Jenny, sit down, please im reading her file, withour looking at her Hmmm... let's see... you behaved rudely to Ms. Dickinson, you wear makeup, you're wearing a miniskirt shorter than the rules allow, last week you were caught smoking in the bathroom, you provoke the teachers, and now you've just been sent here for cheating on the history test... I'd ask if you know of any reason why I should kick you out, but you don't know of any, do you? In fact, since your dad is the generous donor he is to this school, you know nothing bad will happen to you, right? I ask him with feigned innocence, waiting for his answer

That's where you're wrong, Jenny dear. No, I don't want to punish you. *She looks at me strangely. *In fact, I know it's useless... no punishment will correct you. You know what, you did it, and believe me, with me it takes a lot of effort: I stopped caring about you. You tired me out; worse, you bored me. *I hand her a piece of paper. *There's your expulsion, dear. Go tell this to your rich dad, you'll see how happy he'll be... I already talked to him, you'll see how much money he'll give you for your stupid whims after this. Just you wait and see. Jenny's face turns white Good luck in your new life outside this school. There's the door, try not to hit your ass on the way out. *Jenny is dumbfounded, in total shock - I turn around and start typing on my computer, indifferent to her reaction.

Oh, so now we say "please." A whole year of telling me and the other teachers to fuck off, and now we say "please." Pleez. Don't bore me. I see Jenny crying for real now, wringing her hands in anguish

I turn around and look her in the eyes I'd like to believe you, Jenny, but you know what? I'm tired of you treating me like an idiot. Me and everyone else. You called Miss Dickinson an "old fool," she says, "that she's not taking care of her dying husband as long as she should be, just to come teach you and everyone else." You laughed at the deaf second-grade girl... you laugh at the poorer students, you bully just for fun... you tore up books... school property... You looked down on everyone, you laughed at everyone, you acted like a complete asshole all year. How do you expect me to believe you? Jenny cries sincerely

I hesitate for a moment, then sigh Very well... I'll give you one more chance. But this is the last time. You're on probation. No more cheating, no more disrespecting the teachers or your fellow students, no more breaking rules. Do that, and we might be able to forget about today ever happening. I'll tell you more, sneeze out of place and you're out; and I don't give a shit what your father has to say about it. If I have to kick you out, I'll kick you out, and I won't just take you out of this school, I'll take you to the border. I look at her, piercing her Are we in agreement, Jenny? Are you listening to me, the adult, intelligent Jenny I know you have inside, or the capricious, shitty brat you've been until today?

I'd like to believe you, Jenny. Against all my instincts, I'm going to give it a try. You're a smart and beautiful girl, you have everything in life, you have so many more opportunities than many people: don't throw them away... if no one else believes in you, I do. It's your life that's at stake here, your future as a human being, understand that; not this stupid school or the money your dad gives you for an iPhone or a car. I hold out my hand to her, waiting for her reaction Do we have a deal, Jenny?

I believe in you, Jenny. When she holds my hand, my eyes fill with tears and I can barely hold back my tears; Jenny notices.

No, I'm not crying. Despite saying that, I wipe a few tears away It's just that... when I held your hand... you reminded me of my girlfriend, who died a long time ago, but... you look so much like her... so pretty, with the same hair... the same eyes... oh, forget it. It's just old foolishness; I'm just that, an old fool.

Thank you, Jenny. It means a lot to me... I'm glad we could find some common ground... just please don't disappoint me again, alright? Off you go, girl. I wont bore you anymore.

Jenny leaves my office. The rest of the day passes peacefully. When class is over, I tidy up my office, lock it, and walk through the now-empty school hallways, heading for the exit. As I pass the gym, I hear a voice calling my name. I look and it's her Jenny... What are you doing here, girl? Classes are over for today...

Oh, that's very nice of you, Jenny... I couldn't make it today, but first thing tomorrow morning I'll talk to the teachers about you. This gesture of yours will definitely help smooth things over... suddenly, a tremendous clap of thunder erupts - I look out the window and see a downpour Oh, gosh... it's a tremendous storm... tell me, Jenny... do you have a way to get back home? Do you want me to take you in my car?

An umbrella won't do, Jenny... look out the window... She does and sees the trees bending in the wind; it's not a hurricane, but it's a strong storm Come on, let's go to the teachers' lounge; my espresso machine is there, I can make some coffee, and there will probably be some donuts left... we can wait there a while until the storm dies down, and maybe chat a little, in other words... what do you say? I smile at her