he isn't trying to find out where I went. Hopefully, he just gives up and forgets about me.’ I decided to lighten the mood by sending another text. ‘When are you coming? I’m super lonely!’

Jenifer’s response left me laughing. ‘I have decided to run away too. So I am just going to live with you, everyone will just think we are a couple. I'm good with this unless I find a cute man, but I will just push to go back to his place.’ She adds a goofy emoji, so I know she is joking.

‘Are you that stressed?’ I feel guilty for not being there for her. She has been with me through so much it is hard to know she is struggling and so far away. We talk a bit more about how her business is doing just enough to keep her going but not thriving.

When we stop texting, I clean the small apartment. It took less than half the time it took to clean my old house. I lay down in bed and think about Alex. He seems like a good guy; talking to him was easy. He almost seemed flirtatious at points. I wonder if he is genuinely invested with the other teachers, as he says. He probably is. There is no reason to lie to me.

I fall to sleep with a feeling of safety and security. Something that Zurich has given me. In the short time I have been here, it’s become home.