The principal of the elementary school, Albert Kleinschmitt, was also the principal of the Junior High and High school. At this point there were only 275 students, all total, but Albert knew there would probably be more, once all of the homeless people had been located and transported to the ship. He was spending the day interviewing individuals to find who would be a good match for teaching Jr. High and High school. He would need several helpers for the elementary school, as well. Gloria was doing as well as possible, being alone with the elementary school students. She was at least keeping them engaged and out of trouble!
Albert knew a lot of the people off of the streets had been living somewhat lawlessly and he was concerned that none of the potential teachers would be perverts since they would be in a position of authority with the children. He also was concerned that they would be able to carry the responsibility of keeping up with the lessons, so they would have to be multi-taskers. The first person he interviewed was Frank.
Frank had been living in a VW bus just outside of downtown, but had been a teacher at a small community college for 27 years before that. He was 52 years old, about 5’3” and balding on the top, with thin hair on the sides and back of his head. Albert had to cover his mouth, not to laugh when Frank walked in. He imagined Frank in a plaid suit coat with patches on the elbows. Of course he wasn’t wearing that, Albert greeted Frank and they had a seat. Albert asked, “Could you tell me about your teaching experiences, please?
Frank said, “I taught English, Math and American History at different times. I stay up on current events, even when I am not teaching. I really miss teaching the children and would be glad to have this opportunity to teach again.”
Albert asked him, “Oh that’s great that you stay on top of things. Speaking of current events, have you heard of Epstein’s Island?”
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Frank said, “I sure have! You are talking about the island where celebrities and government officials go to have fun?”
“Yes, that’s the one,” Albert said. He could tell from Frank’s answer that he wasn’t going to work out if he felt that Epstein’s Island was a recreational destination. Well, it was just as well, because Frank was a little old for teaching, as far as he was concerned.
“Well, thank you for your time and I will let you know when we decide, “ Albert said to Frank as he showed him the door. Albert had two other interviews that day and one wouldn’t work out because she was confined to a wheelchair and Albert needed the teachers to be very active to keep up with the kids. The other one was even older than Frank, at 79! Albert set up some appointments for the following day. He felt like his experiences this day had prepared him with fresh questions for the teachers to be.
Tim and Harold slept off their high and were surprised to see Wall Street Jim’s sleeping bag empty when they woke up the next day. They weren’t aware of the fact that they had narrowly missed getting taken to the clinic the night before. If the van hadn’t been so full, they would have been picked up too! Tim walked out of the tent, stretching. Something caught his eye in the street. It was L’il Bob, laying there all by himself. “Why L’il Bob, where is Jim? Why are you out here by yourself?” he said as he picked L’il Bob up and dusted him off.
Their neighbor, Carol Sue was packing up and asked, “Did you guys see the van last night? It was coming around loading up everyone who was passed out. I’m getting out of here before they come back and take up where they left off.”
Tim asked Carol, “Did you happen to see if they took Jim? He wasn’t here when we woke up and I just found L’il Bob alone in the street. Jim never goes anywhere without him!”
Carol said, “I don’t know Tim. I hope not. I heard a rumor that people who go to the clinic check in but they don’t check out. It may just be hearsay, but I’m not taking any chances. If you guys know what is good for you, you will pack up and get out of here too!”