Writing for Fun
January 2016
I Never Thought I'd See Him Again - Diane Silverston
He certainly was a challenge. His large blue eyes and 'butter wouldn't melt' expression were deceiving. He was the most manipulative child I'd ever met. When he walked into a room, tension grew. It was as if a dark thunder cloud had covered everything. Other children avoided eye contact and bent their heads to their work. Adults were tense when he was around. I very quickly realised that if I was going to make it work, I needed to gain the upper hand.
He was 9 and had been in 7 different schools. His parents were asked to move him from 4 of these. He was an intelligent child, and knew it. He also knew how to utilise this knowledge. He was very polite but with a look in his eye and a wry smile, that seemed to say, 'I know how to get under your skin'. For 6 terms I had to deal with him and protect the other children from him. I put certain strategies into place, which I never deviated from. He knew the rules and that I would stick to them. The other children also knew how to react when difficult parts of the rules were being used.
Those 2 years with him were a real strain. Friends grew to know what sort of day or week I had been through and reacted accordingly. He really was a challenge. Sometimes there was a glimpse of conformity, but it rarely lasted long. He drained me to almost my limits, but I was determined not to be beaten.
When he left a huge sense of relief came over me and the school in general.
Occasionally I would get a chill up my back and I knew he was in the immediate area somewhere, but I hoped I could avoid him.
Then one day, about 10 years later, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was on a train about to leave for London.
Suddenly I felt a chill up my back as a young man entered the carriage. No it couldn't be! Perhaps if I just sat still and looked out the window he'd pass by. Should I change carriages?
'Hello Miss, what you doing on this train? I'm normally on one 2 hours earlier, but was told by my boss the computers were down, so to come in later. I haven't seen you for years. You OK?' His blue eyes and wry smile were still there.
'Fine, thanks.'
'You probably don't really feel happy about meeting me again. I was a pain, wasn't I?'
'Rather.'
'But you know Miss, you were the best. I really enjoyed being in your class, you taught me so much. I really respected you. I don't know whether you realised that?'
'No I'm afraid I never realised it. You did cause me quite a few problems.'
'Yes I'm sure I did, Miss, and I'm so sorry. I wish I could go back and have that time again.'
'I'm not sure I could do it all again I'm afraid.'
'No Miss, I don't blame you.'
We continued to chat throughout the journey.
Now when I see him I no longer get chills up my back. We say hello and smile, and go on our way.