Apparently, it’s not something he appreciates regardless of who’s doing it, and it’s something I’m completely oblivious to. A man would literally have to tell me he wanted to fuck me for me to get the message. And even then, I’d probably doubt him.
At some point, guys used to flirt with me and I knew it. It’d make me feel good knowing that I still had it going on. But now? I barely recognize when a man who’s not Trent says something even remotely nice to me. I don’t get much interaction with the opposite sex as most of the people I see day-to-day are other moms.
“I don’t know, I guess anything is possible. I’m just not looking forward to this thing to begin with, and this is only making me dread it more. I have no idea if this other guy is going to be there, but now I feel like I’m going to be walking on eggshells the whole night in case he is.”
“When is the reunion?”
“Saturday.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh, that’s soon. And you’re not looking forward to it?”
“Not really. It’ll be nice to be away for the night and without the kids, just getting a break. But the actual reunion itself, no I’m not looking forward to it much.” I’m not about to dive into the whys of that statement. In fact, I think it’s time to change subject. “Jessica had a really wonderful year this year. Thank you for everything you did to make it fantastic. She came home every day loving school and hated any of the breaks.”
“Oh, she’s such a sweet girl.” In school, sure. I’ll give her that. At home? She’s hellion number one. “Honestly, I don’t tell everybody this. She’s really a pleasure to have in class.”
“Thank you. Hopefully you’ll feel the same way if you get the other two.”
“I’m sure your kids are all fantastic. The little I’ve seen of Kendall shows she’s just as well behaved.”
I fight not to show shock on my face and remember that my kids arealwayswell behaved out of the house. It’s in the house that’s the problem.
And they’re not really that bad, it’s more that I don’t get a break, so sometimes tiny infractions seem like major offenses.
“I appreciate you saying that.” I place a sticker in my twentieth book. Just a few more and then I can get out of here.Silence falls and she goes back to grading papers while I finish up with the books. “I think that’s all of them, plus some extras just in case I miscounted.” I didn’t, but I’ve learned it’s always good to have extras.
“Thank you so much, Leslie. It’s been truly wonderful having you as a class mom this year.”
“It’s honestly been a great year. You make being a class mom very easy and don’t expect too much of me, which is nice since I have two other kids to worry about.” I giggle but mean it wholeheartedly. It’s not easy to class mom for multiple classes and Lisa knows it.
“I’ll let you get out of here. I’m sure there are better things you could be doing than sitting in school at six o’clock at night.” Since I didn’t want to put more on Becca’s plate, I told Lisa I was only available for an evening. Apparently, she stays until four thirty most afternoons but was willing to make tonight a late night to close up shop.
“Thank you. Just getting home for dinner with the family.”
I take one more look at my workspace and neat piles of books and wipe my hands on my pants. One thing I love about being in the classroom is that they always smell the same; like paste, construction paper, and crayons. It’s a somewhat intoxicating scent that sends me right back to grade school.
Now grade school I loved.
“Have a good night, Lisa. Try not to stay too late.”
“You too, Leslie. Tell Jessica hello for me.”
With a curt nod, I leave the classroom and walk down the hallway I’ve come to know almost as well as my childhood elementary school.
By the time I get home with our agreed upon Chinese food, it’s almost six-thirty. The kids are probably starving since we eat closer to five. And bedtime will end up being late tonight. That’s okay though, the year is almost over, and it’s probably good practice for when Becca has them on Saturday.
“Hello? I’m home.” I slip my shoes off as I hang up my purse and keys in our entry closet.
Walking into the dining room, I find everybody sitting and waiting in their spots, drinks already on the table as well as silverware. “Well lucky me, the table is all set and ready for dinner.”
Trent and the kids all smile. “See guys? I told you Mommy would appreciate it if we got everything ready for food.”
I open the bag and start passing out food, using the utensils to put some rice and various food on plates. We always go with an assortment of things so that everybody gets a little something they like, plus maybe something new.
“Thank you. I definitely do appreciate your help in getting the table ready.”
“And thank you for getting the food. We were just saying how hungry we were when you walked in. Right, Charlie?” I swear the boy is going to eat me out of house and home. He’s only three and eats his weight in food every day, and he’s still a tiny little thing. Metabolism like his father’s, that’s for sure.
“I’m sorry I was a little later than I planned everybody. But I had to help Mrs. Belleville with something special.” Jessica’s face lights up and she bounces to her knees in her chair. Her light brown curls bounce around as she does her happy dance.
