Hope Springs Eternal by Julia Ridgmont

Author:Julia Ridgmont [Ridgmont, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Laura L. Walker
Published: 2020-01-30T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

When David got to the schoolhouse, Timothy was waiting for him outside, but he didn’t see Owen. “Hi, Papa.”

“Hey, buddy. Where’s Owen?”

“He’s still inside. He got in trouble for talking to Billy Gibson. They both have to stay longer and help Miss Stover clean the classroom.”

Huh. Owen had always been a well-behaved student. This was the first time that he could recall his oldest son ever being punished at school. “I guess we’ll wait here for him, then.”

Fifteen minutes later, the boys emerged from the schoolhouse, followed by their teacher. The sunlight reflecting on her red hair made it appear more golden as she called out to them, “And remember what I said, boys. Tomorrow will be a better day for both of you, I hope. Oh, Mr. Stratton, hello.”

She started walking behind Owen, who had been exchanging a smirk with the Gibson boy. He wiped his face clear of all mirth when Miss Stover called out to David.

David gave his son a severe look before addressing the teacher. “Yes, ma’am? What can I do for you?”

“Hold up there, Owen,” she said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Owen obeyed, though judging by his expression, he did so grudgingly.

The schoolteacher’s bright blue eyes bore into David’s and her lips flattened. “Mr. Stratton, I want you to know how much I enjoy teaching your sons. They’re usually well-behaved young men and eager to learn.”

Why did he feel a but coming?

“However, I’m sorry to have to tell you that I’ve had trouble with Owen over the past few weeks. At first, there were little incidents here and there that interrupted my thought process when I was in the middle of speaking to the class or made me wonder if he was getting enough sleep at home. He always seemed so tired, you know? But recently his behavior has become more blatant. He was in the back of the room, carrying on a whispered conversation with Billy Gibson, though it was still quite loud. When I asked the boys to stop, they did—for half a minute—and then carried on.”

“Why did you disobey the teacher, Owen?”

He lifted his shoulder in a half-shrug. “Billy wouldn’t stop talking to me.”

Patting his shoulder, Miss Stover said, “Well, tomorrow you will be sitting at the front of the classroom. Perhaps it will help for you boys to be separated.”

Owen sighed and said in a small voice, his head still hanging low, “Yes, ma’am.”

“What do you say to your teacher, Owen?” David prodded.

“I’m sorry, ma’am.”

Miss Stover smiled. “You’re forgiven. I’m glad to clear up this little misunderstanding.” She let her hand drop and Owen walked on ahead of David. When David turned to follow him, she said softly, “Mr. Stratton, if I might have a quick word with you without your boys listening, please?”

Something twisted in David’s gut, but he nodded.

Her eyes turned troubled and she waited another heartbeat or two until Owen and Timothy were farther down the road before saying, “I also want to let you know about a troubling incident that occurred last week.

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