Chapter 21

Questions ranged in tone. Responses varied. For better than half an hour, questions grilled her over the points. Rift between administration and faculty rose up over the topic. Those who'd known Gwen tended to dial back their reactions. Others zinged her with cutting barbs. Eyes rolled.

Administrators noted Gwen's answers and composure. Observation saw her waver but not fold. Patience endured assaults. Strength rebutted and returned fire. Cheer bobbed up when possible. Still, she refused to give in…

…she was George Stacy's daughter and Spider-Man's partner/wife after all….

Clark narrowed his eyes. Are you kidding me? This is ridiculous! She's making the presentation. I thought Mr. Reynolds wasn't going to throw her to the sharks!

What's going on, Clark? How's Gwen doing? Lana interjected. His vibes alerted her to the situation.

Too bad these teachers don't know how to follow the rules they give us. Some of them are really getting nasty! Clark scribbled a few more notes. He leaned close to Chloe. "Wish we could ask a question to break this up."

Chloe nodded. Frankly, Nausea buffeted her stomach over the brewing Hate-Fest. "I was planning on it." Her hand shot up. The teachers' toxicity grated on her. Risk rode shotgun on her plan….

…still she was a professional reporter at that point…Questions came with the territory…

Chloe's trying to get Gwen's attention. She's getting into it. Clark bowed his head. You feeling this around us? It's insane. They're really against it.

We don't like our grades. Right? Face it, Clark. Some of our teachers weren't the greatest. Negativity flowed through Clark and across Lana's senses. Wow! That's really over the top!

Yeah. I know. Clark looked toward Gwen. She's really standing up to them. I know she's upset over it. Really impressive.

She knows we're all pulling for her. Just don't let Chloe get herself suspended or expelled though.

Clark nodded. He leaned back and watched that unfolding subplot.

Relief eased Gwen over Chloe's raised hand. Opportunity's respite offered a chance for her to collect herself. "Chloe, go ahead."

The teachers tensed. Williams shook her head. "This is a faculty discussion, Mrs. Parker. Students will have their say later!"

Chloe ground her teeth. "That's right, Mr. Williams. With due respect, however, the problem is it's after school. Once again, I'm here as a reporter for the Daily Planet." Her eyebrow rose. Her jaw set. "I'm asking a question for the newspaper."

"A mascot more likely. You're public relations." Indignation and Belittlement drenched Williams' dismissal. He curled his lip.

The teachers looked at each other. Impertinence and Put Down rankled them. Granted, Evaluation's prospects represented a potential threat. Still, talking to a student in that manner started a buzz.

Reynolds stiffened. He rose to his feet. "Mr. Williams, Miss Sullivan's impertinence grates on me from time to time. Still, she did raise her question in a respectful manner. Moreover, she is correct. Since you didn't attend the assembly last week, you don't know about her first Pulitzer. She and Mrs. Parker's husband are about to collect another one tomorrow night in New York for the article on Octavius and the Talon in the Daily Bugle. Since I have excused her from classes tomorrow, that role became official with the final bell this afternoon."

Chang stood up. She noted the nods around the room. "Mr. Williams, the faculty recognizes Chloe in that capacity. Given her outlook as a student and reporter, we'd be willing to hear her question. We don't need any negative press in the Daily Planet."

Williams grumbled. Ascent forced a sullen nod from his head.

"Thank you, Everyone. Mrs. Parker, please tell everyone about a potential buy in process for the teachers' union?" Chloe flicked a look at Williams.

Mrs. Kowalski cleared her throat. "Buy in, Chloe?" She looked at Chang and then Gwen. "What does she mean, Mrs. Parker?"

Gwen nodded. She sucked in a deep breath. Gratitude prompted a smile. "Mrs. Kowalski, everyone. I know it's up to Mr. Williams, the school board and the teachers' union. I've shared sample evaluations with Mr. Reynolds back in October. Then, there's the state expectations too. That's the reason he asked me to do this presentation for everyone. We're talking about it today. There are so many potential questions in the education journals out there. You can draft other questions for discussion. You all can meet as part of the teachers' union. Maybe Professor Huang can talk to us from Met U? It's part of that process."

"I do indeed have Mrs. Parker's notes and references, Ladies and Gentlemen. Mrs. Chang, Mr. Williams, I can provide copies." Reynolds looked to both officials.

"Knowing Professor Huang, I'd like to see that listing as well." Experience and Memoria recognized Huang's earmarks all over Gwen's presentation. "Thank you, Chloe and Mrs. Parker, for raising an excellent point. While certain benchmarks would have to be met for Kansas' state standards, we can look at these questions. I would welcome discussion." She huffed. "I do have one issue, Mrs. Parker."

Trepidation chilled Gwen's resolve. She bit her lip. Did I screw up? "Sorry, Mrs. Chang. I didn't mean disrespect."

"I'm fine. I know you're a student teacher. While you're here in that capacity, however, I consider you part of the part of the faculty. You've been more respectful than some of our members have been to you. I'll be sharing your information with everyone here. When we read, evaluate, discuss and, if the time comes, vote on it, we'll do it as a group amongst ourselves, then with the school board, and finally, you, Mr. Williams. Clark?"

Shock stiffened Clark. Conspicuousness elicited a squirm. "Yes, Mrs. Chang?"

"Monday or Tuesday afternoon? I'll make time. Perhaps we can meet at the Talon? I'd like this to be in the Torch right after the break."

"Sure. Just let me know what's best for you. I'll be there." Clark made a note about the appointment.

"Let's say Tuesday afternoon at 1:30? Thanks, Clark. Congratulations on being named Editor-in-Chief once again. I'm looking forward to what you come up with." Chang made a note to herself.

"We've got a great team, Mrs. Chang. I can't wait to see how we all work together. Nadia, Jill, Diego and Alicia are all really excited about being on the paper. Lana, Pete and I are still there. Chloe kind of our past-editor type." Clark made a note about the appointment for himself. "I know there's a word for that."

Coughs echoed about the room on that note.

"The word, Mr. Kent, that you are searching for is emeritus. I suppose it fits. I would prefer the way you put it actually." Reynolds cleared his throat. Pride swelled within his chest. He saw Clark's growth and rise to the occasion.

"I suppose. I believe we've heard what we need to." Indignity rankled Williams' mindset. He stood. "Thank you, Mrs. Parker, and everyone. I have another appointment." He grabbed his coat and hustled from the room.

"We'll follow up after the break." Chang stood. "Mr. Reynolds will have those sample questions and Mrs. Parker's materials for us. Thank you. Have a great last day and a good break. That's all." She walked up to Gwen. "Excellent presentation. I'll be letting Professor Huang know that. I'll be waiting for those materials."

"Thanks, Mrs. Chang. I'm really glad of that." Gwen shook Chang's hand. "Thanks to Mr. Reynolds and you for having confidence in me. I'm sorry I upset everyone."

Chang exhaled a sharp breath. "That was unfortunate. Your response has been noted. Already, I see positives from you. Keep up the good work."

"I agree, Mrs. Parker. I am impressed." Reynolds shook Gwen's hand. "You even offered Mr. Kent his opportunity to step up. Mentorship is a key part of education. I believe you will offer a great deal to us during your student teaching. Enjoy your visit to New York. Congratulations once again to Mr. Parker. Please pass that along from us to him."

"Definitely! Thanks, Mr. Reynolds. Whatever I can do to be supportive of the students and everyone. Let the good singing ring out." Gwen nodded to Clark. Approval and Gratitude sparkled in her eyes.

Everyone stood. Hostility seemed to evaporate. Gwen's rhyme and pun cracked a few smiles. Some filtered out. Others lingered around her. Kind words and apologies came from more than a few people. Gwen accepted them all.

Good outcomes could come from adversity after all….