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I walked into Roman's High. I had a parent teacher conference for Harlem. Apparently, he's been failing some more. His average is at a 68 in math and a 78 in history. A 78 is not that bad, but according to Roman's High it is.
" Hi, I'm here for a PTC for Harlem Hassen," I said to the secretary.
" Alright, Mr. G is not available right now, but Mrs. Hill is. Go to the door on the right," she told me.
" Alright. Thank you." I walked to the conference room to be met with a middle aged white woman.
" Hey, I'm here for Harlem Hassen," I said.
" Ok. I'm Mrs. Hill, the 9th grade English teacher, but I will also telling you about Mr. G's Math honors class. Have a seat," she said.
" Alright. Thanks," I said.
" Ok, so bottom line is: Harlem's failing. I know it's only the first semester, but it's not looking good." She pulled out a folder. I opened the folder to see Harlem's work.
There was unfinished work, work with no answers, and little to no good grades in the folder.
" Now, we offer tutoring classes," she said.
" Call Harlem down here please," I said while staring at the folder.
" Yes ma'am."
A few minutes Harlem came in with a bag of chips in his hands. He threw away the bag as soon as he saw me.
" Explain."
He sat down and went through the folder. " I can't do this. Can you take me out of math Honor's? It's getting harder by the day, Ma," he said.
" What's the issue? The teacher?" I asked.
" Nah. Mr. G has been helping me, but I just can't focus on it," he sighed.
" Do you need a tutor, Harlem?" I asked him.
" No, tutors make me feel stupid, and I'm not stupid." He laid his head on the table.
" What about Mr. G? You said he helps you. Is he here today?" I asked him.
" Yeah, but we are doing a quiz, and he's not gonna come down. I can ask him if he can tutor me," he offered.
" We don't offer in-school tutoring here at Roman's High. But after-school is an option," Mrs. Hill said.
" Well how about after- school tutoring, Bubba?" I asked him as he laid his head in my neck.
" I don't want to spend anymore time than I need to at this school, Ma," he said making me laugh. " Can he tutor me at home?"
" Oh, Harlem. That's a stretch. Is he gonna be comfortable in our home?" I asked him.
" Yeah, and he'll be comfortable with you and Amora there, too. I'll go ask him right now," he said while hopping up from his seat.
" Alright," I said. He ran from the conference room to Mr. G's classroom.
"Mr. G is a very good looking man. I'll definitely take the chance if he wanted to be in my home," Mrs. Hill said while straightening up the papers.
" Well, we'll see," I laughed.
" Mr. G said yes. He said he'll be there at 4 p.m." Harlem said.
" Alright. I'll be home by 3:30. Be good Harlem," I got up to hug him.
" Thanks, Ma. Love you," he said and ran back to class.
" Here are some books for Harlem to work in while at tutoring," she said as she handed me 2 books.
" Thank you so much, Mrs. Hill," I exited the office.
