Chapter 3: The Powers That Be Comes In Many Flavors.3:30 PM: Principal's Office Staff Meeting. The commanding security officers, department heads, deans and assistant principals gather around in a private room next to the Principal's office. Almost 70 in all sit around a large table, with Principal McCaskill at the head. Mr. Mendelson sits with the other 2 assistant principals: Mr. Gliesh and Miss Reilly to the right of Mr. McCaskill. Following them, are the deans and then the security officers. The remaining seats are fill by the department heads, along with Mrs. Garrison and a couple of her secretarial staff to take the meetings notes. "After reviewing last meeting's notes, and have concluded many of last meeting business to a satisfactory end, we come to this meeting's order of business. Any questions or issues concerning the school?", Mr. McCaskill says. For a while, no one answers, waiting usually for Mr. McCaskill to bring them to the table. But this time, things are different, As Mr. Mendelson raises his hand to be acknowledged. Mr. McCaskill hesitantly refuses to acknowledge him until Mr. Mendelson forces himself to be recognized loudly. "I have a few things to say.", Mr. Mendelson says out loud. "We already spoke of them earlier today, Mike. It does not need to be brought up here.", Mr. McCaskill stated. "I think it does, sir.", Mr. Mendelson states. "What needs to be stated? This is not one of your attempts to rant away the time with one of your boring epitaphs.", Miss Reilly stated. "You of all here will need to hear this.", Mr. Mendelson tell her with the seriousness of news of incoming death. "Everyone here who was here, all remember that 1 student, who for all the reasons beyond explanation put himself against everything that was wrong in this school and made an all out vicious attempt to set things right.", Mr. Mendelson starts by saying as an introduction to history. "Mike, I told you to leave it be.", Mr. McCaskill says sternly. "Well, what about this student from long ago, who is he?", Mr. Mitchnick, dean of student activities, asks. "Thank you Al.", Mr. Mendelson stated, "His name was Fernando Gutierrez. The Gutch, as he was better known." "What do you mean, 'was?' He died or something?", Miss Reilly says with a smile on her face as she absently minded doodles on her drawing pad. "Don't you wish you chicken hawk. On the contrary, his daughter now goes to this school, since last year I might add.", Mr. Mendelson states. Miss Reilly drops her pen on the note pad abruptly and loudly. "Gutierrez, wasn't it that nice handicap-blind girl that was in my office earlier?", Mrs. Garrison stated from the side of the room, turning to Mr. McCaskill and returning an evil eye at him. "She's blind, so why not treat her as a limited sighted student?", Curley the head security guard stated. "No- she's totally blind. Dark-glasses and walk by tapping a cane in front of her- blind.", Mr. Mendelson states. "So, what of it? We have limited sighted students that need a cane.", Mr. Frisone, head of the student academics, says. "She cant see at all. But you of all teachers here, had the Gutch during his time he was blind for homeroom.", Mr. Mendelson stated. "And he was an obnoxious bastage on top of that.", Mr. Frisone says, almost yelling. "In his defense- he saved me from being mugged in these very halls a few times.", Mrs. Garrison says. "Same here.", Ms. Heinlein, head of the English Dept., says in the distance. "Me too.", Mr. Pasner, Head of the Computer Science Dept., says at the other side of the table. "Well, so this student did a lot in vigilantism for the betterment of this school. How many of you did he imposed higher grades as a return of favors done?", Mr. McCaskill says. "I resent that remark!", Mr. Rosenbluth, Head of the Physics Dept., says as he gets up and bangs his fists on the table. "What brought on that reply, Peter?", Mr. McCaskill asked, surprised at the reply Mr. Rosenbluth's reply. "During his time here, Fernando, has brought one thing to this school that was lacking for many years- integrity. More integrity than you will ever think you would bring to this place. And what did he get from this school in return? He was ousted and discarded. Thanks to some here in this very room, his diploma is still in a folder in the students records. And yet for all that he done here, he wanted nothing in return.", Mr. Rosenbluth stated. "Why was he ousted?", Ms. Heinlein asks. "Ask the chicken-hawk there.", Mr. Rosenbluth says, as he eyes Miss Reilly. "What does all this have to do with the here and now?", Mr. McCaskill stated aloud. Everyone just started to jabber amongst themselves, and suddenly stop when hearing of Mr. McCaskill's words. "So she's really blind?", a voice asks. "Totally.", Mr. Mendelson answers. "She's in the tenth grade?", another asks. "Yes.", Mr. Mendelson answers. "What does she looks like?", another voice asks. "Wait a minute!!!", Mrs. Brown, Book Room Advisor, says loudly, "We don't have any books in Braille!" "We have students with limited vision, but no books in Braille?", Mr. Gliesh says. "We have books in large type for students with limited vision. But nothing in Braille.", Mrs. Brown explains. "How did Fernando deal with it when he was here?", Ms. Heinlein asks. They all look at each other dumbfounded. Most of them trying to access a memory almost a generation old, until finally one of them remembers. "A tape-recorder... Fernando had a miniature walkman tape-recorder, which he recorded the classes with and used the tapes to study when he go home.", Mr. Mendelson said. "Who said Fernando ever studied? He hardly ever done homework as it is.", Mr. Weinstein, head of the Mathematics Dept., said from the back of the room. "He did not need to study in Mathematics- for he was a former child-prodigy program student before he came here- with special abilities in Mathematics and Music. Hell, he did not do homework in Physics either, but he managed a 99% average without even trying. Hell, he got a 99% on the Physics Regents, and most of that was on the Quantum and Nuclear problems- which were not part of the stolen answers that year, that stuff you have to memorize. I also remember that in one of your exams- you deliberately put a 30 step proof to throw him off. He did it in 3 steps, even after the board inquiry you put him through- you could not fail him. And yet to screw with him, you gave him the lowest mark possible- you cant do that to any kid who averages a 95% of better on every state regents exams he takes... but you tried.", Mr. Rosenbluth gets up and points at Mr. Weinstein. "I remember hearing rumors of Fernando using that tape-recorder to get some of us fired back then.", Ms. Heinlein says with some concern. "Yes he did, I remember Mrs. Souze was forced to retire because of it. I'm sure there were others.", Mr. Frizone stated. "He used it to frame some of our star students, and a few teachers that are no longer with us.", Miss Reilly says. "Well maybe if you weren't so busy trying to take to your bed every female student that ever walked into your classroom, then perhaps you would not have tried it with some of his friends and have him go after you like everything else he went after.", Mr. Mendelson says while deliberately trying not to look into her direction. "You know those allegations are false!", Miss Reilly says, getting up to face him. "Then explain to me why you never got married, why you always had females waiting for you, and how about all the time you were caught tonguing down some younger female in the classroom or outside of the school.", Mr. Mendelson says. "My lifestyle is not in question here... I seen plenty of you men getting it on with the girls as well... so what are you trying to prove?", Miss Reilly stated out loud in her defense. "Neither is your sexual orientation. As for me, I'm not other men, for the only girl I tongue down with is my wife, and yes, I might be guilty of getting it on with her in my classroom, but at least it was somebody I was married too. Now if you got something to hide, I suggest you sit back down and speak if you have some decent input to give.", Mr. Mendelson stated. "I don't believe this atomosity is going on based on something that happened almost 20 years ago? I'm going to decide that who ever this girl is, I'm going to have to transfer her to another school so history wont have a chance to repeat itself here.", Mr. McCaskill stated, trying to be authoritative. "Do that, and I'll have you in front of the Departmental Board Inquiry before you leave the building today.", Mr. Mendelson says in a threatening tone. "And I'll back him up.", Mr. Rosenbluth says, staring the principal down. "As will I.", Mr. Pasner says, adding, "for this girl has done nothing to anyone good or bad. And you are going to hang her based on a fear of suspicion." "And I'll have the news reporters in here by morning...", Mrs. Garrison says from her seat, staring at Mr. McCaskill, "after seeing what you did to her today, you will be forever on my shit list until you make it up to her." Everyone turns around to Mrs. Garrison, remaining silent until she explains what she meant by her statement. Only lasting a few seconds, the silence was deafening. "What did he do?", Ms. Heinlein asked quietly. "She was leaving my office to get a few papers signed by Mr. Mendelson and a few of the other department heads, when this lunk-head here bumps into her and knocks her down.", as Mrs. Garrison says as she points a finger at Mr. McCaskill, "And instead of apologizing and help her gather her things, he, yells at her, 'Don't you watch where you are going?!!!' My office girls ran out to see what happened and helped her while he did nothing but stand there and look stupid. For god's sake's Mr. McCaskill, she is a totally blind student, she could not have seen you, and its is the responsibility of both people to watch where they are going." "And you threaten this girl to bring her parents in the morning?", Mr. Mendelson says. "I don't want to be in your shoes...", Miss Reilly says under her breathe. "You have a lot of making up to do to that girl between right now and tomorrow morning.", Mr. Rosenbluth says. "It was an accident...", Mr. McCaskill stated. "Yet, you did not apologize, or help her...", Mrs. Garrison says, "...remember, I was there to see your reaction afterwards. You did nothing." "I'm taking a sick day tomorrow...", Mr. Pasner almost yells from where he was sitting. "Same here.", another voice says from the far end of the room. A few others add their voices to the absentee list. "Wait a minute... Wait a minute!... WAIT A MINUTE!!!.....", Mr. McCaskill starts to yelling, "Anyone who takes the day off tomorrow will have their pay dock for the week...." "That's what you think... I handle the payroll.", Mrs. Garrison says. "This is whole staff against me? I have to remind you that not one of you here is irreplaceable.", Mr. McCaskill threatens. "This is what I was talking about- this one student has the power to shake this staff to the core, and yet she has done nothing to provoke us into action. Furthermore, she has been here for a year already without any incident, and yet you want to put her out to dry? Like her father before her- this school as some serious integrity issues and it seems that only she can bring them to the surface so that we can deal with them.", Mr. Mendelson explains. "Then, you have any suggestions then?", Mr. McCaskill ask. "Yes. Treat her like any other student, give some allowance for her handicap, but that is it.", Mr. Mendelson says. "Well, since you like to dredge things up, I'm going to dredge this up... she asked you for some special help with a couple of things. What were they?", Mr. McCaskill asks. "It has something to do with her being on the Gymnastics and Fencing teams.", Mrs. Garrison saids. "And how you know about this?", Mr. McCaskill asks. "Because I signed her papers to excuse her from gym for the rest of the year, but those same papers also take her off any team she is on.", Mrs. Garrison explains. "Well, how about she transfers to swimming for the rest of the term?", Mr. Braum, Head of the Aquatics Physical Education Department, says. "How do we know she can swim at all?", Mr. Gliesh says with concern, "All we need is to have some handicapped kid drown in our school, and the news media will be here the next day to have a field day." "Well, if like father like daughter, Fernando was my student lifeguard while he was a student here, and the best damn swimmer I ever seen outside of my swim and diving teams.", Mr. Braum says. "Why wasn't Fernando on the swim team back then?", Mr. Mendelson ask. "Because he was a professional swimmer- he was a paid city life guard every summer, and the rules says that students who works in a field of their athletic abilities, can not be on a PSAL team. That means that bike messengers can not be on the Bike Racing teams, Sport instructors can not be on their associated teams, and life guards can not be on the swimming or diving teams.", Mr. Braum explains, "Don't you think it broke my heart not having him on my team? I swear- blind or not, he was the best swimmer I ever had seen. We could have won state champion ships with him..." "Aww... too bad... wait a minute- he did lifeguard in your class while he was blind?", Miss Reilly says "Apparently, he was the only city lifeguard with that handicap, and not only did he saved plenty from our pool, he did exceptionally well at his summer job.", Mr. Braum explains. "Somehow I don't believe it.", Miss Reilly says. "Its in his school records, if you want to see it, including copies of his life guard certifications back then.", Mr. Braum explains further. "So I have to ask, how in hell do we know she knows how to swim at all?", Miss Reilly asks. "Well, we can shut down the pool, and have her tested. Of course she needs to be excused for the day, my swimming and diving teams to meet elsewhere, and security to guard the doors to make sure no one comes in or out and interrupt us.", Mr. Braum says. "Can it be done tomorrow?", Mr. McCaskill asks. "That would be so unfair, even for me.", Miss Reilly says. "I'm serious- don't you have some extra team bathing suits for her to use, and we can have her tested.", Mr. McCaskill explains. "Yes, but its better if she wears something she is comfortable with, and she had some time to prepare.", Mr. Braum says. "Alright then, we'll give her until next week then.", Mr. McCaskill says, "And if she passes then she can be transferred to swimming and not have worries about being kicked out of the teams because of the excusing her from gym class." "I want to be there when that test is taken.", Miss Reilly says. "If you go, so do I.", Mr. Mendelson says. "Why not, put me down as well.", Mr. Gliesh saids. "Anybody else wants to be there?", Mr. McCaskill said sarcastically. A few other begin to raise their hands. "The answer is NO then.", Mr. McCaskill almost yells back. Silence fills the room again, but only for a moment. "Anything else?", Mr. McCaskill asks. "In all this, it was not mentioned what was her name.", Miss Reilly says. Mr. Mendelson shuffles his folder about, looking for a specific one. "Its a rather simple one to remember...", as he continues looking. "Its Francesca... but she does not like being called Fran. Instead she likes to be called Kitty-G for some strange reason.", Mrs. Garrison says. "Well, you know how these kids are so into Rap...", Miss Reilly says to herself with everyone being able to hear her. "This much I'll tell you Gayle, I'll guarantee that she will surprised you. She did not look like one of those type to me.", Mr. Mendelson says. "Then is if she's not a rap-kiddie then she's a goth-kiddie.", Miss Reilly responded. "And maybe you should stop stereo-typing everyone.", Mr. Mendelson says as he continues to look through his folders. "ah... here it is. Her name is Francesca Samantha Rachel Michelle Gutierrez, currently in A41a... 95% average is looks like, hmmm... This is interesting...", as he reads off a copy of her school records. "What is it?", Mr. McCaskill asks. "There is are request forms and petitions for starting two new clubs.", Mr. Mendelson saids. "Well... if she needs assistance with it- you handle the request. Like you said- lets give this girl everything she needs.", Mr. McCaskill saids. "If you so insist...", Mr. Mendelson says. Sliding the request form to Mr. Rosenbluth, "Read it and decide, since one of them involves you.", Mr. Mendelson adds. Mr. Rosenbluth read off the form silently to himself. "You willing to approve this, Mike?", Mr. Rosenbluth saids. "I'm willing to do one if you are with the other.", Mr. Mendelson says. "Then curse us to all to hell, for I say yes.", as Mr. Rosenbluth signs the form at the bottom of one of the forms. "Let me see those for a minute.", Mr. McCaskill says, as he reaches over to intercept them while they are being passed back to Mr. Mendelson. he studies them and sees that they are in order. "Hmm... a Physics Department Computer Club, as strange a request that is- since we already have a Mathematics Computer Club...." "Yes we do, but its often crowded and the senior students seem to overthrow the younger ones out the room. Besides, historically speaking, the school's first computer club was with the Physics Department and we won many computing contests during those early years.", Mr. Rosenbluth explains. "I'll allow it then. Now what's this other club.... the ShortFellow Society?", Mr. McCaskill asks. Several gasps, as pen and note pads are dropped onto the table. "What?", as Mr. McCaskill looks about the table, looking at the looks of fear and horror on the faces of half of the group and elation on the other half. "What is the Shortfellow Society? All it says here is that it... 'a Renaissance Group dealing in art, music and methodology of nearly forgotten traditions of the past. Technology is not the key to the future, but use of its abilities is....'.", Mr. McCaskill reads aloud. "The Shortfellow Society was a group that was in competition with the Longfellows, Arista, and the SOS. But in Fernando's time, they were the group that saved the school...", Mr. Steshko, head of the Electrical/Electronic Engineering Dept., says. "Save the school? You guys make this Fernando character sound like some comic book superhero.", Mr. McCaskill complains. "Mind you, Lee. The History of the school back then was the nation's #3 school spiraling down to the worst in less than 2 years. There were student protests on a weekly basis, several school riots and crime running rapid in the halls. Corruption and student/teacher affairs were just a minor scratch on the surface... All with a principal that did not care. then the gang wars hit this place, and several of our students killed because of it. But Fernando with the help of the ShortFellows managed to put an end to this in under 6 months and restored this school to its former glory and we've been riding on that wave ever since.", Mr. Mendelson explains, "Now that his daughter is here, it seems likely that she is taking the same steps that her father took..." "If this Fernando was such a positive influence in this school, then why is there so much negativity hanging about this room?", Mr. McCaskill asks. "Because, in order to do what he did, he had to make many enemies within the faculty, and in the end, was ousted from the school by some paper chase game. Isn't that right, Gayle.", Mr. Mendelson stated. "Don't just point the finger at Gayle, Mike. Donald also has a hand in it too, as well as a few others.", as Mr. Rosenbuth points at Mr. Weinstein. "I was just following orders.", Miss. Reilly stated with her head bowed down. "And so were the Nazi soldiers who were gassing the Jews at the concentration camps.", Mr. Mendelson adds. "Fernando deserves what he got.", Mr. Frisone adds. "Can you stake your career on that, Francis?", Mr. Mendelson says in a challenging tone. Mr. Frisone remains silent for the moment. "I thought so. I bet he had something on you too.", Mr. Mendelson stated. "For a totally blind kid- he was an arrogant son of a bitch.", Mr. Frisone adds. "He was an arrogant son of a bitch to all those he believed was doing something wrong. I'll give him that much, he knew just where things needed to be corrected.", Mr. Mendelson says. "Alright then- I'll only allow the computer club to be created but not the shortfellows.", Mr. McCaskill stated. "Allow them both.", Mr. Mendelson protests. "I think that the creation of the Shortfellow Society will be a detriment to this school.", Mr. McCaskill says. "How about you put an advisor there that you can trust?", Mr. Mendelson asks. "OK, if you so insist Mike... Edith, do you have the time to run this Shortfellow Society?", Mr. McCaskill ask. "Sorry, I cant.", Ms. Heinlein says. "Alright then, that's one down.", Mr. McCaskill says. "I'll do if nobody else will.", Mr. Mendelson volunteers himself. "You would love to, now wouldn't you...", Mr. McCaskill replies, "...but you are my last choice on this matter. Gayle, would you do it?" She sits there silently at first, shocked by the request. "I'll do it.", Miss Reilly answers. "Only on the condiction that I co-advise it.", Mr. Mendelson adds. "I second that motion.", Mr. Rosenbluth almost yells from his seat. "This is not a nominating committee, but if you want it, so be it. Miss Reilly and Mr. Mendelson are to co-advise the Shortfellow Society.", Mr. McCaskill says, "before closing this meeting, check your mail boxes for the upcoming Regents exam schedule. There will be a short staff meeting on just the implementation of that alone before that last meeting to be held in June. Anything else before we close this meeting?" Mr. Clarkson raises his hand in the back of the room. "Yes Mr. Clarkson?", Mr. McCaskill acknowledges him. "As you know- the regents exams came in during the week and are locked in the vault. But if we have a blind student in our ranks, I don't think there is Braille copy of the exam for her...", Mr. Clarkson explains. "Oh damn... Alright, Mr. Gliesh, I'm putting you in charge of addressing the schedule of those students with special needs for these exams, including this Francesca girl.", Mr. McCaskill says, "Anything else?.... No?, This meeting is adjourned." Most of the staff members get up and leave, a few stay behind. Mr. Mendelson remains seated and organizes his folders before putting them into his briefcase again. Miss Reilly stand just a few feet away from him and waits. Mr. McCaskill tries to walk out the door, but is stopped by Mrs. Garrison, and from the hand signals she's giving, she is reminding him that he has a lot to do to make it up to Francesca- in the very least, an apology. Mr. Rosenbluth waits for Mr. Mendelson, as Mr. Mendelson gets up and starts walking to the door, but Miss Reilly intercepts him. Mr. Rosenbluth walks around the table and stands behind Mr. Mendelson. "You know I don't like it when you go after my sexual orientation, and if you continue to do so, I will take you to court.", Miss Reilly tells Mr. Mendelson in a threatening tone. "Go ahead and try you damn chicken hawk. Did you know that the rape law have been extended to permanent non-expiring, which means in your case- the one friend you went after in Fernando's time here can be brought back to haunt you. If a subpoena comes across my desk from you, you will be leaving this building in handcuffs for rape. Do you understand where I am coming from.", Mr. Mendelson says. "Anything happens to Francesca that can be pointed into your direction- I'll see to it that her father knows where you live.", Mr. Rosenbluth says. Miss Reilly can only stand there breathing heavy, her knuckles turning white as the tightens the grip on her brief case. Eventually, she stammers out the room in frustration. "Thank you Pete... I'm glad you're there to back me up.", Mr. Mendelson says as he shakes his hand. "No, thank you. Pity you could not be the permanent principal of this school- you did a great job the last 3 years...", Mr. Rosenbluth stated, "Now about Francesca- what does she look like?" "I'm telling you, she is going to surprise you.... but lets see.... by any chance, have you seen a little red-haired girl walking about your halls during the past year?", Mr. Mendelson says. "There are several red-head girls in this school. What makes her so unique, besides being the Gutich's daughter?", Mr. Rosenbluth asks. "These last 2 years, I know this 1 girl that always wore a school uniform, and yet we don't have a uniform requirement for this school. Seen anyone like that?", Mr. Mendelson asks. "A few times, in passing. Never found it odd though.", Mr. Rosenbluth states. "Well, add dark glasses and a cane, and that would be Francesca.", Mr. Mendelson says as they both leave the room. "Do you believe in history repeating itself?", Mr. Rosenbuth asks. "There are many strange things that happens, whether I believe in them or not is irrelevant. In the least, if it deserves my attention and respect, it gets it.", Mr. Mendelson answers. "And any child of the Gutch, demands that attention as much as he himself did when he was here.", Mr. Rosenbluth saids as they walk out into the halls. "And she is only a girl... capable of doing little or nothing.", Miss Reilly says as she sneaks up from behind them. All three stop and stare at Miss Reilly. "And Fernando was only a boy... capable of doing little or nothing either. Sad to say that he was preoccupied with 3 or 4 dozen things at the time he went after you, or else you would not be here to say anything right now.", Mr. Mendelson tells her. "You think so?", Miss Reilly stated. "I know so: City Fencing Championships, dealing with the criminal element that haunted the school at the time, getting this school its first ever national championship- in Computer Programming, dealing with the problems of his friends and the Shortfellow Society, the issue with the Yakusa, the Red Dragons and the Tungs, that little problem with the KKK and Nazi protest on our roof... You think he really had the time to go after you? If he did had the time, believe me, you would not be here right now... And chances are if his daughter is here, then she already knows about you, what you done and what you are capable of doing.", Mr. Rosenbluth tells her. "Well then, if you think so, then I have to put up some plans to deter her from acting on such ideas that her father may have put in her against me.", Ms Reilly says. "Don't even dare think of doing anything...", Mr. Mendelson stated. "If it were my daughter, and I found out you were planning something against her, you would be found floating in the river after several days of being missing.", Mr. Rosenbluth stated in anger. "Is that a threat?", Miss Reilly asks. "I would make sure that the body would not be found...", Mr. Mendelson says, "...now what ever plans you may think you have- leave them, leave her alone and just plain leave..." "Why I never...", Miss Reilly stated as she turns around and walks away loudly. "What a fucking bitch...", Mr. Rosenbluth saids. "What to do then?", Mr. Mendelson stated. "Lets see how things fall before acting. But for now, I have a little back up.", Mr. Rosenbluth says as he pulls out a small recorder out of his shirt pocket and turns it off. "As do I, friend... Fernando taught us well, didn't he.", as Mr. Mendelson says while he take out a small recorder from his suit pocket and turns it off. For a second, they smile at each other, and laugh. They suddenly stop, say their good byes and separate to their different directions. |