“Wow, I think I overdid the perfume this morning.” She said waving her hand.
“It’s fine.” Maggie looked at her and smiled. “You’re gonna be fine Taisha. The kids are going to be happy to have you. I’ll be there to introduce you.”
Maggie was amazed how good Taisha’s hair looked this morning. It was combed out straight well past her shoulders. It looked like she spent the full thirty minutes just combing her hair.
Maggie’s brown hair was pulled back in a bun and clipped. Taisha was drawn to the shape of her exposed neck. Even Ms. Turners ears seemed attractive. She could hardly believe she was riding to work with her. She really was instrumental in keeping Taisha on the right track in high school and now she was bringing her on board to be part of her team.
“I think you’re really gonna like this class. Ms. Sheryl thinks it may be the most well-behaved class she’s ever had. So hopefully you won’t be tested too much today. Nervous?” Asked Maggie, smiling. “You will have four classes and a study hall today.”
“Honestly… A little, but class time was part of the training and after teaching in Nigeria. I feel I’m ready for anything.” Said Taisha confidently.
“Her home room is 232 and you get a break first period. She has a lesson plan in place, so do your best to get up to speed. But you know the drill, when in doubt, reading time can fill the gaps.”
“I got this Ms. Turner I won’t let you down.” Taisha’s smile brightened. “You taught me well and I promise, if you’ll let me, I can teach you a few things as well.”
“There the Taisha l know and love. We’re here!” Maggie made the turn into the parking lot.
Taisha jumped right in and found the lesson plan file In Ms. Sheryl’s desk. She saw they were discussing the early European colonies. She quickly refreshed on St. Augustine established by Spain in 1565. The first English settlement in Roanoke Island North Carolina in 1587 and of course Jamestown, Virginia in 1607.
She was amazed how quickly it came back to her. Principal Turner was there twenty minutes before home room and engaged with the students as they arrived introducing them personally to Ms. Smith. She introduced her for the first two classes and her assistant principle Steven Haskins was there for the other two.
Maggie saw her in the teachers’ lounge at lunch. “Judging from your smile it looks like things are going well?”
“It’s great. Thank you so much for the opportunity Ms. Turner. I’m so excited!” Taisha’s grin was remarkable.
“Thank you for your service Ms. Smith. We’re lucky to have you. Let me introduce you to Ms. Richards. She’s been with us for three years now and another great find.” She placed a hand on each woman’s elbow and guided them together.
“Pleasure to meet you Ms. Richards.” Taisha smiled.
“Very good to meet you. Hope you have a great day.” She said cheerily.
Principal Turner stepped back. “I need to make a call. See you about 4:45 Ms. Smith?”
“I’ll be ready. Thanks!” Replied Taisha.
“Great idea on the new shifted schedules this year Ms. Turner. Another homerun.” Ms. Richards smiled.
“What’s at 4:45?” Asked Ms. Richards, politely.
“Ms. Turner gave me a ride this morning.”
“Aren’t you special. Curb to curb service from the boss.” Said Ms. Richards with an eye roll and attitude.
Taisha was stunned but took it in stride. “Ms. Richards is probably leery of the newbie.” She thought to herself.
Her last class finished and 3:10, so Taisha reviewed tomorrow’s material just in case. At 4:45 she went to Ms. Turners office. She noticed she still closed the blinds at the end of the day and closed her door. It was her time to get some work done.
She knocked and Ms. Turner yelled. “Be right with you.”
Taisha could hear her talking with someone. A moment later the door opened, and Maggie was showing Ms. Richards to the door.
“Thanks again, Principal Turner. Have a great evening. Ms. Smith.” Ms. Richards smiled at Taisha.
“Have a good night Ms. Richards.” Taisha nodded.
“Come in Ms. Smith. I’ll be ready in a minute. It looks like good news for you. Ms. Sheryl needs to stay home another day to get past the contagious stage. So, you’re back again tomorrow.” She said smiling. “Have a seat and tell me about your day.”
“It was great. You were right. Every class was respectful and seemed pretty open to learning. It was a little too easy, I’m afraid.”
“Good idea to keep perspective. Like life there are good days and bad days. I’m glad today was a good day.” Said Maggie sincerely.
Taisha could not shake the run in with Ms. Richards earlier. “How is Ms. Richards? I think I might have done something to tick her off today.”
Maggie smiled. “Don’t worry Taisha. She can be a bit… abrasive at times. It’s no secret she is vying for my job if I should become Superintendent. She did slip in a comment about us riding together today. I subtly made it clear you were not a threat to her… Yet anyway. Are we ready?”
“Yes mam. Whenever you are.”
On the ride home they discussed the next day. Maggie reminded her Tuesdays were her late night at work. She stays until 7:00PM to get work done.
“Would you like to join us for dinner?” asked Maggie.
“Thanks for the offer but, two things… One you’ve done too much already. Two, I want to prepare for tomorrow. So please don’t be offended, your hospitality is greatly appreciated.” Taisha looked at her pleadingly.
“Don’t worry Taisha. I’m proud of your commitment. Most subs don’t make that kind of effort. Thank you. So, it’s probably best if we drive separate tomorrow. Is that ok?”
“Sure. I think that’s best anyway. I don’t want people to think I get special treatment.” She smiled. Maggie rolled her head feeling a tightness in her neck. “Uh oh, I could work in a massage treatment before dinner. Are you still sore?”
Maggie paused thinking about their last session. “Tempting, but Sam’s home tonight. If he discovers your talent, you’ll never get him out of your RV.” She was also a little concerned about her body’s reaction to the previous message. It scared her.
Taisha laughed but was intrigued by her comment. Clearly Maggie noticed Sam was a little too flirty with Taisha. She wasn’t sure if it was good she was aware, or if it meant she was aware and was OK with it. Taisha really felt uncomfortable with his behavior alone with her in the RV.
“I love Sam to death, but he can be a little over the top sometimes, and he’s clearly a little smitten with you. So, I apologize if his flirting makes you uncomfortable but he’s pretty harmless. Let me know if he bothers you.” She said embarrassed.
“It’s fine Ms. Turner. I can handle a little flirting. He’s not the first white man a little intrigued by a black woman. I’ll shut him down.”
“Not too much, I did have a great night after our dinner if you know what I mean.” As the words came out of her mouth Maggie regretted saying it. Taisha put her instantly at ease.
“Ms. Turner, I knew there was a wild side in there somewhere.” She laughed with a high pithed giggle while her mind played back that evening with Coach Jackson.
Maggie felt a huge sense of relief, laughed with her and felt a real connection to Taisha at that moment.