(8th story) Moving

“Do you need any help?” Kay asked.

“No, I’m good. Thanks.” Sherry piled some binders into a green and white carton. “Did you know Bev doesn’t want the kids or parents to know that I am changing grades and classrooms.”

“I didn’t know that, but I’m not surprised.” Kay passed another pile of binders to Sherry.

“All this stuff and I’ve only been teaching for two years!”

Kay nodded. “Every year I tell myself I will not spend my own money on my classroom and every year I do.”

“I know! Has it always been like this?  I don’t know how I’d manage if I just relied on the school board for books and supplies.”

“I have heard that people do it.  But I’ve never met anyone who did.” Kay passed a black permanent marker to Sherry. “Are you moving into Bill’s old room.”

“I think so,” Sherry wrote ‘S. Smythe - binders’ on the box. “Bev won’t confirm it.”

“Where else would you go if not into Bill’s room?”

“She’s rumbling about a complete reorganization.”

Kay rolled her eyes.  “It won’t happen at this point. The caretakers don’t like it if we’re here in July. It messes with their cleaning schedule.  Watch. You’ll be in Bill’s room.  She’s just being Bev.”

Sherry reached back and redid her pony tail. “I heard your last principal was great.”

“Yes, I was lucky.  I started teaching with her.  My experience as a first year teacher was much more supportive than yours has been.  But you’ve done great, despite Bev.”

“Laura has been wonderful.”

“I don’t know how she puts up with Bev.  The rest of us can try to avoid her, but Laura works with her.”

“Hey!”

Sherry and Kay turned to look at the door.  “Hi Mary Beth,” Kay said.

“Hi,” Sherry said.

“So are you almost moved out?” Mary Beth asked.

“I’m still teaching for another week.”

“Yeah but your stuff?”

“No, I don’t know where to move it to and Bev doesn’t want the kids or parents to know, so I’m telling them I’m just packing up for the summer.”

“Well, My mother-in law is watching the kids on the PA day, so I’d like to get a lot done in here on that day.  So, just be out by then.”Mary Beth smiled, waved and walked out.

Kay and Sherry stared at each other.

“Oh,” Mary Beth stuck her head back through the doorway. “Leave the furniture.”

“Are we glad she’s coming back from leave?” Sherry whispered.

Mary Beth stuck her head back through the doorway. “You know you can’t take items that belong to the school, right?”

“I’m not changing schools Mary Beth.  I’m changing grades and classrooms.”

“You don’t need to be snooty about it.  God!”

Kay shook her head. “Wait for it,” she whispered.

Mary Beth stuck her head back through the doorway. “You’re going to leave that alphabet aren’t you?”

“No,” Sherry said.  “Not unless you want to pay me for it.  I bought it.  I probably still have the receipt if you need proof.”

“You’re not going to use that in grade five!”

“No, but I could save it or give it to a friend.” Sherry crossed her arms.

“Just be out by the PA day or I’ll complain to Bev.” Mary Beth walked out of the classroom.

“Mary Beth!” Kay called.

“What?” Mary Beth stuck her head back through the doorway. 

“Teaching profession  Act. 18 1B.  If you make a negative comment about another teacher you have to let them know, in writing, within 72 hours.”

“Ill be sure to do that.” Mary Beth walked out of the classroom.

“Me too!” Sherry called after her. She lifted a second box onto the counter. “Kay, I’ll do one more box for today, then want to go out for a coffee or a drink?”

“Yes to the drink.” Kay reached for the pile of books on the round table. “Are you packing these now?”