Sunday, June 03, 2007

Poetic Justice

I went to a VERY small junior and senior high school.... like I had 31 people in my graduating class, and that included four exchange students.

So whenever someone did something, everyone knew about it within minutes. Literally.

And if you weren't in the "in" crowd, you were a social pariah, never to really be allowed in.

When I was in the eighth grade, which was my first year at this school, there was a girl who decided, after months of being my friend, that I was public enemy # 1. I had no idea what happened. I just came to school one day, and she was telling people that she hated me, and that they should not talk to me ever again. And whenever she spoke, people listened. Because they were afraid they would get their ass whooped by this girl.

I told Ace the other day that this was the single, most-traumatizing event of my young life. I just couldn't understand why she didn't like me. I approached her and asked. Her answer: you mean, you don't know?

Of course, looking back on this now, I realize that I had done nothing; this was just one of those nasty times in the teen years where things just don't make sense, and it is the end of the world when our popularity is in jeopardy.

After a while, my friends came back around, deciding that she just didn't have things right. That I was a cool kid again. That I was worthy of conversations.

Last week, I started teaching a day class. I hadn't taught a day class since last year. I teach in the paralegal/criminal justice department, so those are the people I see on a daily basis.

I had gone over to another instructor's room to speak with her, but she wasn't there. Two of her students were, though. I didn't recognize either of them. One of them recognized me.

It was her. THE ONE! She said my name, and I looked at her with a blank stare, and said "I should know you from where?" and she told me her name.

That name. That name that made my blood run cold. That name that made me want to dash off in the opposite direction.

I said "oh yeah. Hey ... how are you?" and she said "fine but most importantly ... how are you?" I told her all was well. She said she was getting a paralegal degree and then moving on to law school. She said we should "catch up" sometime. I said ok and she left.

I just stood there. And then my conspiracy theorist reminded me: I might be HER instructor some day.

And then life seemed to make complete sense.

And it was good.

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8 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I had the SAME experience not long ago..first she came to work FOR me and then years later, was my student at the University.
Are you speaking of Ms. G?
Hmm?

7:41 AM  
Blogger Knitting Maniac said...

Oh no. Ms. G. started making my life a living he** WAY before the 8th grade. More like 2nd.

No ... this person was later on in my life.

8:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh the teenage years! What a joy!!! I can remember a few girls that made my life he** as well. And then I'm supposed to want to see them at my 20 yr reunion this summer. Uh! To go or not to go??? Although it is sorta fun to see the studs of our class fat and bald.

8:30 AM  
Blogger Taoknitter said...

And one day, if she even remembers now, she will wonder why she was such a jerk because she will be amazed by your wit, intelligence and kindness...rock on!

8:42 AM  
Blogger Knitting Maniac said...

So true, Ann. SO true!

10:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"And it was good!"

Karma is always good!

12:18 PM  
Blogger Michele R said...

As I get older, I realize more and more how important karma is.

What goes around, comes around, baby!

1:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I sort of run into the same thing here, only it is my classmates parents or grandparents. I remember being invited to the wedding of the brother one bit** in my class. She couldn't stand me for whatever reason...similar thing as yours, I never knew why.

Anyhow, because her grandparents lived in the building and her parents seemed to think I was the best thing since sliced bread, I got an invite. You should have seen the look on her face.

Priceless.

1:31 PM  

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