After dropping the room key at the Principal's office, I strolled to my car, pretty pleased with how the day had gone.
I had seen the parents of all my students, except one. That was the one drawback, since he was failing, and a kick in the ass may have gotten him going, to improve.
Now, it was home, maybe stop for a cold one and a bite at Harry's Place. Nobody to rush home to, since the divorce, so I might as well.
The parking lot was almost empty now as I crossed to my Jeep Cherokee. I stopped at my door as I heard another vehicle, a cab, and someone got out, tossed money at the driver, and came rushing towards the High School. The cab zipped away as soon as she was out.
"They're pretty much closed up in there!" I hollered.
She stopped and turned to me, noticing me for the first time. "Damn! DAMN! Do you know if Mr. Porter is still in there?"
"I'm sure he's not. Is that who you wanted to see?"
She walked closer, and immediately I noticed her figure, classic hourglass, like old B movie stars of a bygone era. She was tall in her heels, but probably 5'5 without, red hair worn back from her face.
"Yes, I tried to get here on time, but my job, my replacement was late! Do you know if he has e-mail I can write to, Maybe reschedule?"
"We all have e-mails, or you could send a letter to the school."
"Oh, sorry, I didn't realize you were a teacher, you seem so young, sorry, no offense."
"None taken." I stretched out my hand. "Dan Porter, nice to meet you. You must be Brian's mom. I was expecting you."
She had a good strong grip. "Oh, no, I'm not his Mom, I'm actually his grandmother, his Legal Guardian. I guess neither of us could work in a carnival, guessing ages!"
Looking closely now, I could see she was about fifty or so. But Brian was a 17 year old senior. It didn't compute. I guess if both Mom and Grannie gave birth at 16, it could.
She seemed self-conscious at my wandering eyes. I look younger than my 27 years. I guess my always-present slouch, and clump of dark hair, with jeans and sneakers, give the appearance of a younger man, but since the divorce, I wasn't career motivated, really.
"I'm sorry to stop you like this, but if I could reschedule with you, I'd really like to know how Brian's doing."
I felt bad being the bearer of bad news, especially here in the parking lot, but felt she was entitled to know the truth. "Honestly? Brian's grades have slipped quite a bit lately."
Her face sagged, and now she seemed older. "Oh, Damn...Darn! He's on his own so much! With my hours, I can't keep track of his school work. I guess I'll have to try harder."
"Pardon me for saying this, but it's Brian who has to try harder. At 17, he should know he's responsible for his homework. You can't blame yourself."
She looked up at me and smiled, then nodded. "He's had a tough year. His Mom had been suffering from cancer. She passed away 3 months ago. He was always a bright kid, a good student. Karen was my only child, and that was so long ago. I'm not used to dealing with boys, anyway."
"I'm sorry to hear that... Tell you what, I'll try talking to him, explain that he has to kick it in gear if he wants to graduate in June. If he's willing, I can try to help." Brian seemed like a nice kid, and now I felt badly. And Grandma was so nice, too, picking up after her daughter's death.
"Really? You would do that? I'll let him know I'm here for him, too, if he needs tutoring, or anything else."
"Deal! And now that you let your cab go, how will you get home?"
"Oh, don't worry about me, honey, I got a cell, I'll call."
"Not necessary. I'll drop you off on the way."
She argued, but eventually climbed in with me. We chatted like old friends, her name was Rose and was easy to talk to. I dropped her off with a big handshake, smile and Thank You.
The next day, I spoke with Brian, and he said Grandma had already let him know. I outlined what was needed, and for the next 3 months, he was my most attentive student, his grades shot back into B-, or B's.
I got to the point where I was able to forget about Rose and Brian, concentrating on other needy kids, and Graduation Day was upon us and I looked forward to a summer of re-establishing my bachelorhood, with wine, women, and song.
After the ceremony, students, faculty and guests milled around the school grounds in the bright June sunlight, and we were all wishing each other a happy summer, when I heard, "Mr. Porter? Mr. Porter!"
I turned and it was Brian, in cap and gown, waving as he rushed across the lawn. He was beaming. He gripped my hand and shook vigorously. "I just had to come and thank you, for everything! I just got notice I got accepted to the Community College, and if I get good grades there, I hope to transfer to state!"
"That's great, Brian, but don't thank me, your Grandma is very convincing. She believed in you."
"Yeah, I know, she's the best!" He turned, and there she was, moving through the swarms, in a wide brimmed yellow hat, bright and airy, over a floral sundress, also brightly colored, like she was ready for the Hamptons or Churchill Downs. Yellow heels with gold hoop ear rings and thick gold chain, glowing proudly.
"Mr. Porter! I was hoping to see you today! Our young man seems to have moved on to the next level!"
I took her extended hand. To both, I said. "As long as he applies himself, Brian can do whatever he wants, just remember that." The last part was for Brian.
"I will, I promise, both of you! Gran, I'll see you later, okay? I got those parties, remember?"
She kissed his cheek. "Yes, Dear, now you remember not to be too late, and no drinking and driving, right?"
He blushed. "Promise. See ya, Mr. P!" and he was gone in a flash.
We stood there for a second. "I wanted to give him a party, but he said without his Mom, it wouldn't be right, so he's just going to other's parties. I guess it's best."
I nodded agreement.
"And now I have the rest of the day off. What about you?"
"Well, I always get invited to parties, but the last thing they want is their teacher hanging around. I'll get out of this suit, and ease my way into summer mode."
"Why? You look great in the suit, very professional! Now, you look like a teacher!"