Chapter 2
Gail Johnson caused an immediate stir in the classroom when she entered it for the first time.
Her striking red hair beautifully framed her face. Her voluptuous, flowing figure was ripe and mature in contrast to the teenage girls in her class.
Her breasts thrust out with magnificent grace. Her body tapered beautifully from her shoulders and breasts down to her waist.
Her hips were wide and her stomach flat. Her legs were exceedingly trim, like those of a dancer, and she was a little self-conscious about all the admiring glances that she received that first day.
In response to what Dave Clark said, Gail maintained an attitude of caution regarding the young men in her class. A few of them made giggly remarks concerning her, and she was quick to tell them that she wasn't going to tolerate it.
"This is not a funny farm, it's a classroom," she said bluntly at one point. "If you guys don't get rid of that bad case of the giggles, then I'm going to prescribe just the thing for it. I'm going to keep you after school. Is that understood?"
The young men quickly quieted down, not wanting to be kept after school.
"There's another alternative," she quickly added. "If you don't like to stay after school, I don't think you'll like additional homework either. I'll keep open the option in the future of either giving you additional homework or additional time in the classroom after school is over. I hope that that is understood."
After reading the riot act to the students, Gail succeeded in maintaining much better discipline in the classroom. She recognized that the young men did not want to be punished, and she used the threat of punishment to quiet them down.
One youngster, Jimmy Chase, however, was completely different. It was amazing just how much work he seemed to put into his classroom efforts. He was well prepared in every respect and was always willing to respond to questions, even though it could not be said that he was a show-off.
As class ended that first day, Jimmy stopped at Gail's desk.
"It's really great having a teacher like you, Miss Johnson." He smiled, showing his even white teeth. "You know, you really put those goof-offs in their place. The teacher before didn't handle them that well. They really get to be a pain because it's harder for everybody else to concentrate on their lessons with these guys mouthing off."
"I think that they're basically good people, too," Gail smiled. "They just need a little bit of discipline. That's the way it is with everyone, isn't it?"
"Yeah, but you're being real charitable toward these guys. They've been causing quite a bit of trouble for a long time. They need somebody like you to put them in their place."
"I'm just trying to do my job, Jimmy."
"Yes, I know, Miss Johnson, and that's just what I wanted to tell you. I think you're doing it very well. I'm really happy to be in your class."
"Why, thank you, Jimmy," Gail smiled.
As she watched him walk away, Gail couldn't help but be impressed by Jimmy. He exuded poise, and the longer that she talked to him the more impressed she became concerning his maturity. He was a tall blonde boy and gave every impression of being older than his sixteen years. He had a confident air about him that she definitely liked. In addition, he was a strikingly handsome young man, and she had a feeling that if she worked with him she could achieve a good deal.
The Friday Gail ended her first week in class, she spotted Principal Dave Clark sitting at a table in the cafeteria.
"Hello, Gail." He smiled and indicated she should sit down.
"Good afternoon, Dave."
"Please join me."
"Thank you."
Gail set her tray on the table. "So, how has the first week been going?" he asked.
"Very interesting, very challenging," she replied.
"Any discipline problems to speak of?"
"A few, but I think I've succeeded in quieting down the goof-offs. I was pleased to see that they have been taking a more responsive attitude the last few days."
"That's always encouraging."
"What do you know about Jimmy Chase, Dave?"
"He's a very brilliant student. He's definitely college scholarship material, if he just keeps on working. Why do you ask?"
"He's been faring exceptionally well in class," she replied. "I think that if he's developed properly, he could become a real leader in society."
"I quite agree. He has the right temperament, he's mature, and he has a good head on his shoulders. I really would like to see him get a scholarship because that's the only way he can go to college."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, he lives with an aunt. Both of his parents died in an automobile accident a few years ago, and the aunt is very poor. She has a whole flock of kids of her own. He comes from a very impoverished background, Gail, and the only way he can get in college is through a scholarship. That's why I hope he makes it."
"Then that means I'd better work with him all the harder," Gail exclaimed, deeply affected by Dave Clark's revelation. "I want to see that boy succeed. He has what it takes."
"I agree and so do his other instructors. Yes, I think that some extra work for that young man would be time well spent. It would be awful to see him not go to college."
"That's so true," Gail nodded.
That afternoon, every time she looked Jimmy Chase's way, she was that much more concerned about his situation. She thought about him being faced with a dilemma, of being in a predicament whereby he might not be able to go to college to develop his intellectual potential to the fullest.
During the course of her second week at school. Jimmy walked up to her at the end of class.
They had a long discussion concerning some of the subject matter, after which Gail, impressed by his sincerity and willingness to learn, made a suggestion.
"You know, Jimmy, I definitely want you to go to college," she said. "You have so much potential and determination. I want to see you succeed in life."
"Thank you. I really appreciate that."
"I'm going to suggest something that I hope you will agree to. I'd like very much to work with you extra. I mean, in addition to class."
"Gee, that would be real nice." Jimmy smiled.
"I'd like to see you win a scholarship to college."
"That's the only way I could go," Jimmy replied.
"Then that means we've got some work to do.
You possess the necessary tools, but unless a person develops them in the proper fashion, the tools don't have that much meaning."
"I guess you're right there," Jimmy nodded.
"So here's what I'd like to suggest. I have some free time in the evening now, and I would be more than willing to share some of it with you. That will give you an opportunity to get ahead of the game, which you've got to be if you want to earn a scholarship. As you're probably well aware, there is an awful lot of competition these days, to win those college scholarships."
"Gosh, I know," Jimmy said. "A lot of smart people are trying to win them. I just hope I've got a chance."
"Rest assured, you've got a chance," Gail said. "I recognize potential when I see it. But to ensure yourself of a better chance, you've got to work a little harder than other people. That's the way that you're going to succeed in winning a scholarship.
"I've got to agree with you," Jimmy exclaimed. "You've got to work to win a scholarship."
"So here's what I would like to suggest. I'd like to suggest getting together at my apartment for some extra work."
"Fine. When do you want to meet, Miss Johnson?"
"How about tomorrow evening?"
"Yeah, I guess I could meet you tomorrow evening. Where do you live?"
"Do you know where Oak Street is?"
"Oh yeah, you mean that apartment section over there?"
"That's right. I live in one of the apartment buildings there. It's five-ten Oak Street, apartment two-forty-two."
"Sure. I had a paper route in that area just a couple of years ago. I know where it is."
"Good. Then you can make it tomorrow night?"
"Yeah. You say that's apartment two-forty-two?"
"That's right."
"Sure, I can make it."
"I'll tell you what, Jimmy. I'll give you a real treat. I've been told that I'm a very good cook. Well, I'll fix you some dinner."
"Gosh, that would be real nice," Jimmy smiled. "You are great, Miss Johnson."
"One of any teacher's big ambitions, Jimmy, is to get a hold of a student who has a good deal of potential and work with that student to develop it all the more. That's what I desire to do in your case. I'm sure you won't let yourself down."
"No, and I won't let you down either."
"It isn't a case of letting me down, Jimmy. I want you to remember that. It's a case of letting yourself down. In the final analysis, Jimmy, the only person you have to be held accountable to is none other than Jimmy. Keep that in mind."
"Oh yes, I will," Jimmy replied. "So I'll see you tomorrow night at my house."
"What time?"
"Let's get started kind of early. Would six be too early for dinner?"
"Oh no, that would be great." Jimmy smiled.
"Then six it is, Jimmy."
"Thanks again, Miss Johnson."
"You're quite welcome. I'm glad to help out."
All during the next day at school, Gail found herself looking forward to that evening.
She wanted to help Jimmy along, to be a vital cog in helping him to attain a college scholarship.
That afternoon she went home immediately from school. She fixed a pumpkin pie, and a delicious stew that had been a family recipe for years.
At five minutes past six, the doorbell rang. Jimmy Chase was standing at the front door with a shy smile on his face.
He looked more adult than ever before, clad in a sport shirt and brown slacks.
"You look very good, Jimmy." Gail smiled. "Very handsome. You'll make a very good husband for some lucky girl some day."
"Thank you, Miss Johnson."
"I'll tell you what, Jimmy. Now that we're away from school, I'll let you call me Gail. Since we're going to be working together and all."
"All right, Gail."
"Please come in and sit down at the table," she smiled. "I've got the dinner all ready."
"Gosh, something sure smells good." Jimmy grinned, sitting down at the dining room table. "What is that?"
"That's stew."
"Great. It sure smells good."
"You see, it isn't just any kind of stew," Gail said. "It's a special family recipe that's been floating around for years. I take great pride in the way that I fix that stew."
"Just like you take great pride in your teaching.
"Yes, that's true!" Gail laughed. She served the meal to Jimmy, who ate heartily.
He appeared genuinely grateful for the opportunity to come to her apartment and have dinner with her. He thanked her profusely several times.
"I'm pleased to have you as company, Jimmy," she replied. "And I hope you liked the meal."
"It was just great," he grinned. "When I eat that much, Gail, you know that I'm satisfied."
"That's very good," Gail said. "Because I was trying to see to it that I satisfied you. Now I suggest that we adjourn to the living room and get started with tonight's lesson."
"Sure, I'm looking forward to it."
"I'll warn you of just one thing, Jimmy. I can be a real hard task mistress. I definitely want you to succeed, so if I start pushing you hard, don't hold it against me."
"Of course not," Jimmy quickly replied. "I realize what you're trying to do. You're trying to help me get ahead. I won't get to college at all unless I can win a scholarship, and you're trying to help me accomplish it. I appreciate it, Gail, I really do."
"Teachers like me appreciate the attitude of students like you, Jimmy," Gail said.
At that point they got up from the dining table and walked into the living room.
Now Gail was sitting opposite Jimmy. He was sitting on the sofa and she was stretched out in an easy chair.
Gail opened up the textbook.