"Miss Bonds, I cant tell you how glad I am that my daughter is in your class. I think you are one of the best teachers this town has ever had. Katie talks all the time about how much she likes you. She has never been so enthused about going to school before. I just wanted to come here tonight and thank you personally for all your hard work."
"Well, thank you Mrs. Robinson, I appreciate hearing that. Katie is a wonderful student and it is a pleasure having her in my class."
"You know Miss Bonds, I am a friend of the mayors wife. Im gonna talk to her and see if we can get you a special award..."
"Oh no, Mrs Robinson, really, you shouldnt do something like that. Im just...."
"No really, I will. You are a fine role model for our children. You should be recognized for it and Im gonna see what I can do!"
Corri smiled as Katies mother walked away. But the smile was weighing heavily on her. She glanced at the clock. It was 7:45. Fifteen more minutes to go before the PTA meeting was over. Corri let out a momentary sigh of relief before the next parent came up to talk to her. Putting aside her fatigue she put her "Miss Bonds mask" back on and played the part of the demure, caring teacher.
Teaching children was Corris passion. She loved every minute of it. But she despised the trappings of the profession; the formalities, the social functions, the PTA meetings. It all seemed so plastic to her. But she knew fully well that she had to play the game. Appearances were important. So when the time came she would act out the role of the perfect role model as if it was natural to her. But as this Friday night meeting ended, all Corri could think about was rolling out.
"Long one, huh"
Corri turned to see Alice Redoubt standing next to her table ready to leave.
"Yes, it was, Mrs. Redoubt, I am really tired."
Despite the fact that they were friends, Corri could never call her Alice. Mrs Redoubt had been her teacher when she was in the third grade. She was th... Læs hele novellen
