My teacher

     

     Dominic liked school. Unlike other students who hated and barely tolerated school or played hooky, he enjoyed learning about various things.  He loved his classes in English, history, biology and chemistry. He struggled with algebra and geometry so he didn't like those very much. But he understood their importance and did his best.

     He got A's and B's and a few C's.

     And he also liked his teachers and they liked him.  His favorite was his English teacher, Mr. Taylor who always helped Dominic a lot.  He said he wanted Dominic to succeed. Dominic got nearly straight A's in that class and when he didn't, Mr. Taylor worked with him to improve his grade.     

Mr. Taylor was a good-looking, handsome man and Dominic appreciated his helpfulness and kindness.  Other students noticed and teased Dominic by calling him "the teacher's pet." Dominic didn't let that bother him. Having Mr. Taylor take an interest in him and helping him was far more important.

 So Dominic worked hard to get good grades, not only to please his parents but also to please Mr. Taylor.  Getting his approval became very important to him and he was excited and happy when Mr. Taylor complimented his work and gave him a friendly pat on the back.

      Then things became more friendly between them.  Mr. Taylor said Dominic should prepare to go to college and offered to help him do so.  He suggested that Dominic come to his home that Saturday for a little lunch, then some extra work to prepare for college entrance exams.  Dominic agreed and got permission from his mom.

    

Mr. Taylor's home was a modest neat place, adjoining other homes. His car was parked outside. Dominic felt honored that he had been asked to Mr. Taylor's home.  He knew the other students would again call him the "teacher's pet." But they would not know and Dominic didn't care anyway.

     The inside of the house was nice and very neat.  Dominic did not see much because he was led into the kitchen which adjoined a small room with a table. Mr. Taylor seated Dominic, then went into the kitchen where he took a hot pizza out of the oven.  Dominic was delighted because he loved pizza. 

     Mr. Taylor put the platter on the table, then got a pair of small salads from his refrigerator.  He asked Dominic what he wanted to drink and Dominic replied, "Anything."  So Mr. Taylor poured a pair of iced lemonade. Perfect.  Then he sat with Dominic and they ate.  They each had half of the medium-sized pizza, ate their salads and drank the lemonade.  

    As they ate, Mr. Taylor asked Dominic about himself - his family, his upbringing and his hopes and dreams. Dominic was flattered that this man was so interested in him.

     After lunch, they went into the study where Mr. Taylor coached Dominic about what to expect on the college exams.  Dominic saw that he had a lot of work ahead of him, but was determined to do it. 

    

The study was small and cozy. There was a deeply cushioned chair behind the simple desk and a comfortable chair on the other side.  There was no clutter which is what Dominic expected from his teacher.  They sat down and Mr. Taylor showed samples of previous exams.  They were intimidating to Dominic, but Mr. Taylor assured him that he could pass them with flying colors if he worked hard.  They worked for about two and a half hours until Dominic said he had to return home.