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The Falling

Summary:
In the action itself, she is weightless and free. The flight is not to be feared, only the impact. A story on the life of Esme Cullen. Image Hosted by ImageShack.us Banner By incredible Iris!

Notes:
I may submit this to the official site. What do you think?

61. Chapter 61

Rating 5/5   Word Count 523   Review this Chapter

To trip you and laugh

“Hello. My name is-“ I pause to write it on the board- “Esme Cullen. You may call me Esme, if you’d like.”

One of the adorable little boys in the first row gawps at me. “But you’s a grown-up, miss.”

“I don’t mind,” I say, smiling. “I believe I am here to teach you, not to lecture you or parent you. As long as you learn what you need to, I think we can be friends.”

A taller, older girl stands. Her long hair is in twin braids that fall to her waist, framing a coarse red face and an ugly scowl. “If you don’t mind me sayin’, Miss Esme, we ain’t that stupid. Some of us is older than little Billy there, and we ain’t falling for that. There’s two sorts of people who comes to this school, miss. One of ‘ems Miss T.’s sort. She’s got an iron fist when she’s in the classroom. She rules everything in her sight. Then there’s your sort. You try to make friends with us, but you don’t’ really give a damn.”

“Sit down,” I say calmly. She doesn’t respond, only twirls a braid around her finger. “Sit down!” I repeat, and she does. “What’s your name?” She again refuses to answer. I look quite levelly at her. “I expect an answer.”

“Or what? You’ll take that to me?” she accuses, indicating a paddle in the corner. I wince.

“I’m certainly not going to hit you, if that’s what you’re implying But you will not be leaving this classroom for lunch. You can eat in here, not with the other children. And you may stay until dark, unless you answer my question. I expect you, all of you, to treat with basic courtesy. What is your name?”

“Mandy,” she grumbles.

“Pleasure to meet you,” I reply brightly. “Would you mind going around the room and introducing yourselves? Age, grade, and first name, please.”

The children do as asked, some enthusiastically, some sullenly. I notice the older children are more hostile.

“Could those of you who are in first through third grades go outside for their recess, please? I’d like to speak to the rest of you.”

There were the predictable grumbles, but they listened.

That was something.

A start.

This was not an easy job, that was for sure.

“Thank you for staying back. I asked to talk to you all particularly, since you’re the older students. You probably do not realize this, but you’re very much role models for the younger children. They look up to you. Do you remember when you were their age? I do. I know they will emulate your behavior. And I’m asking you for a favor. Accept me as a member of this school. You have the real power here—you are the students. Listen to me. Let me teach you. And then they’ll learn too.” I look out at the strange faces, of these children almost glaring at me. “Well? Will you?”

As you fall…