Abby is officially my student P.A.
I've just signed the document stating this for her folder.
My next class will be in at 10:30 so I walk to the staff room and grab a coffee. How I wish I had a coffee machine in my office. It would save me from coming here. I could easily save myself some time.
Miss Cole and Mrs Conner are discussing an incident that happened at lunch yesterday. I'm listening in.
I know it's rude but I'm waiting for my coffee.
Miss Cole exclaims 'gosh those boys were fighting like animals, I thought I was going to get hurt' 'you didn't tho? Right' Mrs connor asks,
'no but Mrs smith did, poor thing has a black eye, I don't blame her for not coming in for the rest of the week'
'hmm Yh' Mrs connor agrees.
'The lunch hall is now short staffed, it was ridiculous Jerry put two women in charge in the first place, now I'm left with no one, the kids are going to run wild' Miss Cole wines.
I'm now finishing off my coffee, when I turn around both women are smiling at me. I know what's coming next.
'Mr Sinclair' miss Cole purrs, fluttering her lashes, 'do you have anything to do at lunch? You see Mr and Mrs smith are not in today and I really need your help' I look pointedly between them.
'I heard, you need lunch cover, correct?'
'Would you' Miss Cole asks fluttering her eyelashes again.
I nod and briskly walk to my classroom before they beg me to do anything else. I like to see women beg at my mercy but not in the way they've just done.
The bell rings and my class files in and takes their seats. Today's lesson is long division.
By the end of this lesson I have two phones and an iPod in my drawer. They can be collected at the end of the day. I don't let their disrespect slide, I've given them all detention with Mr Halt.
My next class comes in shortly after. I've set a mock exam so the hour drags. Unfortunately Melissa has pulled her phone out, I can see the sun glinting off it. Why she thinks this is acceptable I have no clue.
I rise from my chair, walking up to her desk. I hold my hand out. She looks up and her face pales 'sorry sir' she quivers handing her phone over, 'wait outside' I ask sternly. Melissa scampers out and the door closes.
I do my round around the room then stand at the back wall. I watch the clock when it hits lunchtime and the bell goes I announce 'pens down, file out quietly'. When everyone has left I step out 'in' I tell Melissa.
She stands there looking solemn.
'You failed the mock for getting your phone out' she looks up angrily and shouts 'what! That's not fair'
I laugh humorously then shout 'your behaviour and attitude is disgusting, how dare you get a phone out during an exam, you have detention after school with Mr Halt'
Melissa is crying now, I take a few deep breaths then say
'I'll be writing to your parents'
'you can't!' She rants, I tower over her and speak menacingly
'don't disrespect me, my decision is final, get out!'
Melissa runs off crying. I follow her with my eyes and see Abby. She looks pale, her face is white and she stands by my door shaking.
Shit! I think I've scared her.