Eleanor by Johnny Worthen Read Free Book Online Page B

school, Eleanor?” Stephanie asked, marking a check-list in her file.
    â€œFine. I’m getting B’s.”
    â€œNo C’s? No F’s?”
    â€œHeavens no,” said Tabitha. “I’d skin her bottom if she did so poorly.”
    â€œAny A’s?”
    â€œIt’s the start of school,” Eleanor explained quietly. “We’ve only had a few assignments.”
    â€œAnd your citizenship grades?”
    Citizenship grade meant behavior. It was a patriotic label that teachers used to grade students’ attitudes and flattery skills.
    â€œNo problems,” she said.
    â€œI understand you had a quarrel with Mrs. Hart, your history teacher.”
    â€œWho told you about that?” asked Tabitha.
    â€œI speak with all the teachers at the school. It’s my job,” she sighed. All this talking made her short of breath.
    â€œNo. It wasn’t a quarrel. I just voiced my opinion and brought up some facts.”
    â€œWell, she said you might have authority issues.”
    Eleanor stared at the floor.
    â€œShe wasn’t disciplined at the time,” said Tabitha. “It couldn’t have been that big of a deal.”
    â€œProbably not, but it was out of character, and Mrs. Hart brought it to my attention.” She paused to catch her breath. “I’m just trying to be thorough.”
    â€œWe understand.”
    She glanced at her watch. “Well, I’ve got to head up the canyon,” she said. “This was a nice visit. I’ll see you next month.”
    â€œNext month?” asked Tabitha.
    â€œYes, I think we should have more frequent visits. Eleanor’s behavior could be a symptom of other issues.”
    â€œIt was one time,” Eleanor objected.
    â€œWe like the visits,” Tabitha said, casting a silencing glance at Eleanor. “We’ll see you next month.”
    She struggled off the couch and presented her hand to Tabitha, who, to Eleanor’s relief, shook it instead of kissing the ring on it.
    When Stephanie Pearce was outside squeezing herself into her white and rust Volkswagen beetle, Eleanor stood up and went to her mother.
    â€œWhat if she’d noticed we don’t have coffee?” she asked.
    â€œI’d have said we ran out. Or I gave it up because it was making me jittery.”
    Eleanor knelt down and put her head on her mother’s lap. “I’m sorry I had to leave you.”
    â€œNonsense,” she said caressing her hair. “I was fine. You think too much of yourself,” she teased. “Cupcake, I was fine. You had to go. Let’s not be careless now. Maybe you should go more often.”
    â€œWe’ll see,” she said. She stayed on her lap for long moment, breathing in perfume and clean clothes.
    â€œI’ll make dinner,” she said and got up for the kitchen. “Chili?”
    â€œI’m game if you are,” Tabitha said. “I don’t have your sensitive nose.”
    â€œAnd tomatoes,” Eleanor said.
    â€œYes, and tomatoes.” Tabitha smiled.
    On the last Monday of October, Mr. Graham asked David to stay after class. Like usual, Eleanor had remained in her seat until the classroom emptied. Mr. Graham began talking while she was still there, unnoticed or ignored. She shrunk back, waited, and listened.
    â€œMr. Venn,” the chemistry teacher said. “You’re doing alright in math, but your chemistry score is below par.”
    â€œI’ll work on it, Mr. Graham,” said David. “I’m getting the hang of it.”
    â€œNo you’re not. Each test score has been worse than the previous one.”
    David said nothing to this.
    â€œMr. Venn,” he said. “You are failing this course.”
    David remained mute, but didn’t take his eyes off the teacher.
    â€œChemistry is required for graduation,” the teacher went on. “You will not graduate high school without a passing grade here.