THE PRINCIPAL'S PROPOSAL

The blaring sound of her alarm clock woke her from her deep sleep. She took her phone and jolted when it shows the reminder that today is her first day of work as a teacher in the academy where she used to study. She hurriedly went in her bathroom. After taking a shower she puts on a white button down shirt tucked in a black fitted pants and a black wedge. She puts on a red lipstick and her black framed glasses. She looked at her mirror. Her eyes suddenly sparkled because of the water that wants to fall from it but she stopped it. This is the day that she has been waiting for. After all the hardships, she’s finally a teacher. “I made it, mom.” She said in the mirror. As she went inside her car, her phone rang. It’s Lucia, her best friend since birth. They graduated from the same school since grade school. They pretty much witnessed each one’s ups and downs. Lucia has been there when her mother died and when her father remarried. “Hello, I’m off to school.” Addison said as she answered her best friend’s call. She heard a shriek from the other line. “Good morning, teacher Addie!” Lucy said that made her laugh. It’s nice to know that someone knows about your dreams in life and celebrates with you when you have finally got it. “So, I just called to congratulate you and to say good luck even if you don’t need it. Anyway, I also have to go. I have a class at seven so, see you later?” Lucy added. She is a teacher in that academy too for almost a year. “Yeah, dinner at my place tonight. I’ll cook for us. Gotta go, bye!” she said and hanged up the phone and drove her car to the school. As she arrived at the parking lot, she had cold feet. She suddenly felt nervous even if she had prepared for this day for a lifetime. It feels surreal and right at the same time. She went out her car and marched to the faculty room. On her  way, she was greeted by some students. She even over heard some first impressions to some of them. “I heard she’s a scary teacher. I heard the other teachers talking about her in the cafeteria.” One student said to the other. How unprofessional of them to talk about co teachers like that, she thought. “Well, I wouldn’t mind. She’s hot.” said the other student. She just shrugged at it. It is undeniable fact that she can pass as a model. With her height of 5’9 , slightly brown skin and her fit body no one would question it if she becomes a model. Plus her facial features are perfection. But the thing is she cannot see herself. She thinks she is ugly hence her lack of self confidence. As she arrived on the faculty room she was greeted by her co teachers. Some are same age as her but most of them are oldies. “Good morning.” she greeted with a nervous smile. All of them look serious and terrifying like a usual teacher vibe but they greeted back and this she took as a time to go to her desk. She sat on her chair. Her desk is enclosed with a barrier on the front and on both side her and desk is located beside the glass division of the principal’s office. She prepared herself for her first class. The bell rang which means it’s the second period and her first class. She got up and walked to her class. Approaching in her classroom, she heard the noise of her students. They suddenly behaved as she entered the classroom. She almost laughed. She never thought thakt students would be terrified by her. “Good morning. I’m Addison Ventura your Literature teacher for this year.” She said while looking at them one by one. She can see nervousness in their eyes. She did not mean to terrify them but this is her defense mechanism. She believes that if one shows weakness it will be used against her. “Good morning, Ms. Ventura.” They all said in unison as they stand up. Addie motioned them to be seated. “So, it’s the first day of school and this is my first year of teaching and so I would like to know all of you. Let us start from the back. Tell us your name and your favorite literary piece.” She said. All of them looked shocked. She did this even if she is bad at remembering names. She just don’t want to stress her students in their first day but it seems like they are stressed thinking about what should be their answer. “It seems like you guys don’t have any clue so I’ll start.” she said. “You should call me Ms. Ventura. My favorite literary piece is Jayne Eyre. In my perspective it is a great inspiration for young lads like you to be independent. Never let any emotion rule over you under any circumstances. This story suggests that, you deserve what you tolerate.” she noticed that the students are eager to listen to what she’s saying so she decided to give a life lesson instead of the introduction. “Students, we are in charge of our life. Whatever choice we make, whatever path we take, it’s all up to us.” She started. She was about to continue when someone spoke from the door. “True. But with this age interval you should not be saying that.” he said. She knew that voice very well. Addison turned to the door and at that moment, she wished that she’s dreaming. Standing there is Timothy Roberts wearing his usual plaid button down polo rolled until his elbow, a denim pants, white sneakers and his old black cross body bag. “Where is the undefeatable Addie? It seems like you’re lost of words.” He said with a playful tone. Addie wants to walk out of the room but she don’t want to be unprofessional. Everything is in the past now so she will not let this man talk to her like this in front her students. “I was just shocked that there’s someone as unethical as you. Didn’t you heard about knocking? Well, what should I expect? You left without saying anything so this is a norm, am I right?” she smirked when she saw the sudden guilt in his eyes. It’s like he wants to say something but she will not let herself be fooled by this man again. “Addie let’s—“ she cut her off. “I would like to proceed to my discussion but you see, you’re a disturbance here. If it’s not too much to ask, may you leave, please.” She tried to sound nice. “I just came to say there’s an emergency meeting at the principal’s office. Good bye everyone.” He said and left.  “Good bye Mr. Principal.” The students said in unison that made her jaw drop.