Page 26 of Bride Games

26

Dr. Ryder

E xcited students, from kindergarten through fifth grade, gathered in the assembly room alongside their teachers during the final hour of the day. Each teacher ushered their classes inside quickly and the children seamlessly filled the rows as if they did this sort of thing daily. Teachers could be heard imploring their students to be quiet and to pay rapt attention to the upcoming speech by their principal. Kids literally sat on the edge of the auditorium seats and shared soft giggles and whispers about whatever this exciting announcement was about. After the older students filed into the last row, Dr. Ryder, barely taller than the top of the podium, smiled, and motioned with her hands for everyone to be seated.

The principal’s authoritative voice made up for her short stature. “Good afternoon, students. I wanted to gather all of you here for a very important, very unique project. In fact”—she paused, clearly for maximum effect—“we’re here to discuss a first-ever event in Appledale Elementary’s history.” Dr. Ryder paused to study the student and faculty member’s excited, albeit slightly puzzled, faces. Fervent whispers, murmurs, and shushes could be heard throughout the auditorium. The principal adjusted the microphone even lower. “Let me start at the beginning of this exhilarating journey we’ve been invited to participate in. First, how many of you remember our former kindergarten teacher, Mr. Hansen?”

Several tiny hands waved in the air, including Lucy’s hand, who waved frantically.

“Good. I thought you would. As you already know, Mr. Hansen has rejoined our faculty here at Appledale Elementary. He’s teaching kindergarten again, alongside Miss Ainsley who replaced him last year. They’re both fine teachers and beloved by students and teachers alike.”

A ripple of applause followed as several teachers exchanged glances and shrugs, likely wondering why everyone had to be gathered for that announcement since school had already begun and everyone already knew Eli Hansen was teaching at Appledale .

The principal waited until the attendees settled down. “There’s much more. Lucy Miller, will you please come up on stage?”

All eyes turned to little Lucy who scrambled out of her seat and cleared the four stairs to the stage as if she were a professional hurdler. Lucy stood next to the principal as if they were glued together. Dr. Ryder bent down while holding the mic. “Why don’t you tell everyone your big news, Lucy.”

Lucy glanced up at the principal with furrowed brows. “What big news?”

Chuckling, the principal whispered something in Lucy’s ear and handed her the microphone. Lucy nodded and said, “Oh, yeah.” She held her mouth much too close while shouting, “Mr. Hansen is marrying my mommy!”

Cheers, applause, and a few fist bumps filled the auditorium.

“Very nice, Lucy. Congratulations.” Dr. Ryder took the microphone back and added, “Please go sit with your class now.”

“O-tay.” Lucy ran so fast, she tripped but steadied herself. Red-faced, she took her seat as classmates gave her hugs and high fives.

The principal held a finger to her lips for everyone to be quiet. Once the students settled down, she said, “That happy news leads me to the reason for my announcement. For the first time in history, Appledale Elementary is going to host a wedding! If all—or most of you—are on board, that is.”

Students yelled, “Yay,” “Cool,” and “When?”

Nodding, Dr. Ryder added, “I’ll get to that.” She motioned with her hands for students to be quiet. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, everyone. This will take every single class, student, and teacher to create a memorable historical ceremony for Mr. Hansen and Emma Miller, Lucy’s mom. Many of you might remember, Emma, who apparently volunteered for nearly every event possible last year in his classroom.” Biting her lip to keep from laughing, the principal added, “Lucy’s mother clearly caught Mr. Hansen’s eye.” She paused as she noted other teachers exchange knowing glances.

The principal held her arms wide. “This is where all of you come in.”

Clearly engrossed, every head—students and teachers alike—swiveled in the principal’s direction with the attention of a lone air traffic controller during a bad storm with a sky full of planes.

But standing in the aisle halfway back, arms crossed, a grumpy-looking male teacher put his hands around his mouth to be heard above the fray. He shouted, “No disrespect, Dr. Ryder, but what does a wedding have to do with our students’ education? And are you talking about holding this-this wedding on the school premises?”

A second male teacher stood. “I agree.” He shook his head. “Our resources and time are limited as it is. I don’t have any idea how a wedding would benefit my students.”

Miss Ainsley half stood and said with a shaky voice, “I think a wedding is a wonderful idea. How many schools get to participate in the most important day of a couple’s life? A new, happy beginning?” Several teachers nodded in agreement as one shouted, “We need more love and happiness in this world.” Another teacher added, “Here, here. It’ll be a fun project. We’ll all be on this learning curve together.”

The principal locked eyes with the first male teacher who rolled his. She could see his disdain even from the podium in a darkened room. Dr. Ryder said, “Thank you for being honest, everyone. I appreciate your stance. I really do…and my office is always open to you. However, my decision is final.” Dr. Ryder kept her eyes on the two male teachers who weren’t keen on this topic. Clearing her throat, she added, “Students will use many valuable educational skills to plan the perfect wedding venue.” She ticked subjects off using her fingers. “Spelling, art, language, history, teamwork, creativity, and problem solving, to name a few.”

The grouchy male teacher, who still clearly wasn’t on board with this romantic plan said, “Spelling? Art? History? How are the students going to learn any of those subjects while planning a wedding? This is absurd if you ask me.”

The principal took a deep breath and stared the determined teacher down yet again. “Thadius, give it a rest.”

A giggle rippled across the room as students repeated, “Thad-i-us, Thad-i-us.”

The principal shushed the students. “That was my fault. Students, Mr. Snook is asking questions. Let’s be respectful.” Dr. Ryder again stared at Mr. Snook, saying, “I promise this will be a grand endeavor. A big community relations boost for our school. In fact, I believe you will learn to embrace the ceremony if you’ll keep an open mind.”

Dr. Ryder let her statements sink in as she turned her attention to the entire room. Scanning the crowd, she added, “I’ll send a detailed list to every teacher with the date, time, color scheme, and a few suggestions. But I expect classes to use their creativity to come together for a cohesive theme. We want to decorate the cafeteria in such a way that it resembles a lovely chapel. I envision older students creating detailed artwork while the younger students make memorable keepsakes—or vice versa. Either way will be charming, I’m sure.” The principal reiterated, “Students will use their language, grammar, and spelling words to make original signs for the walls. Some classes will want to make table settings for the reception. We will be using the school cafeteria for the wedding and reception. Each class will work as a team and some grades may wish to work together. It’s up to you.”

Dr. Ryder eyed the still-morose teacher while the news and potential ideas settled in. Smiling at their eager faces, she added, “This will definitely be a unique educational experience. I envision your tasks taking part during art or spelling once a week. We could even plan a career day around it inviting wedding industry professionals. Honestly, I don’t think it’ll be a huge time commitment once your class—or classes work together—to come up with a cohesive plan. As teachers, you already have some leeway in the curriculum for holidays and special events. Everyone at Appledale is an inspired, constructive thinker.”

The principal stared at several sets of wide eyes as she wound down and patted the sides of the podium. “I trust you will all think of great ways to incorporate a beautiful school wedding as part of our educational process that we all hold dear.” Grinning, she added, “In fact, students will be getting valuable, early, very early, on-the-job training for any industry that requires collaboration and inventive ideas, and”—she held up both hands—“doesn’t every occupation require those skills?”

Glancing at her notes, Dr. Ryder continued, “One more thing. I’m hoping the teachers can provide food, even potluck, since this couple is like most young people who get married on a small budget—and we all know about teacher’s salaries.” She nodded as both giggles and moans could be heard throughout the auditorium. “But the good news is Mr. Hansen and Emma insist on reimbursing the school for any materials used and also offered a pizza party to every classroom that participates.” The principal stared yet again at the two dissenting voices. “Of course, if you choose not to participate, that’s fine too. This is not mandatory, but I certainly hope every classroom joins in the fun.” Dr. Ryder broke into a smile. “You can be the one to explain to your students why they won’t get a pizza party.”

The majority of students shouted, “We want to do this” and “This’ll be fun.” More hoots and hollers erupted as the male teachers shifted in their seats, possibly appearing less morose, but it was difficult to tell.

The principal stood beside the podium. “Any questions?”

Miss Ainsley waved her hand in the air. “I’m really excited about this. I already have some ideas for my class.”

“Me too,” another teacher added.

A third teacher said, “I’m going to check Pinterest the minute school is over.”

Dr. Ryder nodded in agreement. “Great idea. Like I said, I’ll send the information like color schemes the couple has selected in a blast email to every teacher. You’ll have it first thing tomorrow morning. Thank you, everyone. This will be an historic day for our school. You’re dismissed.”