Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots by Debbie Dadey

Author:Debbie Dadey [Thornton Jones and Debra S. Dadey, Marcia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2021-12-02T00:00:00+00:00

9

The Boss

The students filed into the room and silently took their seats. Sitting up straight, they waited for Mrs. Jeepers to begin class. She stood stiffly and looked at every student in the room.

“When I was a child in Romania, we were taught to be respectful of all others,” she began. “It was a reward in itself when we pleased our elders. We only needed to be told once to keep the floors free from litter, or to keep our appearance neat.”

Mrs. Jeepers paused to glance at the floor. Papers were scattered around nearly every desk. She cleared her throat once and then waited.

Some students looked uncomfortably at each other while a few others tucked in their shirts and swallowed wads of chewing gum. Then very slowly, they leaned down and scooped up trash, pencils, and erasers so that the floor was clean. Without waiting to be asked, Howie walked to the front of the room and picked up the trash can. He kept his eyes glued to the floor as he walked up and down the aisles collecting trash.

“Thank you, class, particularly Howie. I am sure I will not need to remind you again about the appearance of the room or of yourselves.” Mrs. Jeepers’ green eyes flashed and her brooch seemed to glow dully.

“Forgive me if I seem to be grouchy today,” Mrs. Jeepers continued. “I had the unfortunate experience of having prowlers enter my home last night. They disturbed my sleep.” She peered around the room, letting her green eyes rest on Melody and Eddie for a split second. Then she blinked and smiled. “However, no harm was done and I am willing to forget the experience. I feel sure that it will never happen again! Now, please open your English books and we will begin our lesson.”

Melody’s hands trembled and she peeked at Eddie. He had his attention glued to his book. No one made a sound as Mrs. Jeepers began teaching the class about nouns and verbs.

The rest of the morning passed quickly. By lunchtime the third-graders had finished all their assignments and were ready for a break. In the cafeteria they quietly began to eat their lunches.

“What’s wrong with you guys?” Ben asked from the next table. Ben was a fourth-grader in Mr. Powers’ room. He was known for his loud voice and for the dumb jokes he told. “You’re all so quiet today.”

“Shhh! Mrs. Jeepers might hear you,” Howie whispered.

“So what? Talking is allowed in the cafeteria. Don’t tell me you’re actually scared of a teacher!” Ben laughed and poked Eddie in the ribs.

Eddie washed down the rest of his peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich with a swig of milk. “Cut it out, Ben.”

“What’s the matter?” Ben started to laugh. “Don’t tell me you’re turning into a teacher’s pet!”

“No way!” Eddie hissed.

“Whatever you say, nerd,” Ben teased, as both the classes stood up to empty their lunch trays.

Eddie stuck out his foot to trip Ben. He smiled when Ben’s tray went crashing to the floor. “That’ll teach you to call me a nerd,” Eddie snapped.

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