I gave her an envelope. Her flawlessly groomed nails ripped it apart. Her expression changed from smug to surprised to pallid as she read. “You — you’re suing me?” Her poise faltering, she spewed. Casting my best severe teacher voice, I added gently, “Unless you agree to my terms.” Her lips pinched into a thin line as she looked at me. “What terms?” “You will first issue a public apology for your actions. Secondly, you will pay the debt and my legal fees back. Thirdly, you’ll begin to show me respect.”
It appeared as though Veronica had ingested a lemon. “You’re not serious at all. What possible damage may this have to my reputation?” “Try me,” I murmured, my voice harsh. “I may be retired, but I still know how to deal with troublemakers.” She gave me a long look before losing interest. “All right. I’ll carry it out. But understood, this remains between us?” I extended my hand. “Shake on it?” She did, her hands sticky and limp. I questioned whether I had pushed too hard as we shook hands. Would this strategy blow up in my face?
Veronica’s apology went viral on social media the next day. Suddenly, my bank account had an extra $5,500. However, the best was still to come. Carla’s group arrived at Veronica’s estate like a swarm of housecleaners. They left no corner unturned as they tidied every surface and arranged every drawer. They also left a beautifully wrapped present in the master bedroom. There was a list with every backhanded praise, eye roll, every sarcastic remark Veronica had ever directed at me. A note too: “A blank canvas for a new beginning. From now on, let’s treat one another better.”
As I sipped my tea, my phone rang. It was Veronica. As I answered, my heart shot up into my throat. “Ruth,” she uttered, her tone heavy. “I — I don’t know what to say.” “How about ‘I’m sorry’?” I said, trying not to seem too serious. A protracted silence ensued. Then, I was surprised to hear someone laughing. “You really got me, didn’t you?” said she. “I never thought you had it in you.” I answered, “Just a quick reminder about respect.” “And never underestimate a retired teacher.”
“I felt like I deserved it,” she said. “Can we — can we start over?” I grinned as a burden left my shoulders. “I’d like that, Veronica.” After that day, everything was different. Veronica began contacting me more frequently, seeking guidance and even wanting to go out to informal dinners, which she paid for. She requested me to assist in organizing Michael’s surprise birthday celebration last week. She said, “I need your experience.” “You know him best, after all.”
I was amazed at how far we’d come as we sat at her kitchen table going over party schedules. Veronica abruptly exclaimed, “You know, I never really thanked you.” Startled, I looked up. “For what?” She answered, extending her hand to clasp mine, “for teaching me a lesson I’ll never forget.” “You’re tougher than you look, Ruth.”
I chuckled. “Well, I did wrangle middle schoolers for four decades.” She smiled. Tell me not to cross you ever again. It still amazes me how you managed to pull that off.” “Let’s just say I had some practice dealing with troublemakers,” I said with a smirk.
A sensation of warmth filled my chest as we returned to our preparations. To make things right, sometimes a little rough love is just what’s required. Who knows? I might even tell Michael about our little excursion someday. However, it remains our secret for the time being as a reminder that respect must be earned. Even if the painful method is the only way to convey that lesson. Even though I’ve left the classroom, I’m still here to educate.
How would you have responded in that situation?
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