Did not proof read. Please excuse mistakes!

I haven't seen or heard from Rain in a few days.

When I dropped her off home, it was Saturday Morning. I spent all day Saturday going over my actions, cringing at the way I handled things. I wish I did more and I wish I did little. I went back and forth like a indecisive wave. I contemplated that maybe my gut was wrong. Maybe I have heard too many horror stories in my line of work. I could be wrong .

On Sunday, I wondered why I cared so much. I wondered what made Rain different than the other students that come and go. I value and care about every single student that walks through my class room door yet there was something different about the greenish hazel eyed girl that tugs at my heart and soul.

Monday came and went with a heavy cloud hovering over that led to a stormy Tuesday. Still no sight of Rain. My unsettled spirit led me to the Principal's office away from my rowdy classroom. Class was in succession with eager students ready to learn but unfortunately their teacher was immensely drained with worry.

" How many times do I have to file a report until something gets done?" I asked completely expelled from the tug of war.

" Mrs. Wills, you know by policy we have to file a report when it comes to these situations."Principal Camden States. " We file a report based off our suspensions than the district sends a social worker here to evaluate the situation."

Principal Camden is probably the fifth principal we've had in the past three years. The dangers of this school and poor test scores have made a lot of Principal's run for the hills. Either they were scared of the students or scared of having a bad rap on their name. Principal Camden seemed to be sticking around though. He seemed to be up for the challenge although in my opinion he hasn't done shit, but demand order. Demanding things doesn't work with these kids. In fact, they laughed at it. In all honesty, these kids needed someone with some balls and a bat like Mr. Clark from Lean on Me. They didn't need someone with a strong bark and no bite.

" Mr. Camden, I have filed every possible report and I haven't gotten an answer. As a school aren't we supposed to immediately seek the wellbeing of our students? Why can't we call the police to do a wellness check, or something?."

" I understand your frustration, Mrs. Wills, I do, but we must go about this smart. Based off the assumptions you told me, there is no clear sign of abuse. If we accuse Ms. King's uncle of any neglect or abuse and it is not true that's our heads. This school is already on the verge of closer, if we can't turn this school around next year."He explained.

Although it made sense, I didn't understand why we couldn't take a risk to possibly save one child then to keep our mouth shut and risk them all. We were damned to hell anyway. This school has been brushed to the side countless times but all I'm asking is for someone to give a damn about one child. I strongly believe that caring for one child at a time will eventually save a multitude.

" you say there's no clear sign of abuse but you never met this man. Thomas is one manipulative fucker. Just briefly talking to him the way I did made my skin crawl..."

I began to reason with Principal Camden but it fell on deaf's ears as he interrupts me. I could tell that my constant arguing and refusal to sit and wait like a good cowardice teacher was getting to him.

" Mind you, you were not authorized to make a home visit nor was it appropriate for you watch Rain and her brother overnight. You've gotten too Close, Mrs. Wills. I'm afraid you have allowed dangerous bond with Rain to cloud your judgement. You are a teacher, not a social worker, or a child therapist." He argued as he stood to his feet.

" I've let it slide when you went against policy and diagnosed Rain as Dyslexic all on your own. I've let it slide when you've turned in your lesson plans late because you're too busy tutoring Rain. I've let a lot slide when it pertains to this one child when you have thirty five kids on your roster. Get it through your head that your job is on the line including your licence." He threatens as he walks to his office door. 

He holds it open for me to walk through but I stood there frozen. I froze in realization that no one is going to see this how I see it. On Saturday I found myself ranting to Aaron about how I felt about Rain. I tried to explain to him this sudden draw to protect her. I thought he would understand as a child of the system. He grew up in foster care, going house to house until he aged out at eighteen. But he fought me on it just like Principal Camden was right now.

I stared Principal Camden down and opened my mouth with immense boldness with teary eyes. "You all are so careless." I walked through his office door and into the front office where the secretary and a couple of teachers were. 

" Every single last one of you are selfish, careless people. You barricade these windows and doors like these kids are some kind of animals in the jungle. This school has money for metal detectors and bogus security to ensure our safety but not for these kids that just want someone to give a damn...

" Wait a minute, you listen..."

" No you listen, you can threaten my job and you can threaten to take away my teaching license but please know this if that child is in danger it will be her blood on your hands." I spat then turned to leave.

" That's it! You're done for the day. Get your things and leave the school property." Principal Camden followed behind me as I left the front office and into the hallway. " I am suspending you until further notice, Wills."

I went inside my classroom with Principal Camden hot on my tail. As I walked in the chatter from kids seized. I couldn't bare to look at their confused faces as I went into my desk to grab my purse.

" What's wrong, Katy?" One of my students asked. I frustately wiped the tears that flowed, being to feel embarrassed by my tears. 

My students became rowdy at my silence as I packed my things I needed to take home with me. Principal Camden tried to settle everyone down but my students had no respect for him as they prompt me to answer them.

"Man, bitch get the fuck out my face. I'm trying to see about Katy." Davion snaps. 

I looked up to see Davion and Chris practically in Principal Camden's Face as Principal Camden prevented them from getting to me. It was shock that Davion and Chris were working together instead of going at each other's throats. It was obvious that the two couldn't stand each other with the constant bickering and threats they give each other on a daily basis.

" I suggest you move Principal Camden at let us see about our teacher" Chris said calmly as he pulled up his sagging pants.

" Boys please just sit down. Mrs. Wills is fine." Principal Camden tried to reason. " Sit down or get detention." 

" I don't give a fuck  about no detention." Davion smacked his lips. " Did you make her cry?"

Other students started to get even more rowdy causing Principal Camden to turn to me. I wanted so badly to say fuck him and remind him that I was suspended, but I raised my hands in the air, silencing their noise.

" Davion...Chris, have a seat please." I said softly looking directly at them. They reluctantly sat down as they mean mugged Principal Camden in the process. 

I looked around my class seeing their obvious upset faces, I knew in my heart that they all cared for me. I couldn't help but smile at the small impact that I have in their lives. 

" Class, I am taking my leave today. I have a lot going on that I need to sort out, but I promise you that I will be fine. I am fine." I told my class. Some of their faces soften, but they were still skeptical.

" Will you be back tomorrow?" Iesha asked sweetly.

I looked at Principal Camden's sterned face almost inquiring in secret but he didn't utter a word. 

" I'm not sure, Iesha." I spoke honestly. " But you know what make me happy? If each and everyone of you behave yourselves for Principal Camden and for the substitute. That means no more profanity and no fighting. Please do not embarrass me. We are better than that. Right, class?"

"Yes mam" they said collectively. 

" Mrs Wills." Principal Camden gave a slight head nod as if to say wrap it up.

" She likes to be called Katy." One of my students said smartly but quickly adjusted when I looked over the class to see who it was.

A few minutes later I was out the door, wondering what I should do next.

________

How are you liking this so far? 

How do you feel about Katy's attitude?

What do you think is going on with Rain?