It all started innocently enough. Jessica asked to go to the clinic. She didn’t feel good.
You see, I’m subbing right now at a high school for some juniors. Yes, teenagers. Yes, those people vilified by society as practically criminals. Guess what? They’re a reflection of you and me and the world at large. They need love and support not hate or hasty judgments.
Anyway, back to the fight. Every hour is a story and it’s a story every hour. First period’s a serene but nervous group of seniors. Second period is planning or covering another class. Third period, I usually wake up and believe me it can be a rude awakening at times.
This day I gathered my stuff together since I float from room to room and tried to get organized.
Jessica came up to get a pass to the clinic. She then was heading out the door. But she didn’t make it. Next thing I know, she and Jennifer were in what looked like a whirlwind. Hair extenders were flying. Pieces of jewelry too. A cup of soda got knocked over onto the floor and spilled everywhere. Everyone was screaming. Some were shouting, “Mrs. B., break it up! Break it up!”
“No, I’m not! I will get hurt!”
Then Diamond spoke up. “I’ll break it up, Miss, don’t worry!”
She got between them and in a matter of seconds, stopped it by grabbing the arms of each one. I called the office and an assistant principal came down. By that time, they had calmed down and they were both nursing their mild wounds. Nobody got hurt except their feelings. Jessica got expelled and I never saw her again. Jennifer got two days of in-school suspension. The boys were glowing with joy. This was so much fun!
The next day, we took a few minutes at the beginning of class to talk about it. They were upset I did not break it up and I explained to them again it would’ve been dangerous for me to do it. I think they were disappointed. They wanted a better show and I would have given it to them.
Jennifer claimed that she walked into the room and just brushed up against Jessica’s arm and that’s when it all started. Apparently, there was some animosity between them that triggered the whole incident. I thanked Diamond for breaking it up and she smiled broadly with pride.
Kenny was real upset. He’s my self-appointed classroom helper. He can’t sit down more than a few minutes at a time. Claims his leg is injured. Usually, he’s right there to help with the overhead projector or the DVD player. He was mad that he missed it. I told him that when you’re absent from class, these things happen.
I told them it reminded me of books and movies I had watched. Of course, none of them had ever heard of any of those. They’re experiences are limited and they know nothing back before the year 2000. If it’s not on Facebook, YouTube, a very recent movie or TV show they haven’t got a clue.
We haven’t had any fights since. We had some silliness which is common to this age. I go along with it unless they go too overboard with joking or talking and disrupt the class. I know where the line in the sand is and usually they stay behind it.
Still, it was an eventful few moments and I’m glad it’s over and no one got hurt. You never know third period what’s going to happen though. It’s my wake-up call every day.
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