Galileo High School was the elite school in the city system. This morning Mr. Tavis’ senior English class was studying that delightful Shakespearian romantic tragedy “Romeo and Juliet”. The class was really enthusiastic (even more than usual), however when Mr. Tavis had a very intimate personal emergency he hadn’t any time to explain but just yelled “Montezuma Revenge” and dashed out.© Y Lee Coyote
One of the students looked into the hall to see where their teacher had flown to and quickly reported “He’s gone into the Boys’ room.”
“Let’s continue.” said Mr. Setlock, the student teacher, appropriately taking charge and they did for it was a fascinating play.
All was well until Mr. Rosewell who was reading Romeo made advances in keeping with the intent of the Bard’s script on Ms. Jeffery who was reading Juliet. That she did not appreciate nor approve of these was immediately apparent. However, he persisted. Mr. Setlock stopped him and told him to apologize. He refused.
The young trainee was appalled by the refusal and recalled what had happened when he was a high school student not even a decade ago and the teacher disrespected. He pulled his belt from his pants and forced Mr. Rosewell to bend over a desk. A couple of other students assisted and Mr. Setlock had delivered four cuts to the presented rear when Mr. Tavis returned.
“STOP! Stop that immediately.” was the commanding order. The explanations given were not acceptable. Mr. Tavis wrote a note to Principal Pines for immediate delivery by the two so that the Principal could resolve the issue without taking anymore class time.
* * * * * * * * * *
“Let me summerize. You were using your belt to give CP to Mr. Rosewell when Mr. Tavis returned from an emergency call of nature and stopped you. Is that correct?”
“Yes, Sir.” Mr. Setlock responded.
“As I recall, you were raised in the Bible Belt where CP was common place and legal in the schools.” Mr. Setlock nodded. “Well, here we are in more modern State and CP in schools is strictly forbidden. This is not good for you. See the paddle on the wall? What does it say under it?”
“Retired.” Sir.
“Please wait outside while I talk to Mr. Rosewell.”
* * * * * * * * * *
“What do you have to say about things, Mr. Rosewell?”
“Well, I guess that I was probably going a little far but Mr. Setlock was way out of line hitting me with his belt. Isn’t that unlawful? I’ll have to talk with my father about this, Sir.” Mr. Rosewell paused and then continued. “Although it would be a shame to lose Mr. Setlock. He seems to be a good student teacher.”
Mr. Rosewell turned to stare at the framed paddle on the wall over the word ‘Retired’. Principal Pines noticed and recalled how he often thought what it would have been like using that brutal implement in times long past when students were still beaten.
“I believe you’re already eighteen so would you agree to an informal resolution of this matter?” asked the Principal again looking at hanging paddle as was the student.
“Yes, Sir. Perhaps the traditional six pops that I read about in the stories. Since Mr. Setlock is not a student it wouldn’t be unlawful.”
A few minutes later the obvious question was put to Mr. Setlock and he agreed. Mr. Rosewell immediately wrenched the paddle from the wall and, after feeling its heft, handed it to Principal Pines.
“Please drop your pants, Mr. Setlock and get into position. I’m sure you had plenty of experience growing up so you know what to do.”
Principal Pines found the right spot and raised the called-from-retirement paddle and delivered the first pop in his career.
Mr. Setlock grunted but took it stoically for he was experienced from long ago.
This was repeated another five times with the same result. Mr. Rosewell as well as Principal Pines were impressed. Then the latter said “Finished, you may get up.”
They all shook hands. Messrs. Setlock and Rosewell returned to class with a special bond to carry on.
Principal Pines was in not in any hurry to return the paddle to the wall but caressed it and mused about being able to use it again.