by Todie West
Michael wrote the numbers on a slip of paper and handed it to Ms. Grant. He then shook her hand. “Thanks so much.”
* * *
With mixed emotions, Michael had the rest of the day to do … nothing. I’m going to go nuts. I never thought I’d say it, but I miss my kids. He went home and turned on the sports news channel.
After a short nap with Tabby on his lap, he decided to rake the leaves, again. The large liquid ambers had dumped another pile and the Japanese maple was just beginning to lose its leaves. The fresh, cool air felt good on Michael’s face and he breathed in deeply the autumn smells. He could almost see in his mind himself and his two pals making forts with the leaves. They would even rake all the neighbors’ leaves and pile them in his mother’s yard to make the biggest pile of leaves the world had ever seen. So much time had passed since those innocent times. The big question was where would he go from this point. Michael’s future was now in the hands of the School District.
Michael looked at the time and decided he couldn’t wait until quitting time to call Brad. He needed to talk to someone about his meeting with the union rep.
“Sounds like it went well,” Brad responded after Michael shared the details of the meeting.
“I guess. We’ll see. They will probably be calling you to corroborate my story, so just tell them the truth.”
“I will. Gotta run. You take care.”
“Thank Marnie again for dinner the other night. It was great.”
“Sure thing.”
“Later.”
Michael then called Jason. They had not spoken since the hammer came down on Tuesday morning.
“Thought I better fill you in on all the gory details because I know they will be calling you.”
“I’m there for you, Mike. Marked it on my calendar. Next Wednesday night at 7.”
“Thanks. Come on by anytime. I’ve got nothing but time on my hands between now and then.”
“You going nuts with nothing to do?”
“Yeah, pretty much. I’ll be working on my notes for the case. Just raked a few leaves.”
“Do you want me to come over and play in them with you?” Jason laughed.
“Thanks. I needed that. I think about those good times every year when I see the leaves start to fall.”
“We sure knew how to have a good time, didn’t we?”
“And still do.”
“You bet. I’ll stop by this week.”
“Thanks. Later.”
* * *
Michael hesitated before making his final phone call. I guess I better at least call Trish and warn her that the union rep might be contacting her.
“Michael. How are you? So good to hear from you. How was your meeting with the union rep?” Trish was almost giddy at the sound of his voice.
“It went well. I took your advice, told them the whole story. I wanted to let you know that I gave them your name and number.”
“Will they need me to testify?”
“I’m not sure. We’ll see how it goes, I guess.”
“When is the hearing?”
“Next Wednesday night at 7.”
“Wow, didn’t give you much time to prepare, did they.”
“A week. They are trying to get me back in the classroom as soon as possible, if it is possible. It’s going to be a long week, I’m going crazy over here, worrying about my kids, too. How are they doing?”
“Oh, they’ve been very loud. I heard they were complaining about wanting their jobs back and their money in their checking accounts. They’re like a bunch of disgruntled union members demanding their rights over there. I can hear them. You had them so in line and things are not going well.”
“Anybody have to go see Ruby yet?”
“Oh, they’ve all seen Ruby. All day today. The sub she got couldn’t handle it and left, so Ruby took over the class.”
“Oh, no!”
“Yeah. It was pretty ugly. She hasn’t got a clue how to deal with them. She’s been screaming at them and I heard her bad-mouthing you, too.”
“In front of my kids? What did she say?”
“She said your little experiment was stupid and that the way you had the desks set up was insane. She went in and changed them all around. I’ve been trying to keep an eye on what’s going on in there so I could report back to you. I know you really care about them.”
“Dang. And we were just beginning to connect. Would you be willing to testify to some of this? I know it has nothing to do with why I got fired, but it might give the District a bird’s eye view of what I’ve accomplished with this bunch.”
“Whatever they want me to share. I’ll suggest it when they call me.”
“Yeah, I guess it’s up to them. It’s not like this is the first time they’ve had to deal with this kind of stuff.”
“I know. I remember what happened to that high school teacher. What was his name?”
“I remember the case, but darned if I can remember the guy’s name. I know he went to my mother’s church because she testified on his behalf.”
“And I heard Ruby testified against him.”
“Yes, she did. I always thought that was why she had it out for me. She had to know that was my mother.”
“Whatever happened to the guy?”
“I think my mom told me he went to work at the Christian school.”
“Probably just as well.”
“He’s probably much happier there, not having to deal with all this bureaucracy. Sometimes it’s like walking on egg shells.”
“Especially with Ruby for a principal.”
“You’ve got that right. I’m worried about my kids. I just feel like my hands are tied.”
“I’ll keep an eye on them and keep you posted. Hopefully you will be back in there soon and you can get them back on track.”
“There are a couple of kids I was hoping to get some extra help in reading, but now that’s probably not going to happen, if there’s so much chaos and they aren’t consulting with me on anything.”
“It’ll be over soon. I’ll be praying for you.”
“Thanks. Can’t hurt, I guess.”
“Keep me posted, Michael.” Trish was dying to go out with Michael again, but under the circumstances, she did not want to push him. He had enough on his plate for the time being and she really didn’t want to take advantage of his emotionally vulnerable state.
“I will. Thanks. Bye.”
“Bye, now.”
Chapter 13
Without God there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first, the most basic, expression of Americanism. Thus, the founding fathers of America saw it, and thus with God’s help, it will continue to be. (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
Michael’s weekend was a steady stream of visitors. He was always delighted to see Jason and Brad, but when Mrs. Davis showed up, he wanted to crawl under the bed and hide. Unfortunately, she could hear the television and knew he was home.
“Michael, are you in there?”
“Just a minute, Mrs. Davis.”
“Just wanted to bring you this fresh cherry cobbler I made for you.”
“Wow, you shouldn’t have.”
“Oh, it’s my pleasure. I love to bake but my husband’s diabetic and I don’t need all that sugar, either.”
Michael kept his comments about Mrs. Davis’ weight to himself, as her round belly told him she had not missed too many meals in her lifetime. “Thank you. Would you like to come in?”
Michael was relieved that she declined. “I’m on my way to choir practice. You want to come to church tomorrow? The choir has been practicing this new song.”
Michael lied and said he would “try.”
“Okay, then. Maybe we’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, again, for the cobbler.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
* * *
Michael’s appetite had slowed nearly to a halt since he was dismissed from his job. After accompanying Michael to his former classroom over the weekend, Ms. Grant spent the next two days fine tuning his defense. She then called Michael with last minute instructions and a word of encouragement.
“I’ve spoken with your friends.”
“All of them?”
“Trish, Brad, and Jason. All their stories coincide with what you told me. I think we have a good case. Trish also told me some disturbing things about your principal which we may or may not bring up, but we will be keeping an eye on her in the future.”
“It’s not my goal to dethrone her. I just want what’s best for my kids and I don’t like to feel like I’m walking on egg shells all the time. She does have a soft side, when she’s not in her own world where she thinks she’s a cut above everyone else.”
“That’s the feeling I got, but we’ll play that hand when the time is right. Let’s just flow with it tomorrow night.”
“Okay. Will I be testifying?”
“I’ll call you last, if we need to. I know you are telling the truth. It’s just a matter of whether or not they think what you did warrants your removal from the classroom, either for a time, or permanently.”
“And if they think I’m crazy or not.”
“I’m not sure that will be a factor, but let’s just play it out and see what happens.”
“Not much else we can do at this point, is there?”
“No, you’re absolutely right. I’ll see you tomorrow. The meeting starts at 7:00 so if you can be there about 6:30, that would be great.”
“I’ll be there.”
* * *
Wednesday seemed like the longest day of Michael’s life. He couldn’t eat all day, he was so nervous. His life was on the line, or so he thought. He got to thinking about Mom and what she would say. When God shuts a door, He always opens a window, or Nothing is impossible with God, God can move mountains. Just saying these things out loud gave Michael a portion of comfort, not because of the references to God, of course, since he was still angry with God, but because he could hear his mother saying them and her voice was always the salve that soothed his pain, no matter what he was going through. Oh how he missed her. The question still remained, was she the one who got him into this mess? If so, he found comfort in knowing that she must have had a good reason for it. Only time would tell.
* * *
Wednesday evening finally came and Michael sat with his leg bobbing up and down as the hearing room filled with spectators and a few witnesses. Michael knew who would testify for him, but would it be their word against Ruby’s and Roy’s.
Trish, Brad, and Jason came in together and sat on the same side of the room as Michael, much like in a court trial, with the defendant on one side, and the prosecution on the other. Michael quietly introduced his buddies to Trish.
The District Superintendent, Oscar Jackson, opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board took care of a couple of agenda items left over from their last meeting. One item involved changing the name of the Christmas Holiday to Winter Break, which was voted on and passed 4 to 1. This action caused Michael to second guess his chances. While it didn’t matter to him if they called it Christmas Holiday or Winter Break, it did matter that these were the ones who would determine his fate, in a case involving references of the Bible and God in his classroom.
Mr. Jackson then introduced Ruby Mason, describing her long list of credentials, including teacher of the year at Drake Valley Elementary School prior to taking the position of principal. Michael wondered how she ever earned such a high honor, given the way she treated people. She obviously knew how to play the game. This was not looking good for Michael.
“Mr. Webster had been warned several times…”
“That’s a lie,” Michael whispered to Ms. Grant.
“Shhh. We’ll have our turn.”
“His behavior has shown immaturity and disregard for authority, including bringing a sleeping bag and staying overnight in his classroom.”
“And what was his reason for doing that, Ms. Mason,” asked Mr. Jackson.
“He said he had set a flea bomb off at his house.”
“And you did not believe him?”
“Not really. I know he had lots of friends so why wouldn’t he stay with one of them? Why stay overnight in the school?”
“Was this why you fired him?”
“No. It was the Bible teaching which he had been warned about and, when it was evident that he was defying an order and kept on teaching, I felt it in the best interests of the students to remove him from the classroom.”
“Is there anyone else who was privy to this information?”
“I’m not sure. I never discussed it with anyone, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“No further questions.”
“My name is Marian Grant and I represent Michael Webster for the California Teachers Union. I have met with Mr. Webster as well as three other witnesses whom I would like to call in the order you see there, Mr. Superintendent.”
“Proceed.”
“Brad Wharton would you take the stand.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Brad winked at Michael.
Oh, I wish he hadn’t done that, now they’re going to think I’m guilty, Michael thought to himself.
“Mr. Wharton, you are friends with Michael Webster?”
“Yes.”
“How long have you known each other?”
“Our whole lives, at least since kindergarten.”
“And you’ve been friends all that time?”
“Sure have. Best friends. The three of us – me, Michael, and Jason.”
“And what is Jason’s last name?”
“Bardwell. Jason Bardwell.”
“You’ve heard the principal, Ms. Grant, tell her side of the story. What can you tell us about this incident.”
Brad went through the days prior to and following the suspension in lockstep order, not leaving out one detail. It was just as Michael had framed it to Ms. Grant.
“And do you know of anyone who might have wanted to get even with Michael for anything, any enemies he might have that would want to see him lose his job?”
“Not at all. He is a great teacher. His kids love him and he really cares about them. He told me just the other day how he felt he was finally connecting with this rambunctious group.”
“And you see no reason why Mr. Webster would lie?”
“If he lied, why would he make up such a cockamamie story? No one could make this stuff up. It’s the truth. I swear.”
“No more questions.”
The Board members questioned Brad. “Mr. Wharton, would you have lied for your friend if he had asked you to?”
“Absolutely not.”
“So what you’re telling us is the whole truth.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“No more questions.”
“That will be all, Mr. Wharton. Thank you.”
“Jason Bardwell, you may take the stand now.”
Ms. Grant went through the same drill with Jason and the answers were identical. Michael hoped they weren’t so close that anyone might think they all rehearsed their talking points to make sure their stories coincided with each other’s.
“And the same question I asked Mr. Wharton. Do you see any reason why anyone would want Mr. Webster fired?”
“There’s this one kid in his class, Michael says he has sent him to the principal’s office a lot, but I don’t know anything else about him, but I doubt he could have dreamed up something like this to get Michael into trouble. He’s only 11 years old.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bardwell.”
“I only have one question for Mr. Bardwell.” Superintendent Jackson asked, ”If your friend, Mr. Webster, had asked you to lie for him, would you?”
“Absolutely not.” Jason hoped it wasn’t a problem tha
t all his answers sounded identical to Brad, but it was the truth.
“Thank you.”
“If there are no more questions, then call your next witness.”
“Ms. Taylor. It’s your turn.”
Trish took the stand.
“How long have you known Mr. Webster?” Ms. Grant asked.
“About two months.”
“You are a teacher at the same school?”
“Yes, I teach fourth grade, next door to Michael, I mean Mr. Webster.”
“So are you two fairly close?”
“Um, good friends.”
Michael was relieved with that answer.
“Why don’t you take us through the last couple of weeks, what Mr. Webster told you was going on in his classroom.”
“The first thing I knew anything about it was when he asked me if I had seen anyone going in and out of his classroom that didn’t belong there.”
“And what was your answer.”
“I told him I had not.”
“Then what did he say?”
“He asked me if I believed in ghosts.”
“He asked you if you believed in ghosts?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“And why would he ask you that?”
“Because every morning since his mother’s death there had been strange quotes written on his blackboard that he could not account for.”
“What kind of quotes?”
“They were mostly quotes about the Bible and God. There was one from Christopher Columbus and one from Andrew Jackson. Things like that.”
“And what did you tell him?”
“I told him I wasn’t sure, but that it might be possible.”
Trish ended her testimony with their meeting following Michael’s dismissal. “I told him that, just as the quote that was written on his blackboard one day stated that the truth shall set you free, you have to tell the truth.”
“What did he say to that?”
“He just didn’t want everyone to think he was going crazy.”
“You were telling me about Mr. Webster’s unusual teaching style. Can you tell everyone a little bit about that?”
Trish expounded on the mock city and civics lessons, how he was teaching them how to balance a checkbook. “It’s like hands on. They each have a job to do, a responsibility.”