TAMING A CLASS

CHAPTER TWENTY - TWO

DERRICK'S POV

As usual the morning started off with their first task on their list.

Gym

"Get those lazy ass moving" i yelled towards Humphrey.

I remembered making a promise to myself to make him loose some kg, more than 20.

It was not about body shaming, it was for health purpose, a 17 year old running around with a belly that could fit in triplets wasn't a good sight to see.

"But I'm tired Sir" he whined, "I know that's why we are taking it slow" i said to him softly.

Resetting the treadmill, i put it on a speed of 10m/a, it was as though he was walking, but he was still complaining.

I bet he never even trekked a 10km distance himself.

"Hey Prof," i heard from behind, turning back to see who it was, and i wasn't surprised as i saw Derrick jogging towards me.

"Morning to you too, dump Hailey somewhere?" I asked searching for her with my eyes.

I had some few works out and activity for her too.

Being a teacher and guardian was hard.

"She's with Mrs Ashley currently, then she will be at the playground" he said with a shrug as he hopped on the treadmill to our right.

"See that?" I whispered to Humphrey, "We are getting there, but take a rest for now" i told he as he collapsed lying on the floor.

Turning towards the gym front, watching the other student in one activity or the other, most were in the treadmill or sawmill.

Edwards was on a loop trying to pull himself up and down with only his arm.

That could go wrong, heading over there, "Watch it young man, nobody is going to remember you if you crash, fall and die, you know" then i left swiftly heading towards Humphrey.

Bliss was still going at a fast pace, when i asked "Don't see your little screw around you"

"You mean Rita?" He asked breathing heavily, "She's over there" he pointed towards the far end of the gym where i saw her doing some acrobatics and gymnastics.

Wow.

Never thought of her as someone flexible.

I saw at the corner of my eyes, Humphrey tensed a bit at the sound of her name.

He's going to have to get used to it, cause i am going to be saying it a lot of times.

Linda rang the bell signaling it was time up for the morning routine.

I have her that role also, as i found out she was making out with the guy i out in charge.

It made work easy, knowing shw would be on her toe and not thinking if who to flirt with.

Though that has nade her closer and annoying to me, as she tries to shove her non existent breast at my face every minute she gets.

I watched as the students poured out of the room, it was time for their second activity of the day.

Locking the door and prepping myself for the day, I noticed Humphrey still laying flat on the floor.

What happened?

Walking to him, I squat down looking at him, "It time for roll call, what are you still doing down here?" I finally said.

"I want to slim down" he whispered, i couldn't really hear him but u didn't want to hurt him.

"So, let's go, I've heard" i said trying to get him up. He struggled against me ending the two of us on the floor.

"You don't think i mean it," now paying attention, i rested on my elbow prop on the floor and my chin on my hand. "Mean what, Humphrey?"

"I want to get an average shape, i want to look better, feel better, not wanting to have to throw up at every meal, having a hard time trying to cross a road or occupying a three people seat" he signed "I want to be better for Mom, for Rita" he finished lowly.

I knew Rita meant Lorientta, if he doesn't want me to know about it, i would do as he wishes.

"Yes, now you are talking" i said getting up and dusting down on my flannel pants.

putting out my hand to raise him up "You are going to do, no, we are going to do it together as long as you promised me you won't quit"

Smiling up at me, he shake his head profusely "Yes sir, thank you thank you" he said trying to hug me but ended up squeezing me up.

"O-h oh ok..." I said trying to remove his grip off me "I think that's is enough appreciation" i coughed slightly as he finally removed his hold over me.

"Now we have somewhere to be, don't we?" He smiled at me nodding.

Progress

I thought as we walked out, it wasn't an easy thing.

I takes time, it takes trust.

It takes one to realize you have a need, a goal, an ambition to start a process.

You need to realize there is a process to all things.

And want to follow the process,

And for you to trust the process, it was a big thing to do.

One i was happy to give.

I closed the gym door tightly this time as I head out to begin the day why overcoming whatever the day throws at me.

Entering the living room, with all the students seating cross legs on the floor, I was happy, fulfilling, if someone told me this children will have an ounce of making this trip easy for me, i would have said it was a lie.

But looking at all of them, anxious, expectant, lively and trying for their sake, it was a step i was happy for and would gladly assist them in.

I just hope they knew that i would be here for them now and always.

Now, it was time for a roll call before breakfast and Bliss punishment, one i didn't and could not forget.