by Lari Smythe
* * *
Even though Wednesday was the last day of school, I still had to meet with Ms. Moore. Our meetings were awkward at first and we hadn't really talked about anything of any importance, but I had also learned that she truly did care about each of her students especially me and Cathy.
"What's bothering you today?" Ms. Moore asked.
"Something Jason said."
"Is he pressuring you—"
"No, no, nothing like that. We went up to the lake over the weekend—kind of a break from studying—and he asked what was in my future."
"I told him I didn't have a future." Oops, shouldn't have said that.
Ms. Moore got up from behind her desk and then sat with me on the couch. "Of course you do. You're extremely intelligent, gifted and a hard worker. I think you can do anything you put your mind to. The question is, what do you want?"
"I don't know, I just can't see a future."
"This has been a difficult year for you, moving to a new school, learning you were adopted, meeting your birth mother and then the difficulties your adopted family is going through. I know a lot of adults who couldn't deal with just one of those issues as well as you have. You are truly a remarkable young lady and I have no doubt whatsoever that you have a bright future." For a moment it looked like she might reach for my hand, but she seemed to think better of it. "Do you think Jason is part of your future?"
"I don't—" I shook my head, not wanting to discuss him with her.
"Don't be afraid, I'm not going to judge. Let me say this, hypothetically speaking. Jason is a fine young man, does well in class, a gifted athlete and very talented artistically in his own right. I think a girl could do much worse." She winked. "And very handsome too I might add."
That brought a smile to my face. He was all those things and so, so much more.
"Well, I think you're doing splendidly. I hope I have an opportunity to meet your family next year, perhaps at back to school night." She stood. "I'd like to continue our morning get-togethers next year if that's agreeable with you."
"Next year, sure." I hadn't thought about next year.
"We'll work out the details when school starts. Well, I hope you have a nice summer. Run along now, you don't want to be late for class."
I paused at the door and turned back. "Thank you."
She looked up with an empathetic smile. "You're quite welcome. I think working with you has been one of the highlights of my year. Have a great summer, and have some fun, you deserve it."