“Sore ja … new teacher?” Aira’s mother asks.

“No — er, not yet. He is interviewing.”

“Ah, naru hodo …” The parents all nod.

We end our class with the quietest rendition of the “Goodbye Song” so that all the babies can sleep. Even the kids running around in the lobby don’t stir them awake, which is perfect because Manager, Bucho, and Hitomu’s mother are all pitching in to drag the poor child into Room Two for “Cybelle-sensei’s exciting lesson.” I don’t bother to pull Manager aside and tell him I wasn’t made aware of any freaking lesson. It’s too late, anyway. Bucho already has him in her arms as Hitomu’s mother dips out of the room.

“Come on, Hitomu-kun! Let’s enjoy English! Cybelle-sensei, Hitomu is ready for lesson!”

Damn it. I take a deep breath as I retreat back to Room Three to get my teacher box. I can do this. I can freaking do this. After picking up all my books and toys, I pick up the box and look down at the CD player, which I also need to transport to Room Two. Shit. I can’t do this.

“Need a hand?” says a calm, tenor voice.

Oh, no. Zaniel is already next to me, unplugging the CD player. “I thought you left,” I try to smile.

“I did. Your manager said I could run out to get something to eat.”

“Oh. I see. Thanks,” I mumble. He smells so good. “Yeah, if you can just … follow me.”

“Sure. You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just … well …”

Hitomu’s screams pierce the air.

“Is that your student?”

I nod. “It’s not my easiest lesson today,” is all I can say. I’m not sure how else to explain Hitomu to this guy. This guy, who I feel like I know, but have obviously never met before, and, for all I know, may not even get a position here. As soon as we turn the corner and enter Room Two, Hitomu locks eyes with Zaniel. He stops screaming. Bucho continues to bounce him on her knee, but it’s completely unnecessary. Hitomu watches Zaniel as he bows to Bucho with a “shitsureishimasu” and plugs in the CD player for me. It gives me an idea. Perhaps not the greatest idea, but if it works, the payoff will be worth it.

“Bucho,” I ask in my sweetest voice. “Is it all right if Kamisawasan stays in the room? To watch my lesson? Instead of outside?”

“Really?!” Zaniel turns in shock. Then he clears his throat. “I mean, yes, if that’s all right, I would love to stay.”

“Yes, zehi, zehi!” Bucho says. She seems more than happy to plop Hitomu on the carpet and get up off her knees. “Please, watch Shibelle-sensei’s lesson inside! Ask her any questions, ne?” She walks out the door, giving me a quick thumbs-up — “Thank you, Shibelle-sensei! Yoroshiku ne!” — and closes the door.