Jonathan extended his hand. "Miss Anderson, I've heard so much about you." She took his hand automatically, her face pale. Mr. Carter, I welcome to Jefferson Academy.
Thank you, Jonathan replied smoothly. Malik has told me about your interest in his presentations about my work. Miss Anderson's composure, usually unshakable, visibly crumbled. Yes, well, the children sometimes have such creative interpretations of their parents' careers. Indeed, Jonathan agreed.
Though in this case, I can assure you Malik was quite accurate. Before Ms. Anderson could respond, the classroom door opened again and a man in a dark suit stepped in. He scanned the room, spotted Jonathan, and approached with urgent purpose. "Sir," he said quietly, "there's something that requires your attention."
Jonathan nodded, then turned back to Ms. Anderson. "You'll have to excuse me for a moment. Government business. He stepped outside with the man, leaving Malik standing proudly beside a thoroughly discomforted Ms.
Anderson. Well, she said, attempting to regain control of the situation. Shall we begin our parents day activities? For the next half hour, Ms. Anderson led the class through presentations and discussions, though her usual confidence was noticeably diminished.
She kept glancing nervously at the door where Jonathan stood in deep conversation with not one but now three men in suits. Throughout the classroom, parents and students whispered among themselves, occasional glances thrown Malik's way. For once, he wasn't being ignored or mocked. He was the center of fascinated attention. "Dude," Ethan whispered, leaning over from his desk.
"Your dad really does work at the Pentagon." I told you, Malik replied, unable to suppress a grin. Their conversation was interrupted by the classroom door opening once more. This time, it was Principal Hayes who entered, looking flustered. He scanned the room, his eyes settling on Miz.
Anderson. Ah, Ms. Anderson, he said with forced cheerfulness. I see you've met Mr. Carter.
Yes, she replied stiffly. We were just discussing. Excellent. Excellent," the principal interrupted, clearly agitated. He turned to address the class.
"Students, we're going to have a special presentation today. Mr. Carter has graciously agreed to speak to us about his work with the government." Ms. Anderson's face registered shock.
Clearly, this deviation from her carefully planned Parents Day schedule had not been discussed with her. Principal Hayes ushered Jonathan to the front of the classroom. Mr. Carter is a senior security strategist at the Pentagon, he announced, emphasizing each word as if to drive home the point to Ms. Anderson.