Pregnancy

The News is Out

olivia

“ARE YOU PREGNANT?”

Maniac Magee ran into my classroom before school started this morning, his voice at full volume, his feet tumbling to get through the door. Outside, a handful of last year’s group sat and watched through the window, awaiting the confirmation, admiring his courage to barge in and demand an answer. I asked the usual assortment of early morning visitors, including some kids I never actually taught, to wait with the others outside.

“You know, that’s not really how you should ask a woman if she’s pregnant. Instead, you should use a quiet voice, and ask if I’m going to have a baby.”

“Okay, are you going to have a baby?”

He could not hold himself still for an answer, but his voice was a little quieter.

“Yes, I’m going to have a baby.”

A pause combined with a look of genuine concern. “It’s alright, accidents happen.”

“No, honey, I want this baby, it’s not an accident.”

I realized then that everything he knew about babies was being called into question. Poor kid.

“But it will ruin your career!”

I tried not to laugh, I knew his heart was in the right place. We chatted for a few minutes. He was still incredulous I would make this decision by choice. I explained I don’t like a lot of attention, that he needed to be quiet about my news.

Still, I knew it was no use. He had an audience waiting.

“SHE IS AND IT’S ON PURPOSE!” he exclaimed to his small throng, once my door was closed behind him.

I could not help but laugh. He could not help but spread the news. It was exactly the reaction I dreaded when I told my thirty new students yesterday. They, of course, were sweet and quiet, supportive with silent signals as I asked for as little attention as possible.

Last year’s class, well, they’re a different beast. A beast I love and miss, still gathered noisily outside my door.

I guess the news is out.

Published by olivia

18 thoughts on “The News is Out”

  1. Congratulations, Olivia! What a sweet little boy, but oh man about his response! It will not ruin your career! It will enrich you life and make you a better person, teacher and student of life. I know as a teacher your students teach you a lot, but there is nothing like your own child to love. Very happy for you!

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