Tempting MxM

“I summoned you here, Mr. Cartwright because of the strings of complaints I’d received from the parents of the students of the twelve graders about the mass failure recorded in the last Literature test. I trust your father must have told you all about our school’s commendable reputation and how we treasure our grades than anything else.

Bless his heart, I’d like to know though if you’re encountering any difficulties since the beginning of your temporary appointment here so I can…see where I can help out.” Principal Churchill droned, lifting a perfectly manicured finger to stop her glasses from falling over the bridge of her stubby nose.

I wrenched my attention from the office’s monochromatic features and trophy case filled with awards the school had won to the fierce unsmiling lady watching me with a neutral gaze, her eyes narrowed. Shit. I hadn’t been paying attention at all.

“If you don’t mind Ma’am, I was thinking – “

“Mr. Cartwright.” She interrupted me, drumming her fingers on the desk and consulting her brown leather watch. “I’d like you to know I have more important things to attend to so it’d be best you saved me my time.”

“Yes, well…” I trailed off, feeling trapped in a tight corner. “The students are the cause of their failure Ma’am. They’ve simply refused to be attentive in class and threatening them with detention is considered a bluff. I’ve tried all I can and was about telling you about it before the test – “

“It seems to me that you haven’t established your control over the class which is why they’ve refused to take you seriously.”

“Well, students are always disrespectful to teachers…“ I laughed nervously.

“I take an exception to that, Mr. I previously taught biology before my appointment as a Principal ten years ago. It all depends on your demeanor in your first class with them. I have cause to believe you’d been playful to gain their trust and the disadvantages are exactly what you’re passing through right now.”

“I’d only wanted to be friendly because I thought it’d make the class fun for everyone.”

“That’s a weak excuse,” She sighed, leaning back on her swivel chair. “Need I remind you that method is outdated? Students are wild these days and the best way to combat this is to stand your ground as a stern teacher and instill discipline where necessary.”

“I – “

“We’re done now, Mr. Cartwright.” She motioned at the door dismissively. “I’ve got a meeting with the school council in five minutes. I trust you’d think over what we’d just discussed and find a way to avoid such an unfortunate occurrence in the future. You may leave now.”

“Thanks, Principal Churchill.” I got up and snailed my way out of the office toward the outer boy’s bathroom. Anger, humiliation, and self-loathing whooshed through my soul, creating an itch of desperation I wanted to scratch away so bad.