THE ENFORCER - Segment 4 (Scroll down for earlier segments)

     I always dreamed of reciting a sports score or sharing some fascinating weather trivia, but dreams never came true in Miss Hatchet’s class…just math problems that always seemed to need immediate attention. 

     ”Mr. Maberry, would you please work this problem?” asked Miss Hatchet, barely able to conceal her joy, as I stood alone at the blackboard.  My legs quivered, as my hands fumbled with the chalk.  I stared at the problem; it stared at me, refusing to leave the board.  Everyone’s attention was riveted on me as they waited for an answer.  I hated the riveting, but I had no answer.  While they waited, I prayed…for an earthquake…flooding…appendicitis…kidney stones…anything to avoid the menacing glare of the problem waiting restlessly to be solved.  If I waited much longer, I was certain it would start pacing back and forth, across the front of the board.

     Glancing at Miss Hatchet, I knew I didn’t have much time left.  I had to make a move.  I remembered the advice of an old math sage…”If you don’t know the answer, guess.  You always have a chance of being right.”  So I guessed.  Then I heard a voice in the math wilderness saying, “Very good, Mr. Maberry.”  It was the voice of The Enforcer.  I had guessed correctly.  Overcome with emotion, I grabbed a desk to steady myself.  Everyone cheered.  I felt like a hero.  I had gone to the blackboard and conquered my nemesis…a nasty math problem.  Returning to my desk, I hunkered down, and waited for my next confrontation with numbers.

     On occasion, a student would bring an apple for Miss Hatchet.  I couldn't understand that.  Why would you bring an apple to someone who was always running you to the blackboard at the most inconvenient time; when you were staring out the window, trying to enjoy the great outdoors.  That's why I preferred bringing a bone.  With my life always in the balance, I figured if The Enforcer became too upset with me, I would just throw the bone into the middle of the room, and hope she went after it, while I was fleeing down the hall.

    


To be continued...check back soon