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[isstillincharge]

Christa sat behind her desk and stared at the file before her. It belonged to a first grader by the name of Joanna McCoy, who had shown great aptitude on several tests the school gave at the beginning of each school year. The little girl was smart but also seemed withdrawn at times, which was way her teacher had brought it to Christa's attention

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[hesdead_jim]

"Mmmm, well, it's good ta know. She's a smart lil' thing. Always pushin' herself for more. I know it'll make her feel... well, grown up, ta know she's doin' work for older kids," and that was Joanna through and through. Smart and determined; she already had the drive of her mother and intelligence of both her parents.

[isstillincharge]

Christa nodded and smiled. "Another girl from Joanna's class is in the advanced program, too, so she won't be completely alone," she explained as she leaned back in her chair. "Now for the fun stuff - Joanna's class is looking for someone to help with their field trip to the zoo next week. Interested?"

[hesdead_jim]

"Good," he paused then though and his eyes went slightly wide as he listened to her. He liked children - loved them, actually, and being a father was something he loved with all his heart, but spending all day at a zoo with so many children was daunting.

"I... would hafta check my work schedule."

[isstillincharge]

Christa nodded and wrote down a note. "Well, I suppose I'll have to touch base with you after you've checked your schedule," she said with a smile.

[hesdead_jim]

"Thank you," he looked at her and had the oddest need to return her smile. It was one of those that he simply couldn't ignore.

[isstillincharge]

"You're welcome," she said as she bashfully ducked her head. She pretended to be looking at the file again and cleared her throat. "Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

[hesdead_jim]

His lips twitched slightly then and he looked at her, considering how attractive she was. She certainly was beautiful and he felt an odd need to remain in her office longer, if only to see her smile again.

"Well... this field trip; what kinda responsibilities would you be expectin' of me? Must confess; so many kids makes me a lil' nervous. I'm fine with Jo, but..." he trailed off. He wasn't entirely sure of his own abilities at parenting and caring for children.

[isstillincharge]

There was something about the way Leonard was looking at her that made Christa flush and smile. She knew it was wrong to think a student's parent was handsome but she couldn't help it.

When he asked his question, she nodded in understanding. "We normally take four parents with us and divide the kids up. You would ave six to look after; make sure they don't wonder off or climb into one of the cages," she explained.

[hesdead_jim]

"Six... six isn't too bad," he pondered it for a moment, before he was laughing quietly with a shake of his head.

"I'd hate ta hafta climb in after them."

[isstillincharge]

"If it makes you feel any better, we have yet to have one of them actually climb in a cage," Christa said with a proud smile. She was always proud of the safety record of her school.

"And if it makes you feel better, I'll help you with your group."

[hesdead_jim]

"Well then, that does help a lil' portion," he was smiling, a small smile then. And then it seemed to get better. Oddly, it did make him feel better. Much better, in actual fact.

"I'll be holdin' you to that, now."