The Courtship Basket by Amy Clipston Read Free Book Online Page B

Mike as his father’s snores rumbled from across the room. Mike closed his eyes, and soon he was asleep.

CHAPTER 4

    R ACHEL PERUSED THE STACK OF JOURNALS WHILE THE STUDENTS quietly worked on their math worksheets. She fished John’s journal from the pile and flipped to her last note. She was relieved to finally find a response from John’s guardian. Her eyes widened and she read:
Received your notes and voice mail. Will be in touch.
    —Mike Lantz.
    It had been written in neat cursive penmanship.
    Frustration surged through her. She scowled and looked across the room to where Malinda had been helping Luke King with a math problem.
    “Malinda,” Rachel said softly, hoping not to disturb the students who were working hard. “Would you please come here?”
    Malinda raised her eyebrows with curiosity as she walked over to the desk. “What’s wrong?”
    Rachel pointed to the note from Mike Lantz. “I can’t believe that’s all he wrote in the journal,” she whispered.
    Malinda read it and frowned. “Well, at least he finally responded. Maybe he’ll write you a longer note tonight.”
    Rachel crossed her arms over her chest. She glanced across the room and found John staring at his blank math paper.
    “It’s not enough,” Rachel seethed through clenched teeth. “I’m going to call him again.” She shook her head. “No, instead I’m going to go see him and demand a real response.”
    “You called him?” Malinda frowned as she turned toward the class. “Teacher Rachel and I need to speak outside for a moment. Please continue to work on your math worksheets.” Then she took Rachel’s arm and propelled her to the small porch behind the trailer as if Rachel were a petulant child. They stood just outside the opened door so they could still keep an eye on the students while they worked.
    Malinda gave Rachel a weary expression. “You have to let this go.” Her words were soft but deliberate. “It’s not your place to call or go visit Mike. It’s the school board chairman’s job to handle parents and ask the parent or guardian to meet for a conference. If you and I both agree that the issues with the student need to be elevated, then we contact the chairman. I don’t believe we’re at that point. John hasn’t been here a week yet.” She stepped closer to Rachel and lowered her voice. “He needs time. He’s still adjusting to this school. This is all new to him, and you’re expecting too much.”
    Rachel shook her head and then shivered as the cool early-spring breeze seeped through her dress. “I disagree. I can tell he needs help. His behavior today was just as bad as it was on Tuesday. He pushed Luke off his chair during reading time, and he still refused to participate in singing. Something needs to be done.”
    “No, it doesn’t.” Malinda jammed her hands on her small hips. “You’ve always been stubborn, but I thought you would be a more supportive teacher.”
    “I am a supportive teacher.” Rachel pointed to her chest as irritation coursed through her. “I’m worried about him. I know John is crying out for help. Something is going on at home, and it needs to be addressed. I want to work with his guardian to help him. That’s our job, Malinda. We’re supposed to take care of these kinner .” She pointed toward the classroom.
    “I’m aware of that, Rachel. I know you have a gut heart and want to help people, but you have to follow the rules. You can’t let your stubbornness take over in this situation.” Malinda pinched the bridge of her nose. “I can’t allow you to elevate this. You know I’ve been teaching for two years now. I’ve been at this school since the fall, so I’m the senior teacher. I have the authority to make the decisions that affect this class. I don’t want you to contact Mike in person. You may write him a note in the journal, but no more phone calls.” She turned toward the class. “We need to get back inside. You handle the journals, and I’ll