Address to Die For by Mary Feliz Page B

created such a huge problem. Surely the school could manage on state funding? But I was here for Brian, not to solve California’s financial crisis. Maybe Miss Harrier was in shock over budget cuts and overreacting? Maybe she was having a bad day dealing with angry parents and frustrated teachers and was taking it out on us?
    April tapped on the door, opened it, and handed Miss Harrier pink message slips. “Excuse me,” April said, showing great deference. “I did some checking. I have a solution that I think will work for everyone. With your approval, of course, Miss Harrier.” April raised her eyebrows, apparently requesting permission from the principal to continue. Miss Harrier nodded. April outlined her plan.
    â€œThe band teacher and the advanced-math teacher say they have room in their classes. If we change Brian’s PE class, both those classes will fit his schedule. I’ll be happy to make changes in the computer as soon as you’ve decided how you want to move forward.”
    April backed out of the room and closed the door.
    Brian and I looked at Miss Harrier. April had left the ball firmly in her court, but there was only one logical play. The muscles in Miss Harrier’s face tightened. She put her hand on her iPad and clicked her pen.
    â€œI see,” she said. “Brian, it appears that things have worked out well for you today.” She smiled, but it looked more like a grimace. “I hope you will thank the teachers who have been so flexible. Please return to the band room. You can pick up your new schedule from April after the bell rings.”
    Brian stood and moved his chair so that it was precisely parallel to the front of the desk. “Thank you, Miss Harrier,” he said. He squeezed my shoulder. “See you after school, Mom. Thanks for coming.” He left the room and closed the door behind him.
    I watched him go and turned to Miss Harrier. “Thank you,” I said. “I’m glad it worked out.” I shook her hand and left before she could change her mind.
    Brian and I had achieved what we’d needed to and I’d leave it at that. But I had an odd feeling that I was missing something important, or that there’d been a subtext to the meeting that I was supposed to have picked up on, but hadn’t.
    Outside the office, Brian ran toward me. “I’m sorry I had to call you on the first day of school, Mom. I’m sorry I got into trouble.”
    â€œYou did absolutely the best thing by calling me. I’m happy to come. Any time.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “Grown-ups need to know when to ask for help, Brian. They need friends who are on their side. They need to know what they want, be persistent, and be gracious when they succeed. They need to learn that some things are worth fighting for. You did every one of those things.” I rumpled his hair—something he had told me he didn’t like, but that I still did from time to time, though I was trying to stop. “Ready to go back to class?”
    Brian nodded and bounced off to the band room without glancing back.
    I met Tess at her car. While we’d won this round with Miss Harrier, I was quite sure we’d not heard the last from her. She was angry and frustrated and I hoped she wouldn’t take that out on Brian.
    â€œIt’s going to be a long year at the middle school, Tess. It’s going to be a very long year.”

Chapter 8
    When life grows hectic, don’t be afraid to hire help. And don’t overlook the fact that “hiring help” is a broad-based term. Paying more for appliances from a store that delivers on time, every time, is an efficient choice. Buying ready-to-go meals from the supermarket can be like hiring a part-time cook. Be creative and be gentle with yourself.
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    From the Notebook of Maggie McDonald
    Simplicity Itself Organizing Services
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    Tuesday, September 2, Approximately eleven