Third Grade Third row
Thomas had the face of a cherub. Miss Sheridan did not like playing favorites, but she could not help herself when it came to Thomas. When he spoke, it was perfect diction, as if he had practiced for a tournament. It came effortlessly with Thomas. It was never condescending; Thomas exuded etiquette.
Thomas was born in Great Britain. Thomas’s father, Howard Endecott III, had a royal lineage; however, he never flaunted it in the Americas. Thomas’s parents taught him to say thank you and excuse me, please. He did not know how to be anything other than what he was.
While Thomas’s family did live in an affluent part of town and were well-to-do, you would not have known it. Because of the Great Depression that had settled on most doorsteps, Mr. Endicott would have felt it was shameful to gloat.
The day Thomas stole Miss Sheridan’s heart was the brief encounter she witnessed between Thomas and William one day after school. A paper bag passed between the boys. Thomas’s hand rested gently on Williams. William shook his head no, but Thomas insisted.
Perhaps Miss Sheridan was the only one to recognize that William was wearing clean, neat overalls the next day to school. Miss Sheridan had seen the same pair on Thomas earlier in the year. Miss Sheridan also noticed the smile that passed between the two boys. Unsteady tears pooled in her eyes. When she would hug her children goodbye, it was challenging because of some of the more needy children’s hygiene, and she tried never to recoil.
Miss Sheridan had been too shy to go to the dances, but it was an exciting time to be alive, especially after those dismal days of the Spanish flu epidemic. Wasn’t it just yesterday when women were flapping through the days, literally? What a sad generation this was.
Yes, Thomas was her favorite; he would be a great man someday if only she could find a full-sized Thomas for herself.
Thomas’s parents showered their son with love. They gave him monetary things, but his father made him work hard to earn them. He was to work as a volunteer alongside his father on Saturdays in the food lines serving food. When Thomas would spot William or another of his schoolmates in line, he would discreetly exit to the kitchen to preserve their dignity. Thomas tried to put himself in his schoolmates’ place. Thomas vowed to work hard and someday make a difference in the plight of the downtrodden human family.
Thomas secretly had a crush on a girl in his class named Jean. She was not a beautiful girl, but she had the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. They were not precisely blue but held a hint of violet. Funny, the things you notice about another person. Thomas did not like Jean’s sadness that seemed to follow every step she took. When Miss Sheridan asked her a question, it was like a wounded animal recoiling from a bear, even if it was the most straightforward question, what had hurt this little fawn. Thomas would complement her dress. Thomas had sent a secret valentine to her last month, but he was sure she did not know it was from him.
When Thomas returned home from school, his parents told him they were returning to Great Britain, and he would be coming with them. Thomas would have to miss school for two weeks. They would be leaving the second week in March. Thomas’s mother had an envelope for him to give to Miss Sheridan, hoping she would send homework back so he would not get behind.
Thomas was excited and disappointed. He was to run in the coming track meets with neighboring schools. Now Thomas knew he would miss all the fun. Mr. Endicott knew how much Thomas wanted to run in the sports meet., He had a big surprise for Thomas.
Mr. Endicott rearranged his schedule to leave the following Monday after the meeting. A boy needed involvement at an early age. You cannot recoup the years. Yes, it was an expense, but what did he care? He could afford it. He would tell Thomas before school tomorrow.
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