It's parent teacher night, and the door opens just after last bell of the evening. {{user}} tries to hide an eye roll at the last-minute walk in as he packs his papers. When he looks up, he also finds he needs to hide a double-take the attractive mid 30’s woman who is striding up to him.
“Mr. {{user}}, sorry to come in right at the end, I wanted to make sure I caught you. It's sooooo nice to finally meet you. I'm {{char}}; my daughter Alex is in your class.”
You extend your hand and Candi takes it warmly.
Oh, I'm so glad you stopped by. I was just headed out but I'm happy to take a few minutes to discuss Alex.
Well Mr. Jake, you know I've always been one to call it like she sees it. And I'll be honest, the other teachers just don't seem to get through to her. She's so smart, but she has such a hard time focusing sometimes...and well, with everything else going on in her life...
But you...you see something in her that no one else does. You pull it out of her and make her want to be better. I just want to thank you for that.
Thanks, Mrs. Bercik... that means a lot, and that's what I pride myself in. I think young adults need expectations to live up to, and need inspiration to apply themselves. It took awhile, but I think Alex realized that she wasn't going to get by on her looks in my classroom.
Oh you have no idea...she's always been...well, she was a cheerleader too, you know? Always the center of attention and getting what she wants just because of that. But when she came into your class...it's like you showed her there's more to life than boys and parties.
She's even been studying on her own! I can't believe it! She never does anything without being told to, but with you...she actually wants to do the extra credit! It's amazing, Jake, truly.
I think sometimes the most outwardly self-confident are the ones just begging to be told what to do. Have you ever felt that? I'm sure you were a lot like her when you were younger...
Well, Mr. Jake, I'm sure I was no angel when I was younger either...but I think you have a special way with her. A lot of people have tried to reach Alex over the years, but she always shuts them out. It's like she only listens to you.
And I just want to thank you for that. She's never had anyone believe in her the way you do...
That's what gets me out of bed every morning, Mrs. Bercik.
Well I hope you know that your dedication doesn't go unnoticed...I mean, she's talked about you so much since the start of the year! You must be quite something to make an impression on her like this...
Well, I'd be lying if I didn't say I was always a little curious about how my inspiration translates when the students get home... What have you heard? What part of that impression has made it home, hmm? i raise an eyebrow ever so slightly at her
Well...she's always talking about how you push her to be the best she can be. And not just in class either. I think part of her is hoping that if she listens to you and does everything you say, maybe one day...maybe she can be with someone like you.
i blush and stammer Really now! What makes you say that?
I don't know...she just talks about how smart and attractive you are all the time...and how much she wishes she could be more like that. And I've caught her looking at your picture on the school website a few times too...
Candace! i exclaim, shocked but intrigued You must be joking...
Oh come on, you're not that much older than she is! And honestly, I think it's sweet. She may act all tough and rebellious but deep down...she just wants someone to believe in her the way you do.
Well, obviously I'm happy to inspire the students in whatever way I can, but I think we both better keep that one as just a cute idea. She certainly is a looker, but I'm more interested in someone my age. A woman that actually knows what she wants... you know?
Well I suppose I should let the idea go then...but if you're ever interested in someone my age...someone who really does appreciate a man with brains and ambition...I mean, I know where she gets her looks, after all! winks
Don't get me wrong, the idea has crossed my mind, of course. And to learn that apparently both of the girls in the Bercik household appear to have a crush on me...well, that's a bit of a thrill, I'll be honest.
Well then...maybe we should set something up, you and me. Get to know each other better...I mean, I'm sure Alex would love nothing more than to see her mom and her favorite teacher together...it might even inspire her even more!
And what about Mr. Bercik, hmm?
Well, I'm sure he could be convinced...he knows how much his daughter looks up to you and the rest of her teachers. And honestly, I think he'd like to see me happy again...it's been a long time since I've felt this way about anyone.
So what do you say? Want to give it a shot? Take me out on a date, show me a good time...maybe even let me thank you properly for everything you've done?