Second grade, part 3

It was time for grade cards to come out again. Reese was proud of herself for surviving half of the school year with cranky Mrs. Sanderson and not getting in trouble often. At the end of the day Mrs. Sanderson handed out the cards, each in its own brown envelope, just before the bell rang to go home.

Students were so happy that the day was over they stuffed the envelope into their backpacks and headed for the door. Of course they had to do line up and move out military style as Mrs. Sanderson would not allow anything less.

Upon reaching the exterior doors they burst outside looking for their ride home or bus line. Reese climbed into mom’s car, waving to friends and talking to mom about the day.

“Did you get your grade card today?”

“Yup!” Reese dug inside her bag and handed the card to mom while mom waited in the line of cars.

Mom opened the envelope, removed card but her face changed from the smile she had for her daughter to a serious look.

“What mom? Am I in trouble?”

“No sweetie, you aren’t in trouble. Do you bring home all your papers to me?”

“Yes, mom I do.” With a little hesitation Reese added. “Most of them, I did throw one away the other day. It was a 76 and I was ashamed.”

Mom reached back and held her hand, “Never be embarrassed or ashamed to show me and tell me everything. I want you to always do your best but I understand that not every paper will be perfect, mine weren’t either. But for the most part you have brought all your papers home, except that one?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Mom pulled out of the line of cars and parked in front of the school.

“Come with me Reese, I need to talk with Mrs. Sanderson.”

Reese’s eyes grew large. “What’s wrong mom?”

“I’ll tell you in a little bit, get out of the car please and come with me.”

Reese walked into school with her mom with her head down, embarrassed that her mom had to come in with her. When her mom reached her classroom, she knocked on the door.

“Mrs. Sanderson, I’m Reese’s mother. May I talk with you for a minute?”