#SOL21 | 10 | A Turn Before Algebra

I stand at the intersection of the English hall and the main hall of our building.  It's 7:45 am and the bell just rang, signaling that students can begin entering their first block classes.  It's a small trickle at first.  Each day the seniors seem to arrive just a little bit later, playing chicken with the tardy bell and a d-hall slip.

Across the hall from me, a teacher greets passing students with enthusiasm I cannot muster -- at least not for his subject area: math.  Most students are given some variation of this greeting: 

"Good Morning, Jordan! It's another good day for math."

"There's Elise.  I know she's ready for math."

I wait.  I am keeping an eye on the hall where most students enter.  I am looking for a particular student.  For over two weeks now I have watched this girl do a pirouette in the middle of the hall just before ducking into math class.  About a week ago I started giving her an applause, but today I decided to take it a step further and I can't wait to see how she responds.  

The clock ticks closer to the start of class and I start to wonder if I am going to see her at all.  She is a senior after all and may be taking her time getting here. Just when I think I'm going to have to go to my own class, I spot her and smile behind my mask.  

I quickly step forward, blocking her way to the door, "Hey! Let's both twirl!"

Even with her mask, I can see her eyes light up, "Okay!"

I have her demonstrate a twirl for me and then step away, ready to do one together: "3...2...1..."

And a teacher and student do a pirouette together just outside of math class.

This post is part of the 14th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge.  

#SOL21 and information around Slicing can be found on Two Writing Teachers.