I just stared at the envelope on my desk. It had the label of the Arnold Ellison PTA on it. The most ominous part of the envelope was the big red ‘URGENT’ across the front. This did not look good. I was deep in thought about what the possible worst case scenarios could be when Shannon, my secretary burst in the door. “So, you still haven’t opened it yet?” she asked. I sat at the desk with my hand over my face, just picturing my world crumbling. “Come on V”, I said to myself. “Get it together girl and just open it. I mean, how bad could it be?” “It could be real bad, Miss Veronica.” Shannon offered. “The last time the PTA sent one of those packages they included pictured of the past principal and his secretary. She was taking um, how do you say, dictation. If you know what I mean.” I rolled my eyes at Shannon. I knew it wouldn’t be THAT kind of package. I took a deep breath and opened the letter and began to read.
‘Dear Miss Thomas,
It has come to the attention of the PTA that your recent appointment to Interim Principal has brought about many changes to the school. Most of the changes have been positive and they are very much appreciated however, an important matter has been brought to our attention. It appears that all of the credentials needed to hold your position are not possessed by you. A copy of your college record was delivered to our offices and it shows that you are two classes short of a degree that was included on your resume. While we, the PTA, do appreciate the work you have done, we cannot and will not have an individual in the highest position at our school when the experience and credentials do not support your appointment. We would like to meet with you to discuss this issue. Please bring proof to the contrary, if you have it, to the meeting on this Thursday at 7pm
Sincerely,
Mary Beth Adams
President
Arnold Ellison PTA’
Even though I hadn’t spoken a word in five minutes I still considered this to be a speechless moment. Never in my six years at this school had I or any of my abilities or credentials ever been in question. This was coming out of nowhere. I sat back and did a mental accounting of how this could be happening. What mistake did I make?
I was still in thought when there was a knock at the door. It was Valerie and then the light bulb went off in my head. “Heyyyy V! How are you doing girl?” She burst in the room looking happier than some folks are on the 1 st and the 15 th . She surveyed the room as if she were looking for something. “How you been girl? We haven’t had time to even eat lunch together since you have been in the big office. What’s going on? You look down.” She was prying and I knew it. I’ve known her since the third grade and there wasn’t many emotions of hers I did not recognize.
“Oh, I’m doing well, Val, really well. I mean what more could I ask for? I’ve got a dream job, the best man I’ve had in a long time and I’ve even lost some weight. Life is good!” I said with the biggest smile I could muster. Valerie had a puzzled look on her face but she tried to cover it.“Oh well that is good girl. Real good. I am so proud of you” she forced out.
“Proud of me? Is that what they call is these days?” I spit out. She was still making the rounds of my office with her eyes. No doubt searching for the letter that I had put up immediately after I read it. “What do you mean by that?” she asked, although it didn’t come across as innocently as she would have wanted it to be. “Oh come on Valerie, I’ve known you too long not to know that this crap is your work!” I spat at her. Her eyes grew big but she still wanted to try to hide her part in this, after a few moments I could see she just gave in to being found out. “Well it serves you right!” She started, “I don’t know why you thought these folks would ever let our kind get anywhere!” I felt my stomach turning. Of all the people that I thought would stab me in the back, she was the last one. “All these years, Val, I stood by you. All the times you were late, I had your back, and now this is what you try to do to me? Notice I said try. You and your PTA are in for quite a surprise. So I hope you know this is the end of you having it good. Make sure you come to the meeting on Thursday I want to see the look on your face when you fall flat on it.” I held the door open and ushered her out. I guess this is what the kids call hating.. smh
©Lainey Starr 2008
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