Triple Dose

Overheard in class:

My mom doesn’t let me hang out with anyone she doesn’t know. So there’s like, only 5 people that I’m even, like, allowed to talk about at home because they’re okayed by her. It’s so retarded even, the other day, my friend’s mom dropped me off from school not right in front of my house but to the side, you know, cuz it was on her way, and I got grounded cuz my mom couldn’t see who dropped me home cuz like, it could’ve been anyone.

It’s so retarded man, so retarded…

The students trickle in and sit quietly at their desks. They stare at me, standing at the front of the class. I stare back. I notice the bright purple wall at the back and the Far Side poster on the side, advertising their calendars of 2002. There’s a Simpsons poster right beside it with all the characters that have ever appeared on the show. There are so many, they fill up the poster.

More students are now staring at me looking around the class. I suppose I should say something but the more time that has passed, the more awkward it’s become. Deep breath. I’m the teacher here, I’m in control, even if it’s  not my regular class.

But really, I have nothing to say. I have nothing to for them to do and their teacher left nothing assigned. I’m loathe to tell them they can waste their time but what choice do I have?

Quick, is there a game I can play with them? They’re too old for cheesy games, they’ll laugh if I suggest it. At least time is passing by– that’s good, right?

No. Part of my job is to talk.

“Good morning, my name is Ms. Teebi…”