I had no idea there would be such a desire for a second part to this story…I really did intend for it to be a one-shot. Thank you to everyone who reviewed the first chapter. You're pretty much the reason there's a second part.
Title: The Basics of Primary Ed., Part 2
Author: Caera1996
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Yeah, I wish.
Summary: AU – Jim Kirk is a kindergarten teacher. Leonard is the slightly less skeptical parent. Jim and Joanna meet for the first time.
"But Daddy," Joanna said, "How come I can't have lessons at home anymore?" Leonard paused as he was chopping vegetables for their dinner. He turned to look at his little girl, who was coloring at the kitchen table. She appeared to be engrossed in what she was doing, but he knew better.
"I thought you said you wanted to go to school and meet some new friends. Remember we talked about all the cool stuff Mr. Kirk has in the classroom and how much fun it's going to be?"
"I remember," she mumbled. "But I changed my mind." Abandoning his attempts at properly dicing an onion, he washed his hands and pulled out a chair at the table to sit beside Joanna.
"What're you drawing?" he asked. She slid the page she'd been working on over to him. Studying the picture he felt his heart sink a little. He thought that over the last month and half they'd worked through this. Apparently not.
"Is this Buttons?" Leonard asked. Joanna nodded. "Why is he crying?"
"He misses me. He doesn't like being at Mr. Cory's farm. No one ever rides him," Joanna replied. "And I miss him too. Can we go home? Please, Daddy?"
The cross-country move from Georgia to California had been hard on Joanna. The initial excitement of the adventure of moving had quickly evaporated, and she'd dealt with intense homesickness for the first week in San Francisco as she began to really understand that they weren't going back. There weren't a lot of kids who'd lived around them in the country, but she'd had a few friends, and her feelings of missing them were amplified in that way that works with five year olds. He knew she missed their house and the freedom of the surrounding land – living in an apartment in a city was very different – and most of all she missed her beloved horse. Buttons, promptly named by Joanna because of a series of circular marks on his side, had been a gift to her two years ago from a relative. He was exceedingly good natured, and they took to each other quickly. Missing Buttons had been a topic of many tearful bedtimes, though recently that had stopped altogether, much to his relief.
"C'mere, sweetie," he said, pulling her chair closer to his so she could climb into his lap. She sat facing him and clung to his shirt with her little hands. He held her securely, one hand gently running through her dark hair. "We live here now, darlin'. I know it's different, but this is home. And we talked to Mr. Cory just a little while ago, remember? He told us all about how Buttons is helping kids who have trouble walking because he's the best horse for the job. He gets to help make people better when they ride him…don't you think that's neat?" Joanna was quiet for a moment, but then she nodded, as he knew she would.
"Yeah, that is neat. I like that he's helping kids," she said. And she was definitely her father's daughter. Leonard dropped a kiss to the top of her head. Now back to the real problem…starting school.
"Jo, would you like to visit Mr. Kirk's classroom? That way you can see everything and say hello to the teacher…maybe you could show him some of the pictures you drew."
"What about all the other kids?" she asked.
"We'll go when school is over, so you can see everything first, and then meet the kids later. How does that sound?"
"Good," Joanna answered. "Daddy? Can we get back to the important stuff?"
"Of course. What's the important stuff?" Please let this not be about Buttons again.
"Is dinner almost ready? I'm hungry." Leonard laughed. He loved five-year-old priorities.
* * *
Later that night, a quickly called in favor made it possible for Leonard to take Joanna in to visit the classroom at the end of the school day. Now, he sat at the computer to compose an email to Jim Kirk to make sure that dropping by tomorrow was okay.
Leonard hated email. He hated being cc'd on emails that didn't actually have anything to do with him, he hated the "round robin" arguments by email that his colleagues couldn't seem to avoid, and he didn't trust that important information was definitely going to get where it was supposed to and not be lost in cyberspace. He much preferred calling people and having a real, live conversation. Or sending things by fax machine so that you would know right then if something didn't get through. Sighing, he checked the clock and considered just calling Kirk. It was only 9:30, and when Kirk had handed him a business card (since when do kindergarten teachers need business cards?) that listed an email address and personal cell number, he had said to call anytime. Picking up the phone, he hesitated, unsure.
I'll just email him now, and if I don't hear back from him around lunch tomorrow, I'll the call the school, Leonard compromised. Opening a new message box, he composed a simple message:
Mr. Kirk,
This is Leonard McCoy. We met today when I visited your classroom with Ms. Uhura. As we discussed, Jo's anxious about starting at the school, and I think having her visit your classroom before she starts will help. I am available tomorrow afternoon, and I was hoping it would be okay if we dropped by at the end of the school day so she can meet you and take a look around.
Please let me know as soon as possible if this is okay with you. You can reach me by email or call 415-555-9326.
Thanks,
Leonard McCoy
After checking for any glaring errors, he hit "Send". Minimizing Outlook, he logged in to San Fran Gen's secure network to get started on reviewing some of the ALS patient files that were part of his study. The abbreviated day tomorrow meant that he would have less time to accomplish some of the things he'd been planning to do, and he didn't want to fall behind. This was too important.
ALS had eaten away at his father, ending his vivacious life before ultimately killing him, and for a few terrifying weeks while he waited for his and Joanna's genetic tests to come back, he was plagued with nightmarish possibilities for his daughter. To his great relief, both he and Joanna were clear. Unfortunately, that didn't mean they definitely wouldn't get sick, but at least they weren't genetically predisposed.
Leonard's research into an effective treatment for ALS was stymied out in Georgia by a lack of funds. In demand as a neurological surgeon, he hadn't had time enough to devote to his neurology research, and in the "publish or perish" world of medical advancement, he was looking at the very real possibility of becoming extinct. So far, his findings were interesting and may open up new avenues of possibilities for a more effective treatment, but unless he kept his name out there, he'd never be recognized enough as a researcher to sustain him. He wasn't willing to give up though, and continued to apply for every available grant while maintaining his position as a physician. And then, the offer from San Francisco General came through.
It was, essentially, a teaching position that came about because of the hospital's affiliation with the University of California at San Francisco's new College of Neurological Sciences. And while Leonard didn't particularly care about teaching, the flip side was he would have access to the hospital as a member of the medical staff and be able to conduct his research within their neurology department. It was actually a pretty good deal. The pay was good, and he'd have regular hours with a set class schedule. Residents in the program would act as TA's to help with some of the workload from the med students, and he'd have time for his research without having to sacrifice time with his daughter. The caveat was that the Neurological Sciences Research Division of Phizer Pharmaceuticals would have the patent rights to whatever resulted from his work because they were funding the research through the hospital. That was a standard arrangement though, his lawyer had assured him, and the contract Leonard had with the hospital was backed by Phizer so that he wouldn't be cut out of any resulting profits. Not that he really cared about the resulting profits. He just wanted to give other families the fighting chance his father never had.
After a couple of hours, he was ready to call it a night. He logged out of the system and opened the Outlook screen, just to check. To his surprise, Kirk had already emailed him back, assuring him that he and Joanna were welcome to come tomorrow, and that he didn't need to go to the Main Office first, just head on down to his room. Leonard sent a quick response and shut down the computer. Time for bed.
* * *
"Daddy, I changed my mind. I don't want to go," Joanna said from the back seat. Leonard checked a sigh and turned to look at her.
"Jo, we're already here," he said, trying to not let the exasperation he was feeling creep into his voice. She was nervous, and this is how she expressed it. Sometimes it was a little difficult to keep it in his head that she was just a baby, really. Intelligence didn't equal emotional maturity. "Why don't we just go in and take a look around for a few minutes?"
"I don't want to," she said, tears forming. And, oh, God, she was doing the lip thing. He rolled his eyes at himself. He was in so much trouble when she hit the teen years.
"Baby…how about this…if you come inside with me and act like a big girl, we'll go for ice cream afterwards. Does that sound like a good deal?" He watched as Joanna considered it.
"We're gonna get ice cream before dinner?" she clarified.
"I promise," Leonard answered.
"Okay!" And just like that the unshed tears cleared and she was ready to go. If any medicine was ever invented that was effective as ice cream, that person would become a household name. Turning back around, he chuckled to himself and turned the car off. He helped Joanna with the booster seat, took her hand, and they headed to the entrance. They were a few minutes early; school hadn't ended yet, and the parking lot was still full. Joanna swung their hands back and forth and took some skipping steps. Leonard smiled watching her. He hoped that she would be happy here. That's all he wanted…for his little girl to be happy and healthy.
Upon entering the school, Leonard stopped to get his bearings. He recognized where he was from when he took that initial tour with one of the assistant principals.
"This way, darlin'," he said, directing them down one of the brightly lit hallways. He watched Joanna take in the surroundings with wide eyes. This was the first school she'd ever been in...everything was something new to see. The walls were lined with brightly colored pictures and posters of all types, and Joanna wanted to look in all the classroom windows. Slowly, letting her set the pace, they made their way to the K-1 wing. They passed a set of doors, and she stopped to read the sign above it.
"Med-eye-a," she tried. "Meed-eye-a…Daddy?"
"Meed is right," Leonard said. "Remember the word for the big room where everyone eats lunch?"
"Cafeteria!" she said.
"That's right…try that ending."
"Cafeter-ia…ee-ah…meed-ee-ah…Media?"
"Good job! What's the second word?"
"Cen-ter. Media Center! What's that?"
"It's a library for the students."
"They have a whole library in the school? Am I allowed to go there?"
"All the students are allowed to go there," Leonard answered with a smile. "Come on, sweetie...we're almost to Mr. Kirk's room."
"Excuse me, sir. Can I help you?" Leonard turned around at the question, spoken in a heavily accented voice. In sweat pants and a McKinley t-shirt, with a whistle around his neck, Leonard realized he was probably the P.E. teacher – who was currently looking at him suspiciously.
"Leonard McCoy," he said, holding out his hand. Joanna pressed against his left leg, holding his other hand tightly. "This is Joanna…she's going to be starting here in a couple of days and we're here to meet Jim Kirk."
"Ah…that's a good one, Mr. Kirk. And hello to you, Joanna," he said, crouching to her level. "I'm Mr. Scott…but you can just call me Coach." Joanna studied her shoes.
"Can you say hello to Mr. Scott?" Leonard prompted, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. She peaked at him.
"Hi," she said in a small voice. He gave her a friendly smile.
"Hi there lassie, it's nice to make your acquaintance." Mr. Scott stood up to his full height.
"Do ye know the way to Mr. Kirk's room?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you. We're just taking the scenic route."
"Alright, then. See ye soon Joanna," he said. She didn't answer and was studying her shoes again. He and Leonard shared a smile and Leonard shrugged slightly.
"Thanks, Mr. Scott."
They continued down the hall, still hand in hand.
"You know, you're going to have to talk to people more…show them how smart you are," Leonard said.
"I talk, Daddy. You tell me I could talk the ear offa corn," she said. Leonard laughed. Just then, the bell rang, causing Joanna to jump. "What's that?" she said.
"It means school's over," Leonard answered. All up and down the hallway doors opened and students filed out. Led by teachers, the lines of students were pretty well-behaved, but it was the end of the school day, and they were kids…so they were loud and exuberant.
"Daddy, daddy…pick me up," Joanna said as the hall filled with students. She moved around to stand in front of him and raised her arms to him. Not wanting her to become scared or overwhelmed before meeting the teacher, he acquiesced and lifted her, settling her on his hip. From her perch she watched the activity in the hallway with interest. He made his way quickly to Kirk's room.
When they got there, the room was empty, but the light was on. There was a note taped to the door.
"What does it say, Daddy?"
"It says we should go in and you can look around. Mr. Kirk will be right back." Leonard pushed the door open, and once inside set Joanna down. She looked around, taking in the room quietly. Leonard gently urged her forward with a hand on her back. He could understand her hesitation, though. There was a lot to take in. "Why don't we look over here first?" he suggested, guiding her to the cubbies where students put their belongings. She looked at the rows of cubby holes for a moment before Leonard pointed to one in particular. "Look at that one."
"Joanna M." she read. "Daddy, is that mine?" she asked excitedly.
"It must be. That's where you'll keep your lunch box and put all of your school papers every day," Leonard answered. They moved on to the letter board, the number chart, and Joanna examined a map of the U.S., showing her father where Georgia and California are. After a few minutes they ended up in front of a terrarium. Joanna stared at the bearded dragon inside, her nose pressed to the glass.
"Oooh….look at the lizard Daddy. I bet he runs fast, like the ones in Georgia. What's his name?" Leonard was just about to say they'd have to ask the teacher just as he returned.
"Hi there," Jim said. "The kids named it Sam…Samantha if it's a girl, Samuel if it's a boy. Generally, the girls call her Samantha and the boys call him Sammy." Joanna giggled, pressing a hand to her mouth.
"That's pretty silly, isn't it?" Jim asked her. "I'm Mr. Kirk…what's your name?" He watched as she pressed herself to her father's side, reaching for his hand and fixing her gaze on the floor. After a moment, Leonard prompted her.
"Mr. Kirk asked you a question, can you be polite and answer him?"
"Joanna," she said quietly.
"Joanna…that's a pretty name. Did you see your cubby over by the door?" Looking up at him through her lashes she nodded, a small smile on her face. "Did you see what's in it?" He waited for a couple of seconds, but Joanna didn't answer. "Why don't you go see?" It took her a moment, but curiosity won out and she moved away from them to investigate.
"Hey there," Jim said, shaking Leonard's hand. "Welcome back."
"Thanks…and thank you for being available for this."
"Not a problem."
They watched as Joanna turned the pages of a stapled-together, construction paper booklet. Leonard looked at him curiously. Jim smiled.
"It's a 'Welcome Book'," he answered. "I asked each student to write 'Welcome to the class Joanna. My name is, fill in the blank, and my favorite thing to do in the classroom is, fill in the blank' and then draw a picture. They're so excited to get a new classmate. How about Joanna? Is she excited to come?"
"Well, I'm not quite sure excited is the word I would use. I had to bribe her with ice cream to get her out of the car without tears. But, seeing all of this definitely has grabbed her interest…and that's half the battle," Leonard answered. "She was particularly excited about the Media Center."
Jim smiled. "Well, I think it'll probably take a couple of days, but it shouldn't be too hard an adjustment for her."
"Yeah?" Leonard asked. "I hope so," he sighed. Jim looked at him sympathetically.
"Yeah, really. She separated from you to explore on her own with no problem, and even though you had to prompt her to answer me, she did answer. I've had kids come to me much more shy than your daughter.. And, bringing her here beforehand was a great idea. Trust me, she'll be fine."
They watched as Joanna peered into a bin of building blocks. She looked up at them and then made her way back over to her father, carefully not looking at Jim.
"Daddy," she said quietly, pulling on his hand. She gestured that he should lean down to her. He did and she whispered a question to him.
"I don't know, sweetie," he said, straightening up again. "I think you should ask Mr. Kirk." Holding on to her father's hand and leaning against him, she looked up at Jim with a small smile on her face. Jim looked back at her expectantly.
"Can I play with the blocks please?" Jim smiled brightly at her.
"Sure, go right ahead. Thank you for asking so nicely!" Joanna hurried back over to the blocks that caught her attention.
Twenty minutes later, after they'd said goodbye to Jim and Leonard had reassured her that she would be able to come back and play some more, he felt like he could breathe a bit easier.
As difficult as the transition had been over this last month, he finally really believed that she would be okay everything was going to work out for both of them.
