Teachers

“I’m sorry, what?”  Quinn stared at the woman in disbelief, her eyes wide and face pale.  Her hands were trembling as she sat in the chair.  “Mrs. Paytas, I have never done drugs.  Run a test on me!  It’ll come out clean, I swear!”  She could feel her heart pounding against her rib cage.  “Mrs. Paytas, why the hell would I do anything to jeopardize my future here?!”

She sighed, having heard similar excuses before. Paytas wanted to try and give Quinn the benefit of the doubt considering she was one of the brightest at the academy, but the “evidence” was there (or so she thought). “You still had them in your possession, Quinn. Now, I know your family doesn’t have as much money as the other students here, so there comes into question perhaps you are the one dealing drugs to make money? It’ll all be easier of you confess. If you do, then I won’t involve the police.”

// @quinnshxa

“De hecho, estoy aquí en el negocio de Foreign Languages Club. ¿Han informado a los que buscan crédito adicional que hay niños en el FLC que estarían dispuestos a darles tutores en español y ayudarlos? De esa forma, los niños no lo molestarán para obtener crédito adicional y ayudará a los que sí hablan español en FLC a practicar un poco más.“ She shrugged a little, smiling at the teacher. “Sólo una sugerencia.“

“Una buena causa. Sin embargo, sin sentido. Aquellos que están buscando crédito extra ahora son los estudiantes que nunca prestaron atención o lo intentaron. Es el final del año, no les voy a dar a tus compañeros de clase la oportunidad de empezar a fingir que les importa mi clase ahora. Sus notas son bajas porque merecen serlo.“ McKinnley shrugged, over these pretentious kids thinking they can get by without trying. “Una sugerencia que llega demasiado tarde. Otra podría ser decirle a tus amigos que hagan un esfuerzo.”

“Mr. Riley, you really can’t tell me you’re that much older than the rest of us.  What are you?  Twenty-five?  And are you going to try to get me to not use ‘bad’ language”

“Ms. Ernst, it doesn’t matter how much older I am than you, I am your teacher. I don’t know how you treat the rest of your teachers but I am not your peer, understood? Now, go ahead and practice, you’re going to kill it, I have no doubts.”

“You know what?  Fuck it.  It’ll be more than ready by performance.  I might as well go balls to the wall for my first performance with the glee club.”

“Ah the language of the youth...I’m not sure if you’re supposed to say that to your teacher but I’m liking the confidence.”

“I just… Mr. Riley, do you really think it’s a good idea for me to sing ‘Out Tonight’ from RENT?  I’m just not sure if I can pull it off.  Wouldn’t someone like Naomi pull it off better?”

“Maybe not...but definitely not if you don’t think you can do it. It’s up to you, you are more than welcome to change the song if you don’t think you’re comfortable with it.”

“Because I successfully made you a traditional Spanish meal and everyone else’s was a glorified version of Tex-Mex?”

“Even with Thomas as a partner. Look at that. However, no one asked you to make a traditional Spanish meal, the assignment didn’t even mention food, but apparently you, and everyone else with their Tex-Mex, thought bringing me food would equal extra points. It doesn’t. I have a strict rule of not accepting food from students.”

“Thanks Mr. Riley.” Tommy said softly as he looked over the lyrics sheet for the hundredth time. “Do you mind if I go over it a few more times with you just to be sure?” 

“No problem, you know I’m here if you need me.” He smiled with nod at him. “Not at all, brommy. We can go over it as much as you want to, except I gotta go at four. The cats need to be fed before they eat my grandma.”

“Yeah. I think ill work a bit in private first though.” Owen finally decided wanting to keep some surprise in their last piece of the school year. “You know, I thought I wanted to be an art historian and I still love it but there is something really freeing about sculpture that I never knew  could feel.” As she said she would do what she could, Owen smiled. “Thank you. Really. I wouldnt have even gotten into sculpture had you not done that presentation earlier in the year about modern art in the sculptural scene or whatever.” 

“Yeah but I have this idea in mind and I dont know if it will work so Im going to be playing around a lot.” Owen pointed out before nodding. “Wait really? Do you think I’ll get in? I mean, im sure there are a bunch of people besides me applying that have more experience in sculpture in their work and… do you think I’ll get it?” 

“Tuve que lidiar con Thomas Knight como mi compañero para el proyecto final.”

“Y alguien tuvo que lidiar con Pepper Ann. Lo siento, eso no es lo suficientemente bueno.”

“Is there any way I could get in a few extra rehearsals?  I’m just feeling so nervous about it and when I get nervous I mess things up.  Bad.”

“Extra rehearsals? If you want them, Ms. Ernst, but I don’t think you need them, preparation wise. You know the material, you’ve nailed the notes, but if it’s a confidence thing, I get it. Take the time you need.”

“Thanks. I have some ideas, nothing super solid but I think it will be a lot of trial and error.” Owen commented before clearing his throat. “Could I… well I mean, I was wondering if you would write me a letter of recommendation for MoMas summer courses? They have a sculpture course that I would die to be a part of.” 

“All art is trial and error, much like life. You know what I say ‘there is no wrong in art. Art is a feeling and feeling is never wrong.’ You’re more than welcome to use the studio whenever you have a free period or after school. MoMas summer course? I would be happy to, Owen. That class is going to be so enlightening for you.”

“I mean yeah I guess a little bit. It’s just super high and I’m worried about screwing it up.” Tommy said nervously as he looked up at his teacher. “I’m a little worried about the whole voice cracking thing.” 

“Tom, Tommy,” Mr. Riley leaned in, throwing his arm around one of his favorite students shoulders. “You’re going to be great. You’ve practiced at least a hundred times, not that I was counting, but I was. It’s gonna be flawless.”

“So I want to do a mixed media sculpture piece on reality vs perception? In high school it seems really hinged on how people think of you even if thats not how you really are.” 

“That’s very creative, Owen, I can’t wait to see it. I already know it’s going to stand out, there are so many levels you can add to that idea.”