Chapter 3: Taking Back the Classroom

The next day, I deliberately wore loose clothes. Today would be eventful—I couldn’t let anything slow me down.

I pulled on an oversized sweater and baggy pants, tying my hair back tight. I checked my reflection in the mirror, making sure there was nothing for him to latch onto. This was war.

As soon as the bell rang, Owen’s eyes tracked me like radar as I walked to the podium. Yesterday’s drama hadn’t touched him at all. If anything, he looked even bolder, like he was planning something big.

He leaned back in his chair, arms spread wide, grinning like he owned the place. The room buzzed with anticipation.

His face was red with excitement, pimples covering his skin like popcorn. He bounced in his seat, practically vibrating. The other boys watched him, waiting for the next show.

“Ms. Sutton, are we solving problems today?” he raised his hand and asked.

His voice was syrupy sweet, dripping with fake innocence. I ignored him, flipping through my lesson plan, refusing to give him the stage.

I let the silence stretch, refusing to give him the attention he craved. The rest of the class shifted in their seats, sensing a change in the air.

“Everyone, turn to page seventy-seven. We’re starting a new chapter today.”

I tapped the board, my voice steady and calm. I refused to let him derail my lesson.

Owen didn’t get the reaction he wanted. Since I didn’t engage, he lost his stage. Some students were already looking at him with ridicule.

A couple of girls exchanged glances, rolling their eyes. Even his friends seemed less enthusiastic, the wind taken out of their sails.

“Excuse me, Ms. Sutton!” Owen stood up. “I didn’t understand yesterday’s problem. Could you go over it again?”

He tried to sound confused, but the smirk on his face gave him away. I could see right through him.

“I explained that problem very clearly yesterday. If you still don’t get it, that’s a you problem. I’m not going to waste everyone’s time just for you.”

A couple of kids snickered. I kept my tone even, refusing to let him bait me.

“Did everyone else understand that problem?” I asked.

“Yes!” Madison was the first to answer.

She sat up straighter, her voice ringing out clear and confident. I gave her a grateful nod.

“Louder!”

“We all did!” the class shouted in unison, laughing.

Their voices echoed off the walls, drowning out Owen’s protests. For once, the class was on my side.

I looked at Owen. “If you can’t keep up with everyone, maybe you should repeat kindergarten.”

The class burst into laughter.

A couple of kids actually clapped. Owen’s cheeks flushed, and he glared at the floor. I almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

Owen’s face darkened. “But as a teacher, you’re supposed to help me learn. Otherwise, you’re not doing your job!”

He tried to sound righteous, but his voice wavered. I could see the cracks in his bravado.

I closed my book, put on my microphone, and just stared at him, saying nothing.

I let the silence stretch, holding his gaze until he shifted in his seat. The whole class watched, waiting to see who would break first. My heart thudded in my chest.

I kept looking at him until he squirmed, his limbs twitching. Only then did I say, “Fine, come up here.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with challenge. I watched as he hesitated, just for a second, before pushing himself out of his chair. The balance had shifted, and everyone in the room could feel it.

He had no idea I was done playing by his rules.