For the next few weeks I shall be back in harness in the classroom. I thought I would publish this in celebration - it was my entry in the Changelings comp. and I had forgotten about it until someone added a kind comment. So for all you who like to be scared, here it is ..

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FRIDAY AFTERNOON

The squeak of rubber soles on the waxed block-wood floor, the odour of gym shoes and wet raincoats, turning the corner, opening the door. 9AC sat in guilty silence, sullen dull disinterest betrayed by finger flicks and a shuffled foot. Knowing each other well, playing and posturing each week; no mutual respect lived here – it was heavy and oppressive, but I held my nerve.

Those who were purely bad were bought easily with promises of videos and a trip out at term-end; that would seal a grudging truce. The misfits among them, three with sly eyes and twisty mouths, hoods raised against unseen forces, menaced and grimaced motherless rage in my direction.

I started reading steadily; paced by the ticking clock, words created a magic world. The room breathed again, a change as subtle as snowmelt.

Today their favourite story: “The Changeling Prince” overcomes his ill nature, becoming a valued expert, providing efficacious spells to protect the king against a plague of dragons with hobgoblin accomplices laying waste the royal kingdom.

Story ended, I dared a peek. Large youths slept, hair tousled ungainly on desktops; some gazed vacantly, dreamily planning weekend exploits, others drew. I searched out those I feared – moon-shaped faces with pointed chins, hoods now collapsed exposing elfin-pointed ears and their huge eyes lit up with wonder and awe they sat still, staring straight at me, rapt in their own world.

The bell sounded, the spell was broken, the weekend began.

Written by - sujen - January 10, 2008

deermaguire@yahoo.com says:

Terrific atmosphere. As one who works in a sec. school I can identify with it very well.

The language paints a vivid, succinct picture

sujen says:

Thank you for your kind comments. This was whittled down from a two page ramble to fit the word count - a really useful exercise I've found! Best wishes, Sue