Handing him back the phone, I raised my eyebrows. “Prove it.”
He looked startled, but I remembered what Zero said about Jasper’s phone. He said Jasper needed updates on his baby sister to feel more secure. If he opened the phone and there was a text thread from Zero, I’d assume he was telling the truth. If not, then I’d need to dig a little deeper.
Begrudgingly, he typed in his password and handed it back. The phone opened to a picture sent earlier in the day if the time stamp was correct. Jasper’s little sister chewing on a toy and looking at something outside the picture. So Zero was right then.
“Like I said, you can have this after class. Stick to using it between classes or next time it’ll go to the principal.”
He grumbled and slumped in his seat, arms crossed, but didn’t argue. The threat Zero had given him must have been enough to keep his head on straight for now.
Returning to my desk, I tucked Jasper’s phone in the top drawer and locked it to ensure no one tried to take it when I wasn’t paying attention. Then, because I had his contact information, I sent an email to Zero.
Dear Mr. Fletcher,
While I understand the device is meant to help ease Jasper’s anxiety, it might be best to not send him messages during class hours. It’s a distraction and I’ve had to take it away so he could focus on his work. I suggest messaging him at lunch. A copy of his class schedule can be found on the parent portal for more information.
Sincerely,
Simone Brooks
Movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention, and I turned to watch two students lean closer to whisper toeach other. They were done with their tests, but talking wasn’t allowed.
“Students, let me remind you that if you’re caught talking, you’ll receive a zero on this test, whether or not you’ve finished it. If you are done, find something quiet to do.”
The pair jerked apart, feigning innocence, and pulled out notebooks instead. I knew they’d eventually start trying to pass notes, but until they were caught in the act, I could do nothing about it. I turned back to my computer when an alert dinged, pulling up the newest email from Jasper’s guardian.
Dear Ms. Brooks,
Noted.
P.S. If I say pretty please, will you call me Zero?
A smile threatened and I had to work to hide it. If my students saw me smiling at my computer, they’d likely think I was designing some new way to torture them. I typed out a reply while simultaneously shooting a warning look at one of the girls in the back who was fishing in her backpack for her phone. I knew that’s what she was looking for because I’d caught her doing it several times prior. She removed her hand slowly, looking anywhere but at me.
Mr. Fletcher,
I’m a math teacher. Calling someone Zero sounds like a bad word problem. Unless you’re willing to tell me the importance of the name?
Simone Brooks
The reply came within minutes, and I very nearly laughed out loud.
Nope. Not gonna happen. That’s not an appropriate story.
But if Zero isn’t working for you, call me Elias.
Copying his reply from before, I sent one last email before returning my attention to my students.
Elias,
Noted.
Simone
I was finishing my lunch when I noticed Jasper peeking into my classroom. He jerked back when he saw me, likely hoping he’d gone unnoticed. Wiping my hands on my napkin, I stood and walked to the door, poking my head out. He was trying to tiptoe away and froze with one foot still lifted when I spoke to him.
“Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Reed?”
Turning comically slowly, he faced me, quickly donning his mask of irritation. “No!”
