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“So, what questions do you have for us?”
“Um?”
He was floored by the question. He was sitting at a table in the back room of the main office across from Mrs. Megan and the head of the school, a mid-40s woman named Jeannie. She was dressed like she’d just come from barre class, which admittedly had him a little thrown off.
I was expecting a pantsuit, or at least formal dress. They’re messing with my mind here.
He hadn’t prepared any questions; honestly, he’d been expecting to be grilled Frost/Nixon-style. Someone smarter than he would probably have ripped off at least fifteen prepared questions about curriculum, academic standards, or student/teacher ratios. Unfortunately, his mind went blank and he panicked.
“Um…so the school is pretty good, huh?”
He instantly wanted to stab himself in the hand with a pair of safety scissors. The two women exchanged the fleetest of smiles, then Jeannie addressed him.
“Well, in short, we’ve received high marks from every school ratings outlet both in the state and nationwide. Our entire graduating class this past year is headed to four-year universities, aside from the two headed to Julliard, many on scholarships. In our brief history, we’ve produced two Rhodes Scholars, one member of Forbes ’30 Under 30,’ and one Olympian.”
She really didn’t even need to mention that last part. I’d be happy if he graduated and could spell both Rhodes & Olympian without spellcheck; I’m not sure he and I scream “future Rhodes family.”
Mrs. Megan hit him with a reassuring smile, perhaps sensing that the school’s resume had him nervous. “For our early years, Grant’s age, we really focus on giving them the building blocks to be curious and self-sufficient learners. We strive to not only broaden their knowledge but teach them how to really achieve it themselves. We strive to curate a passion for learning in all our students.”
He took it all in; this was all extremely appealing to hear, but more sounded like they were trying to sell him on the school as opposed to feeling him out.
You guys had me at “high marks” so what’s the game here?
“Uh, yeah, that all sounds great, exactly what I’ve wanted for Grant.” He paused, wondering if he needed to be doing the selling here. Before he could continue, Jeannie spoke up.
“So tell us about Grant,” she said with kind smile.
Well he pissed his pants on the couch the other day because he didn’t want to pause the show he was watching, he’s said almost every swear word in the book already, and he stuck his finger in both his nose and ear, then licked it on the drive over here.
“Oh, Grant is such a…happy kid, he really is. He’s got personality for days, just really friendly and outgoing. He loves all trucks right now, especially construction trucks…” He stammered off, realizing that despite being his son’s closest confidant and the person who was around him constantly, he really didn’t have a ton of ways to describe him. He decided to pour it on a bit.
“He’s a really loving kid, especially considering the situation, just me and him. My family lives close though and they’re great with him, so he’s got a great family environment. Just a curious happy little boy. Who loves school.” He felt like an idiot, but hell, might as well lay it all out on the line to get him into this place and considered for a scholarship.
Both women smiled. “Well he sounds wonderful and it seems like you’re doing a great job. Well, unless you have any questions, would you like some coffee while you wait for Mrs. Winters to finish up with him?”
Holy shit, that’s it? They didn’t ask me anything at all. Is that a good or bad sign? They’re nice and all but they could just be big leaguing the shit out of me and have already written me off. It’s like every girl I’ve ever bought a drink for all over again.
“Um, coffee would be great, thanks.” He was given a steaming small Styrofoam cup, and settled into a chair in the front waiting area while the two women went to their respective desks. It was only then did he find the time to text Jane back.
“Hey! Thanks, that’s so nice of you to remember. We’re just finishing up here, I think it has gone really well!” he lied. He hit send, waiting to see “Delivered” appear under the message since he only had two bars. Then he sat looking at the aesthetically pleasing ground and over towards the building where Grant’s aptitude was currently being grilled. Hopefully, the kid was killing it because his father wasn’t sure he’d done the same.
Fifteen minutes later, his cup of coffee drained and both his Twitter and Instagram timelines thoroughly viewed, the silhouettes of Grant and Mrs. Winters appeared from the building he’d been eyeing. Almost on cue, Mrs. Megan also came out to the waiting area to receive both of them.
Grant was walking hand-in-hand with Mrs. Winters, almost half-skipping with clear joy, and wearing something on his head. As they walked into the waiting area, his father saw it was a paper crown of sorts.
Mrs. Winters spoke up right away “He hopped right in and made a crown with the class. What else did we learn about today?” she questioned, looking down at Grant. He smiled and half-opened his mouth but didn’t answer.
“Patience and only having to be asked once, correct?” Grant smiled and nodded. Mrs. Winters returned his smile, then addressed his father.
“Quite the energy and personality in this one. He certainly needs to learn to channel that into productivity, but we can work on that. I’m looking forward to seeing him in the fall.” With that, she should his hand and walked out of the waiting area.
Does that mean what I think it means?
Mrs. Megan then spoke up. “Sounds like he had a great time. If you want to start working on your financial aid, just follow the link on our website and call me with any questions. Thanks so much for your visit!”
He thanked her and shook her hand, then grabbed Grant and headed out to their car. He was calm on the outside but ecstatic on the inside. He got Grant settled in his car seat, then got behind the wheel and started the engine. Looking in the rear-view mirror he caught Grant’s eye.
“Looks like we crushed it, buddy!”
He smiled wide. “Crushed it, Daddy!” Then he stuck his finger in his nose and started digging. .
If you’re enjoying following “PostGrad Single Dad,” be sure to go listen to the latest episode of “The DadGum Podcast,” live on Grandex Labs.
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Kyle Bandujo
The artist formerly known as Crash Davis. My kid doesn't think I'm funny.
@kylebandujo
@bandujokyle
kyle.bandit
Oh no. This is just leading to a crushing blow when financial aid is too low or something and Kyle crushes all of our spirits. I’m not falling for this, I thought Todd was going to dump Girl at one point too
I have feeling that he will make financial aid but Grant gets kick out for indecent exposure within the first month
Life is just one big kick in the pants
You probably wouldn’t want to kick my pants. It’s really messy in there.
Nice to get a win this week. hope our other recurring series stay this nice to us
Hah
Grant’s Dad just went STYROOO.
I’ll see myself out.
It Micah
Picturing Mike McClintock saying this comment made it even better
Grant has all the makings of the popular kid that everyone wants to be
Why am I crying in my cube right now?
Nice to learn a little about Grant’s past, see him do well in the present, and get him prepared for the future. That was tense.
Congratulations!
T’s and P’s for our hero’s bank account though.