“Tess, you should be in your seat five minutes before the bell sounds for morning announcements, you know this. Just because you’re with your Mother is no excuse. No recess for you,” Ms. Hassle said with evident relish.

“ I believe you have it wrong, Ms. Hassle. My daughter is here to get her things out of her desk, say goodbye to her classmates and then we are leaving,” Tess’ Mom informed her. “After today, you will have one less child to abuse.” Beth told her firmly.

Ms. Hassle was speechless, but not for long.” You don’t have the authority to come into my class, interrupt my morning routine and remove Tess from school,” she thundered.

“It’s all about you and your needs? Here I thought you were here for the children,” Beth calmly retorted as Tess waved goodbye to her friends and backed out of the room quickly.

Beth gave her daughter a hug and congratulated her on staying focused on what they were there for and not letting Ms. Hassle rattle her.

“The thing is, Mom, I was scared. Ms. Hassle was so mean and hateful I couldn’t stand it. I wanted to run from the room as soon as she started saying all those things.” Tess said still a little shaky from her final encounter with Ms. Hassle.

Her Mom smiled.” She is a bit much, isn’t she?”

Tess gravely nodded her head and took her mother’s hand as they walked back to the office for the last time.

“Everything go alright?” Tim inquired when he saw them.

“About as well as could be expected,” Beth said.

“That good, huh?” He replied.

“It was awful. Ms. Hassle said ugly things to Mom and me and tried to make me feel like a bad kid for not being in my seat before the bell,” Tess declared with a show of spirit.

Tim’s eyes darkened and his jaw clenched before simply saying,” I see.”

Beth quickly turned the topic to a more happy conversation. “We are now officially ready to begin your home education, Tess. Let’s get out of here.”

Tess was only to thrilled to be putting the school as far behind her as possible.

Once home, Beth and Tess made their way to their classroom, in-between the Den and the downstairs Bathroom. Tim returned business calls that had come in during their absence.

For the next few hours Beth went over Reading, Math, Spelling and writing. After which they took time to join Tim in the Kitchen for Lunch, followed by a walk around the block for some fresh air.

Afternoon brought Vocabulary and Social Studies. Then together Mom and Tess planned and cooked dinner. Which was a great way to incorporate some life skills.

“All in all, I’d have to say this has been the best school day I’ve had in weeks,” Tess exclaimed as she climbed into bed that night.

“I know honey, your Mom and I feel the same way,” her Dad said as he tucked the covers up under her chin.

In the Den he joined his wife on the couch and for once there was a peaceful expression on her face. This had definitely been a good day.

“I have to go out of town tomorrow but I will only be an hour away. The good news is that I will be able to complete my business meetings by four in the afternoon and be home in time to cook dinner.” Tim updated Beth.

“That works out fine. In the afternoon Greta and I are taking the girls to the craft store in town. Turns out, a couple of times a month they hold art classes for homeschoolers.” Beth informed him.

They were part of a whole new community -HOMESCHOOL – Tim smiled.