Crossings

By Bernie Page

How could they have known? Four young school friends encounter a new teacher who is warm and wise but whom they feel is strangely out of place. Intrigued, they sense she is trying to prepare them for something, but none could imagine what God had in store. When the friends awaken one morning in a strange place and time at the foot of a looming mountain, which has been appearing in their dreams, they are lonely and frightened but know that this could only be from the hand of God. Through prayer, they are led to move in faith, trusting in God's providence alone. They soon meet a fascinating new friend who is carrying a deep secret. As their lives entwine, the secret unfolds, revealing the approaching fulfillment of prophecy foretold since the creation of the world. The hour is drawing near, and nothing can stop God's timeless word from accomplishing the purpose for which it has been sent. The storm clouds are gathering, and the sword is dividing hearts and homes. All creation waits with bated breath, and tension is palpable in every corner of the land. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God's word will stand forever. Follow this gripping but heartwarming journey of faith, friendship, and the true cost of discipleship in the face of real danger and personal sacrifice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781645150824

Book preview

Chapter 1

Little did they know what was coming. Yet how could they? Only a few ever knew the story of what came to pass, though it happened before the eyes of everyone and all were changed in some way, great or small.

It was a pleasant school to look at, a solid red brick structure with a deep-green lawn spanning the distance to the street. Two large fir trees stood on either side of the walkway leading to the main entrance. They towered above the school, which was only one-story tall, but the trees’ limbs had been trimmed high enough to allow the grass to grow (and the children to play) under them.

The door into the front of the school was solid but had colored glass framing it all around so that when the sun was right, it threw a wonderful rainbow of colors down the hall and onto the walls. Inside, the halls were cool and had a peaceful aura (except when the children were going to recess). They stretched in long, straight tunnels with brightly lighted doors on each side, slightly offset from one side of the hall to the other. These, of course, were the doors to the classrooms. They were bright because each door had a window on the top half, which let sunlight from the classrooms spill out into the hall.

If you were paying attention, you could tell if it were morning or afternoon by noticing which side of the hall the most light was coming from. Some children could actually tell time by following the light patterns as they moved across the tiles of the hall floor. Of course, this system of telling time had to be periodically modified as the seasons gradually changed. Still, it proved to be fairly reliable in a pinch.

The heart of the school was just inside the front door. The principal’s office and attendance office were first; they connected to the nurse’s office. The boiler room—as I said, it was an old school—just across the hall, was attended by Mr. Dodds, the school janitor.

Like it or not, when you entered the front door, you would be met by Miss Porter, the school principal. She was a small, gray-haired woman, who was barely taller than most of the older students and was even shorter than some. Her hair was always in a bun on the back of her head, and she always wore ankle-length dresses, looking vaguely like a pioneer woman. But her eyes were bright blue and lively, and she possessed a presence that alerted even the dullest person that she tolerated no nonsense.

Friendly but direct, Miss Porter ruled the students with a firm but gentle grip. Being sent to the principal’s office was a matter of grave concern to even the most bellicose student. Yet, for all her formidable traits, she loved children with an unconditional love and was kind, even when administering the most severe punishment.

She respected children, often calling them Master So-and-So or Miss So-and-So. (Ms. was not a part of her vocabulary.) Miss Porter was interested in their opinions on the school and its policies, and much to the delight and wonderment of the children, she consulted with them frequently.

Behind the school was a fine playground—large with good shade from the trees bordering it so that there was actually grass over a large part of the playground, instead of the usual hard-packed sand. There were jungle gyms, swings and slides, monkey bars, basketball goals, tetherball poles, and two baseball fields. The fence around the playground was old and had several gaps in it that allowed the boys to slip out if they hit a ball over the fence. Also, it provided convenient passage so they could crawl in and out without having to go all the way around when they wanted to play baseball when school wasn’t in session.

Today, kids from all over the neighborhood had gathered for a baseball game. It was early evening, not yet dark and not so hot that you didn’t want to play. It was the last Friday of summer vacation, and school was to start on Monday. This was much more on their minds than baseball that evening. Even Jim, the baseball fanatic, who would normally not have let anything interfere with progress of the game, was distracted.

Who is your teacher this year? Carlos asked.

I don’t know—somebody named Miss Lee, answered Jim. By this, he meant that although he knew the name, this was a new teacher, something of a rarity at this school.

Yeah, me too! replied Carlos.

And me! interjected Carolyn.

Anybody know anything about her? asked Jim.

No, came the general consensus.

I hope she’s not ugly or fat or something, said Carlos. Carlos was known to speak his mind.

Oh, Carlos, don’t be silly! It shouldn’t make a difference what she looks like, Carolyn reprimanded.

Well, what if she’s so ugly she scares my dog?

Do you bring your dog to school?

No, but I live close!

Oh please!

Jim shook his head. Come on, you guys…let’s be serious. A year is a long time to spend with one teacher. I wonder what she’s like.

Well, she’s got to be better than Mrs. Jewel at least. I’ll bet she doesn’t look for her glasses while she is wearing them, responded Mike, a student who obviously was going to be in Mrs. Jewel’s class.

Old people do that sometimes, said Jim.

Every day?

You’ve got a point, but that doesn’t help us much. How are we going to find out about Miss Lee?

Why don’t you just ask Miss Porter? I think she’s still here, said Pam, who was Jim’s younger sister.

You’re not in this! snapped one of the kids, meaning Pam was in a different grade anyway. That’s dumb! We can’t just go ask Miss Porter.

What’s dumb about it? asked Jim, taking up for Pam. If anybody would know, it would be Miss Porter.

Jim didn’t necessarily go out of his way to stick up for Pam, who could pretty well take care of herself and didn’t take much looking after. However, he knew that Pam had an unusually good head on her shoulders for a younger sister, and besides, this sounded like a pretty good idea.

After a few moments of discussion, it was agreed that they should approach Miss Porter and see what they could find out. When Jim backed a plan, it usually went through, as he was generally recognized as the leader of the group.

Minutes later, Miss Porter looked up from her desk to see an array of children with baseball bats and mitts gathered outside her office door.

Come in, children, she said kindly, waving her hand to indicate they were to sit on the couch and chairs. It’s certainly good to see you. I miss you during the summer. What brings you in from the ball field?

Miss Porter always amazed them. How did she know they came from the ball field since her office was on the front of the building and the playground was in the back? It wasn’t until later that it occurred to them that their mitts and bats might have given them away. Even so, Miss Porter had a reputation for knowing everything that went on at school.

Well, Miss Porter, Jim began, we were talking about school out on the ball field…you know with school starting and all.

I see, Master Jim. I suppose the prospect of a brand new year keeps all of our minds occupied. Are you anxious for school to begin?

Yes, ma’am, mostly. But we were kind of wondering. Well, we noticed we aren’t scheduled for Mrs. Jewel or Mrs. Benn’s class. We have a Miss Lee. We wanted to know about her so we could figure out how to make her feel welcome.

Miss Porter smiled inwardly at Jim’s diplomacy. What is it you would like to know?

Well, we were wondering if…

If she’s ugly! Carlos interjected before he could think of what he was saying.

Carolyn, who was always responsible, reserved, and above all tactful, turned as red as a hot coal in an oven. The usually in-control Jim just wanted to sink into the wooden floor of Miss Porter’s office. Carlos, realizing he had made a gargantuan mistake, couldn’t even bring himself to look at Miss Porter or anyone else for that matter.

The whole room went silent, and seconds seemed to be hours long as they waited for Miss Porter to respond.

Now, children, Miss Porter addressed them in a firm unwavering voice. "Let us first of all remember that what Miss Lee looks like is not an issue. However—she paused, waiting to make sure she had everyone’s full attention—it is understandable that you are concerned about your teacher. So, let me assure you that I was very careful to select a fine teacher and was pleased to find such a qualified teacher so easily. It was an answer to prayer. I was surprised that another school had not hired her, since we didn’t know until so late that Mrs. Benn wasn’t coming back this year. We can consider ourselves lucky to get such a gem. I expect it will be a very special year for you. Miss Lee is looking forward to meeting all of you. As well she should be—such a fine group of students you are. I am glad you are also looking forward to meeting her, and I am sure all of your questions will be answered at that time, she said with an eyebrow arched in Carlos’s direction. Now children, I think the sprinklers are set to come on in thirty minutes, so you’d better get back to that grand game of baseball. Put your worries aside. Everything will be fine."

Miss Porter stood, smiled at the group, and went to open the door. She paused and, turning back toward them, added, I look forward to seeing your eager faces Monday morning.

Back on the field again, they stopped to gather their thoughts. Their visit had felt like a whirlwind. Miss Porter had adroitly ushered them outside before they had a chance (or had the courage) to ask more questions. Now, they were realizing that they really didn’t know any more about Miss Lee than they did before.

Carlos, you’re so stupid, spouted Pam. You just had to ask if she was ugly, didn’t you?

"It just came out—besides what if she is ugly," said Carlos who was still obviously obsessing about appearance and was not particularly apologetic.

Great! Now we will just have to wait ’til Monday to find out.

Hey, let’s look in the windows of her class, Carlos offered. Maybe she’s fixing up the room or something.

Yeah, like Miss Porter wouldn’t notice, retorted Jim. Maybe you want to start the year with Miss Porter on your case, but count me out.

The weekend dragged by as if the days were deliberately longer, just to torture the kids a little more. By Sunday, Pam was growing restless and bored. Not normally given to pranks, she couldn’t resist passing a note to Carlos and Jim in church when an enormously overweight, sour-faced woman sat down in the pew two rows ahead of them.

I think I heard someone call her Miss Lee, the note said.

Pam did her best to look sincere and genuinely concerned in order to add credibility to the note. Carlos immediately lost all color in his face, and Jim seemed momentarily alarmed, but just as quickly, turned to Pam’s face for clues as to the veracity of her note. Pam was expecting this (after all, he was her brother) and did her best to show how deeply touched she was by their obvious misfortune, all the while trying not to laugh at their stress. Jim seemed skeptical, but at the same time, wasn’t totally sure that the note was not true, which was the most he could hope for. Jim was hard to fool, but Pam was a good little actress, calmly returning his gaze. Besides, she didn’t pull this sort of stuff too often, so Jim was wavering on what to believe.

Pam knew that it wouldn’t take long after church was over for him to find out the truth, but for an hour or so, he was going to be on pins and needles, and that was good enough. Pam was not mean, but every now and then, she didn’t mind making Jim and his friends suffer to make up for the smart remarks she put up with while hanging around the older kids. Besides, she never said for sure that it was Miss Lee—just that she thought she heard someone call her Miss Lee.

Sunday night, the sky darkened as thunderclouds moved in, and tension ran high. It sprinkled a little bit as the kids went to bed (earlier than usual so they would be fresh and well rested the next day). Jim watched as a few raindrops zigzagged their way down the glass of his bedroom window and wondered what this school year was going to bring.

No matter how he tried to reason with himself, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something unusual was going to occur. It was not a dreadful feeling, as if something bad were going to happen, but it was a persistent feeling that something very different was about to take place. He knew it was silly to feel this way. He shook his head, frustrated with himself, and decided not to pay any attention to such feelings and to try to get some sleep.

He pulled his blanket up, turned onto his side, and closed his eyes. Yet sleep did not come easily; and when it did finally come, he dreamed of rugged hills with tall trees where he could hear strange music made by, what sounded like, cymbals and flutes. It was mixed with the sound of chanting voices coming through the cool air from far away.

Chapter 2

Monday morning finally arrived, bright and sunny—the few remaining ragged clouds melted away like summer mist. Both Jim and Pam were in good spirits as they ate breakfast. Jim’s worries of the night before were virtually nonexistent.

Mom packed our lunches, said Pam with a mouthful of cereal. Yours is the big one. Not that she was worried that Jim would take her lunch—she was simply too excited not to talk.

The time to leave finally came, and the kids shot out of the kitchen door letting the screen door slam shut (something they didn’t normally do but were too excited to notice). They were on the sidewalk in two jumps. At the end of the block, they picked up Carolyn, who was wearing a bright yellow, sleeveless dress. Jim, who was just beginning to notice these things, thought she looked unusually pretty. Her hair was curled, and she was wearing small gold hoop earrings. Jim, who was used to seeing her in jeans and with her hair in a clip, couldn’t have said why she looked better today (as I said, he was just beginning to notice these things), but he appreciated the overall effect.

Hey, Carolyn, he said, by way of greeting, a dress, huh? Nice!

Carolyn, who was possibly a little ahead of Jim in this area, smiled sweetly. She favored him with one of her compelling glances, which were admittedly captivating, since her dark eyes had that rare ability to actually sparkle when she was especially pleased with something.

Jim, momentarily befuddled, couldn’t think of anything to say; so he simply smiled at Carolyn, which was probably his best response. He had never felt awkward around Carolyn before and was puzzled.

Pam, who never missed anything, broke the tension by saying, Come on, you guys! Let’s go. Strangely, Pam, who was younger than Jim, understood what had just happened better than her brother and bailed him out of a potentially embarrassing situation. Both Jim and Carolyn responded to Pam’s comment with relief, and soon, they were all chatting and laughing again as they always did when they were together.

At the end of the next block, Carlos joined them. Carlos’ house was on the corner, and as usual, he was in his backyard playing with his dog, Oso.

All right! he shouted. You guys ready?

Yeah! was the unanimous response. Let’s take the shortcut.

The shortcut was their standard way of going to school. Carlos lived near the edge of the school property, and by going over a small ditch, they could slip through a hole in the fence and be on the playground. They could slip through single file with hardly a break in their step.

Both sides of the fence were flanked with bushes, so not too many people were aware of the hole’s existence, which was just how the kids liked it—it was sort of a secret.

They were soon on the playground, and excitement rose to a peak. Unable to stand it any longer, Carlos shouted out, Race you! and took off like a shot. Jim, anticipating such a move, was in hot pursuit before the words died out. The girls were just as quick to join in; so all four ran for joy and excitement to see what the new school year would bring. The three older ones stayed fairly even. Both Carlos and Jim were fast, but Carolyn, for all her demure looks and quiet ways, could run like a deer. It was only in the last year that the boys had been able to outrun her, and on a good day, she still could beat them. So, with dress flapping and hair flying, she kept pace with them. Only Pam couldn’t keep up, but her wails fell on deaf ears as they sped along. As it was, Pam, who was also a good athlete, only smaller, was only a few paces behind.

They rounded the corner of the school to the front side and slowed down so they wouldn’t trample the younger kids who were coming from every direction. There were groups of friends standing all over the lawn, kids streaming in from the cross streets and sidewalks, cars jammed into the drop-off lane letting children out, and mothers with young children holding their hands. Some were excited, some scared, and some crying (mothers too). For the most part, it was a happy, excited crowd—glad to be back and see friends they hadn’t seen all summer. The kids wove their way through the milling throng, slipped in the front door, and rushed passed the mothers who were waiting to ask questions.

The PTA had tables along one wall of the hall where they were handing out flyers with the word urgent in big block letters across the top. Jim would have normally checked it out, but they were on a mission, and his attention was focused on the task at hand. Through all the pandemonium, he saw Miss Porter just outside her office, surrounded by an army of worried mothers, the school secretaries, teachers, and lost students. As soon as he saw her, she caught his eye and winked at him, all the while continuing her ceaseless directing of lost and troubled souls.

As they progressed down the hall, they began to walk faster and faster until they were practically running. It was early, and not many of the older school kids were inside yet, so the halls were relatively empty. The sunshine sundial was still shining on the far wall; it had not even reached the floor yet.

Jim veered to the left toward the open door and raced into the classroom as the others followed suit, looking like a string of ice skaters in an Olympic speed race. Jim suddenly pulled up short skidding to a stop. It was a mistake. One after the other, the kids slammed into each other in domino fashion until Pam, bringing up the rear, added just enough collision power to propel Jim forward and out of the pileup. It was a testimony to his athletic prowess that Jim was able to remain upright. This was accomplished, however, only by a series of wild arm flinging gyrations that subsided only after the overturning of two chairs and a desk.

Embarrassed, Jim looked up again at what had caused him to throw on the brakes in the first place—Miss Lee! As Jim had entered the room, he had come face to face with Miss Lee, who just happened to be on her way out. The others were too busy watching the person in front of them to see that Jim’s wild acrobatics were meant primarily to avoid crashing into Miss Lee. They were aghast when they realized what was happening. All four stood there, still sandwiched together, mouths hanging open with looks of horror on their faces.

Good morning, children, Miss Lee welcomed brightly. I’ve been expecting you. Miss Porter said that there might be some early arrivals, but she didn’t tell me that there would be a tumbling act. Miss Lee seemed totally unperturbed by the incident.

No, ma’am—I mean yes, ma’am, stammered Jim, trying to recover his composure. We’re your new students. We, uh, just came early to see if we could help you set up or anything. We wanted to make you feel welcome. (Jim was recovering fast.)

That’s very sweet of you, Jim.

You know my name? asked Jim, feeling his composure starting to crumble again.

Miss Porter described you well, Miss Lee said, smiling.

Jim’s confidence deflated once more. He wondered what else Miss Lee already knew. Carlos, for his part, began to turn a bright red.

Well, children, I’m glad you came, said Miss Lee, breaking the tension. As it turns out, I do have some things I need done. Would you like to help me?

A chorus of voices assured her of their willingness.

First, Jim, would you and Carlos set the chairs and desks back in place? Or, if that was your normal way of coming into a room, could you put them someplace where the children sitting in them won’t be trampled?

Jim and Carlos, who knew that they were being kidded, had silly grins on their faces and mumbled, Yes, ma’am.

You must be Carolyn, Miss Lee was confident in her knowledge of who each child was. I’m told that you have beautiful handwriting. Would you mind writing a few things on the board for me?

Oh no, not at all, replied Carolyn, pleased.

And now, Pam, I know that you are not in this class, but you are welcome to stay for a while if you want. Or, if you need to go to your own class, that will be fine.

Thank you, said Pam. My teacher doesn’t need me, so I think I’ll stay here. (Wild horses weren’t going to get rid of Pam. This was too good!)

Wonderful! Then, why don’t you help me put these books at every desk?

By that time, Jim was giving Pam the look, which she smugly ignored as she went right on with her plan to hang around as long as possible. She wanted to see what was going to happen.

As it turned out, nothing more really happened. The kids helped Miss Lee with her last-minute chores. It was easy to see that Miss Lee was a very pleasant person, and doing things for her was actually more like fun than work. She seemed to be really excited about school starting and seemed to be anticipating all the exciting things she would be doing with the class. Her attitude was almost festive, so much so that it spilled over to the kids.

While the kids were working, they were becoming more excited about the year and were stealing glances at Miss Lee when they thought she wasn’t looking. She was a young-looking teacher, slender, and not very tall. She had long, dark brown hair held loosely by a clip, and she moved around the room in a quiet, graceful way. If you weren’t looking, you would never hear her coming, noticed Carlos, who was startled as she spoke gently in his ear when he didn’t know she was there. Normally, this would be a bad thing in a teacher by his way of reckoning, but somehow, he wasn’t worried.

Are you sure there is nothing else we can do? asked Carolyn, reflecting the sentiments of the others. No one wanted to stop, especially Carolyn, who had always loved school, much to the bewilderment of the boys. They, however, were in total agreement with her this morning.

Thank you all for coming in early and helping me this morning!

Oh, it was no problem. We live just behind the schoolyard, so it’s easy to be here early. In fact, we play back there all the time.

Yes, well, that’s good. The grass is very thick in the back. I was out there last night.

You were? Why?

I often like to sit outside at night. You can get a feel for a place like a school by being there when no one else is around. Besides, it is quiet, and I like to look at the stars.

Oh, so do I! said Carolyn, with real enthusiasm. We all do. In fact, sometimes we go out there and lie on the ground with our heads together in a circle and our legs sticking out like spokes on a wheel and look at the stars. I just love it!

Do you ever wonder who is looking at those same stars—someone far off, who can be looking at the very same thing as you at the very same time?

Oh yes! I think that all the time! You do too?

Yes. It can be comforting at times. It can help you feel close to someone far away.

Oh, I know exactly what you mean, said Carolyn. My favorite cousin and I made a pact that whenever we look at the Big Dipper, we would think of each other. Sometimes, we really were looking at it at the same time.

It’s wonderful, isn’t it? Don’t you know that people throughout history have looked up and seen exactly the same stars that you do now? There is almost nothing else in the world about which that is true.

I never thought about that before, said Jim, feeling strangely stirred.

When you look at the moon and stars, think about all your ancestors who looked up and saw what you are seeing. What did they feel? What did they think about? Did they ever think about you and wonder what you would be like and if you would ever think about them, even though you would never know each other?

You didn’t know them? asked Pam. You mean you never met your grandparents?

No, I knew my grandparents, and I even knew one of my great-grandparents, and I knew about many of my ancestors—although my family kept track of those things more than is common now. But still, it doesn’t take long to get back so far that nobody knows who they were.

The kids were becoming more and more engrossed in the conversation the longer they talked. Miss Lee didn’t seem to be talking down to them, as many adults tend to do. In fact, she seemed to be enjoying the sharing as much as the children. In a way, she was leading them. Mostly, however, she seemed to be just talking to them about her life and the things she thought about. Just when they were starting to really talk, the first bell sounded, which meant other kids would be coming into class momentarily.

Well, children, this has been fun. You have so many interesting things to talk about. We will have to do this again sometime.

All the kids were quick to reassure Miss Lee that they lived close by and were available to come early any time. Jim added, I’ll help Pam with her morning chores so she can join us early too.

Pam’s face brightened immediately; and when she looked at Jim, the expression of appreciation in her eyes, which seemed a little moist, made Jim glad he had said what he did. Jim was, and always would be, Pam’s hero.

Their conversation was brought to an end as the bell rung, and noisy students proceeded down the hall. Those who were coming into the room shared one common trait—they all wore an expression of half worry, half excitement. Unsure of what it meant to see an unknown teacher sitting with four students, they were at a loss as to what to do. As a result, they simply stagnated around the door, backing up the flow of students into the hall. Those in the hall, who were unable to see, were asking what the problem was and were getting no answer.

Welcome, children, called Miss Lee, standing up.

Come in, encouraged Carolyn, always gracious.

Hey, guys, come meet our teacher. She’s neat, from Carlos who jumped up so quickly that his chair went over backward. But Carlos, unmindful of such details, rushed over and grabbed a couple of boys who were baseball players and began dragging them over to meet Miss Lee. Pam, knowing that she finally had to leave for her own class, touched Miss Lee’s arm to say goodbye and, to her delight, received a hug and an invitation to drop by after school. With childish glee, she picked up her lunch and skipped out of the class.

Only Jim remained seated, fairly unnoticed in all the activity. He watched with a strange sense of detachment. So quickly…, he was musing, how could we all feel so differently so quickly? The others probably felt it too, but in a more subconscious way. They were introducing Miss Lee like a family member, not like someone they had just met. They were talking about her as if they had known her well for years, instead of just minutes.

Again, the feelings of the night before began to creep in—that strange, yet not so strange, feeling that this was going to be an unusual year. This suspicion did not cause him alarm. In fact, quite the contrary, he felt a sort of pleasant anticipation, curiosity, and wonderment of the unknown, all rolled into one.

Without knowing exactly why, he began to feel exhilaration that really had no basis in what was going on around him. It seemed to be an almost displaced emotion that was sweeping over him to the point that he could no longer just sit there. Compelled almost involuntarily, he arose and moved toward the chattering students, joining in on the conversations and enjoying the general optimism of the room.

The second bell rang, and Miss Lee addressed the students en masse, directing them to various seats and giving instructions on what was to follow—school had officially begun. It was the best start to a school year they had ever experienced. Miss Lee won the hearts of the students almost from the start. She had a way of talking about things that was so interesting that often, the children did not immediately realize they were studying a particular subject. And, when they did, they were so engrossed in what they were doing that they did not want to stop, at least until Miss Lee started talking about something else just as fascinating.

And so, the morning went by rapidly, and lunchtime was upon them. For the first time in their school careers, both Jim and Carlos had forgotten to be hungry and had not spent the last hour looking at the clock, trying to push it along by force of will.

At lunch, the cafeteria had the usual first-day pandemonium. The three friends had brought their own lunches and found a table away from the crowds. No sooner had they seated themselves than Pam appeared.

Where’s Miss Lee? she asked.

She’s not here, answered Jim.

You let her go?

"Let her? She’s not a puppy, Pam! She’s our teacher. We don’t let her do anything—she makes the rules."

Where did she go?

She said she had to go to the office for something.

Does she need any help?

I don’t think so. She didn’t ask for any.

I’m going to go and check.

No, you’re not! You need to eat lunch.

I’m not hungry!

Sit down!

Pam, assured Carolyn, I’m sure she will be back in a little bit. Come sit by me and tell me about your class.

Pam acquiesced to Carolyn’s more compassionate request and sat down with her. However, she kept a watchful eye on the cafeteria door, just in case Miss Lee should appear. Despite their age difference, the girls had grown closer over the past year, as girls sometimes do when they hang around boys a lot. Even though they both got along with boys unusually well, there were times when the guys got on their nerves (as boys can do), and of course, the worst of it was that the boys never really understood why they were annoying. At times like that, it was nice to have another girl around.

Besides that, their contrasting styles seemed to draw them closer together. Carolyn always gave a soft answer and was a study in patience, while Pam never minced words and was blunt as an eraser. Both girls were athletic and loved sports, but Carolyn tended to dress up a lot more and fix her hair in a special way for school. Pam intended to get married in blue jeans and a ponytail! Yet, for all their differences in style, they shared many of the same characteristics—both were absolutely honest, wholesome, friendly, strong in their beliefs, and almost eerily insightful. It was perhaps this last trait that gave them such common ground, for they could both read people like books. They also had something else in common—a great admiration of Jim.

Pam’s admiration stemmed from years of Jim looking out for her and tolerating her hanging around him and his friends. Carolyn’s attachment had a somewhat different basis but was very sincere, though mostly unnoticed by Jim. Pam, however, with her usual perceptive insight, had noticed.

It was a testimony to Pam’s respect for Carolyn that she not only tolerated but also secretly approved of Carolyn’s feelings. With anyone else, she would have been protective of her big brother and would have probably interfered at every opportunity. Where Carolyn was concerned, she approved. Pam knew Carolyn’s heart, but like Carolyn, she also felt that the situation was a little hopeless because Jim was basically oblivious to the whole thing. So they sat at lunch, the girls talking about boys, the boys talking about sports.

The afternoon went by quickly and was just as enjoyable as the morning. It seemed to them that they had just gotten back from lunch and already it was time to go home. At least, it was that way in Miss Lee’s class! Pam spent an afternoon of veritable torture, shifting endlessly in her chair, glancing at the pathetically slow clock, and generally feeling left out. She even wondered that if she studied really hard, she could get promoted two grades.

After the final bell rang, several students lingered for a while talking to Miss Lee. Shortly, Pam shot through the door looking a little bedraggled having struggled hard to swim against the current of all the other students leaving the building.

Pam, how good to see you! said Miss Lee. How was your first day of school?

Fine, managed Pam stretching the truth.

I’m glad you are here. Will you help me water some of the plants we put in the window this morning?

Oh yes, I would love to! Mr. Dodds, the janitor, has a watering can that he will let me use.

Wonderful! Will you and Carolyn go and get it for me?

As the girls left for the watering can, Mrs. Porter dropped in to see how the first day had gone. A smiling teacher and a room full of happy children told her all she needed to know.

Mrs. Porter and Miss Lee spoke briefly, and then, Miss Porter turned to leave. As she passed by Jim and Carlos, she smiled and with twinkling eyes whispered, I guess all of your worries were unnecessary then?

Yes, ma’am, stammered the boys.

Miss Porter? ventured Carlos.

Yes.

Thank you for not telling her.

You’re welcome, Carlos. I think you will like this teacher.

I do already.

Then, it was worth it.

Carlos, who had always been afraid of Miss Porter, found his feelings surprisingly warm toward her.

Good day, boys, said Miss Porter. Drop by in a few days and let me know how things are going.

Yes, ma’am, they responded simultaneously.

Pam and Carolyn had made it to the boiler room by that time, and Pam pulled open the heavy metal door and motioned for Carolyn to follow her. Unsure if this was proper, Carolyn hesitated. It’s okay, Pam assured her. I do this all the time.

After entering, Pam quickly went down the metal steps and then disappeared behind the boiler, which occupied most of the room. Carolyn hurried after her and was shocked to find a narrow hallway behind the boiler that led to a small-lighted room. Carolyn had been at this school several years longer than Pam and had never even known of its existence. As she approached the room, she could see Pam highlighted in the doorway talking to someone. As Carolyn arrived, she saw it was Mr. Dodds. Like all the students, she liked Mr. Dodds. He was a big, gentle man, always dressed in gray, pinstriped overalls with a blue denim shirt underneath. He had an unruly shock of gray-black hair, a thick moustache, and a slow warm smile. He was calm, kind, and loved children.

Hello, Carolyn, he said as she appeared. I didn’t know you were part of this posse. Pam tells me you need a watering can for some new plants.

Yes, thank you, smiled Carolyn.

I’m glad you came. Pam’s a regular around here, but it is nice to have new visitors as well.

I hope we are not bothering you.

Not at all. I am always glad to have visitors. Well, let’s find the watering can and go help our new teacher.

So saying, he reached up to one of the shelves and brought down a can that had formerly been an oil can for trains. It had a long barrel and a long flexible spout to access hard-to-reach places.

Thus armed, he filled the can with water and started down the hall. As he passed, the girls caught the subtle aroma of axle grease and oil, which seemed always to be a part of his presence. Somehow, this seemed fitting and even soothing to those who knew him.

When they neared Miss Lee’s classroom, Pam suddenly took the lead and both Carolyn and Mr. Dodds rightly guessed that she wanted to give the introductions and both were content to allow her this small honor.

We got the watering can! she announced proudly as they entered the room.

Thank you, Pam…and you, Carolyn.

This is Mr. Dodds, added Pam, as if that was explanation enough.

You must be Miss Lee, he said. I’m Jack Dodds. I take care of things around here. I understand there are some plants in need here.

In a few minutes, they were standing near the window boxes consulting with each other on the matter of growing plants."

Mr. Dodds was recognized by everyone as the foremost authority on gardening and was obviously pleased to have someone to talk to, especially someone who appeared to know a good deal about growing things herself. And so, the early seeds of friendship were planted on that day.

Eventually, the day drew to an end. Miss Lee thanked the children for being so helpful and added, I am anxious to meet your parents. We hope that they can attend the PTA meeting.

We will tell them to come.

And you need to come too!

Us?

Yes, of course. This is important and will affect your lives.

It was the way Miss Lee said it that caught the children’s attention. Her expression seemed almost pained, as if perhaps showing concern for them and something else hard to determine.

Then we will be there, declared Jim, speaking for the others.

That makes me happy. The cloud on her face passed, and everything was bright again. She handed each of them a PTA flyer with the word urgent at the top. The topic of discussion was Governmental Funding and Prayer in Schools. I will see you in your dreams, Miss Lee added, as the children turned to leave.

What did she mean by that? pondered Carlos.

I don’t know, responded Jim. It’s probably just an expression.

The children crossed the schoolyard toward home in silence. Gone was their talkativeness of earlier. Each one of them seemed lost in thought. It seemed to be a long time since they raced across the schoolyard that morning. Something was different. It did not occur to them that the something different was them.

When they got home, Jim and Pam navigated the evening well, answering Mom and Dad’s questions about the new teacher truthfully and readily without any allusions to the stirring in their hearts. This omission was not planned, but neither one was inclined to mention anything out of the ordinary.

Later that night, Jim was in his bedroom, still deliberating over the day, when Pam came in to talk. There was nothing unusual about that—Pam had been coming into Jim’s room for as long as either of them could remember. Often, they would talk for a long time; they talked about life, their friends, their worries, Mom and Dad, and Christmas…in short, just about everything.

Although Jim was older and sometimes offered advice, he usually did not press his advantage, and more often than not, they talked as friends. Neither one of them found anything unusual in this and were unaware of how unique their relationship was. Although Jim rarely said so, he secretly valued Pam’s opinions and respected her insightful observations. Most of the other girls Pam’s age didn’t have much sense, in his opinion. While Pam could have her moments, she generally had a good head on her shoulders.

There was another thing about Pam that Jim admired—she always told the truth, whether you liked it or not (many times whether you asked for it or not). One thing was sure—you would always get a straight answer. Pam was an awesome little sister, in Jim’s book, not that she couldn’t be a pain at times, and she was stubborn as a mule; but overall, she couldn’t be topped.

Jim realized a long time ago that he had to be careful what he said to Pam because she would always jump to take his side against someone else. If he was having a problem with a friend, she would bristle at the sight of the offender and more than likely would pick a fight.

Tonight, as they talked, Pam asked, Jim, what was Miss Lee like? I mean, as a teacher.

She was great! She tells stories all the time…even in subjects where you don’t expect stories.

Were they good stories?

Oh man, they’re great! It always sounds as if she knows the people in the stories personally.

What were they about?

Mostly kids our age who lived in the country taking care of sheep and goats.

That doesn’t sound that neat.

I can’t tell it like she does…with mountains, blue skies, and pine trees…She makes it feel like you are there.

Is it just me, Jim, or has it been kind of a strange day?

Definitely strange. Well…nothing that strange has happened, but I just have this very strange feeling.

Why don’t you call Carolyn and see what she is thinking?

"Why don’t you call her?"

I’m not in class with you guys.

Oh, all right…give me the phone.

Carolyn, as it turned out, was writing in her journal about the very same feelings that the others were experiencing. She and Jim talked for quite a while. He was not normally much for talking on the phone, but Carolyn had a way of drawing him into conversation.

Jim,