I refocused on the task at hand, which was math facts and not Adam’s biceps or his lips. “Oh, I’m just happy.”
“Why?” Danny’s eyebrows scrunched.
This was not a discussion I was going to have with a group of second graders. I cleared my throat. “There are lots of things that make me happy. One of them is helping you guys learn.” I pointedto the papers on their desks, hoping to refocus the attention there, and not on my weird facial expressions.
“My dad tries to help me with spelling, but Mom says he’s lexic and not to listen.” Lydia always loved a chance to be heard.
“What’s lexic?” Sophia’s eyebrows lowered.
I grinned. “She was probably referring to him having dyslexia. Just like everyone looks different on the outside, everyone’s insides can be a little different too.”
“Like how my mom can’t eat cheese or she has to go to the bathroom?” Mason asked.
I cleared my throat. Parents would be appalled at the things I’ve been told about them. “Yes, like that. Some people are allergic to things, but that doesn’t mean everyone can’t eat cheese, right?” I asked the class.
“I love cheese,” Mason added.
“Me too,” Sophia said.
“My mom says we can’t eat sugar because it’s bad for us, but she still eats it; she just hides it.” Harper shrugged. “I know where though.”
I had better get this back on track before I hear more secrets. “Okay, so back to dyslexia. Just like some people’s tummies handle things differently, some people’s brains work a little differently too. With dyslexia, they have a hard time keeping letters facing the right way and lined up. Which can make things like reading or spelling extra challenging.”
Sophia’s eyebrows lowered.
“For example, I have ADHD and social anxiety.” I was proud of my class and how accepting they were of differences.
“Dad bought a new HD TV that I can’t touch. Is it like that?” Caleb asked.
“Kinda.” I held back a smile. “Everyone needs different things to be successful.” It was obvious this was much too deep for my second graders. I thought back to how Adam had talked about it. “You remember when we talked about snowflakesand how they are all unique?” The class nodded. “Well, a friend told me that’s how people are. We all have different traits, strengths, and weaknesses. Not better or worse, just different.”
“I think my strength is speed.” Harper’s eyes widened.
“I think mine is eating cheese.” Mason nodded with a serious expression.
Soon the class was calling out all sorts of strengths, and I barely held back my laugh. “All right, let’s focus back on your math facts. You have four minutes until recess, and if you can focus the whole time, I will let us have a wiggle song before lunch.”
They all started shouting song requests for “Go Noodle.”
The freezing temperatures had kept them in for recess, so the extra distractibility was expected.
“I will set a timer on my phone, okay? Three minutes’ focus time, then a wiggle song.” I grabbed my phone out of my back pocket.
They focused on their papers. I was so lucky. I truly loved my life. I loved being a teacher, loved these kids, I loved this little town…and I’m pretty sure I loved Adam. I admit I would love for my parents to still be a part of it, but not at the risk of my own happiness.
My phone vibrated. I had a text from Adam. I tucked my hair behind my ear and bit back a grin. The timer had two minutes left. Surely it would give me enough time to respond. I opened the text thread.
Adam: When can I see you?
Faith: I mean, I should see you when you get Danny at pickup, so like 3:50? Right?
I tried to keep my squeals to myself as the three dots danced as I waited for a reply.
Adam: I mean, when can I see you when Danny isn’t nearby? (wink emoji).
I bit my bottom lip.
Faith: Hm, I guess we will have to get creative.
