A Tale of Deception

Mrs. Helen Bower was hired soon after Marty’s birthday. A furloughed professor, who was intelligent, well read and highly recommended by the Dean of the University of Washington. Putting her things in storage, she moved into the estate and the growing family at Drummond Hall.

  The children adored her, she was funny, smart and a good teacher. She had the insight to see Marty's desire to learn. She put fun and great challenges before her and Marty excelled.

  Jamila was a different story. She had so much to learn. Especially when Mrs. Bower found out she wanted to be a doctor. It was going to be an almost insurmountable task to get her caught up enough to make it into medical school. She should have started long ago with in-depth science classes and math, as well as a long history of excellent grades, and establishing contacts at the good medical schools in this country.

  At first, Mrs. Bower spent part of the day teaching Jamila the cultural and social differences in this country, and then working her on the subjects she would need to get into medical school.

  Mrs. Bower was elated to learn Jamila had taken years of Latin at her Catholic school, knowing that the medical terms and medicines would be easier for her to learn, if she ever got that far. It wasn’t long before her teacher dropped the cultural/social lessons and concentrated on the pre-med lessons exclusively.

  As summer neared, Mrs. Bower was pleasantly surprised with Jamila’s hard work, and dedication. She was advancing quickly, so much so, Mrs. Bower was going to ask for a medical student to assist her in September. She recognized the deep desire to be a doctor in the girl, and strove to nourish it.

  Near the end of the spring term, Mrs. Bower asked, “Jamila, normally the children in this country take off the next three months for summer vacation.”

  “They do that at the Catholic school, too,” Jamila replied a little sadly, remembering the loneliness, except for Meridah. She missed her friend. Though they had spoken to each other almost every day, it wasn’t the same as being with her.

  “Well, Marty will be taking the summer off. You’re welcome to, as well. You haven’t had much of a childhood and it might be good for you to play for the summer, and be with your grandmother more,” her teacher told her.

  “But, I’ll lose three months of work. I’m so far behind now. I know I’m catching up, but I’m reluctant to waste the summer. Do you want to take the three months off Mrs. Bower?” she asked, concerned she was being selfish.

  “No. I’ve no real plans for the summer, and I’d be happy to work up a curriculum for you. But, may I recommend a week at camp? I know Marty is going mid-summer for two weeks and there will be children of all ages. I think you should go and join her for the last week and have a wonderful time, playing and doing summer things. It’ll refresh you. I think you’ll be able to work harder when you get back and you’ve earned it, Jamila. You’re doing very well.”

  Jamila thought for a bit. “Okay, I’ll go if I can keep up with my studies. Just one week shouldn’t hurt me and it sounds like fun,” she said with a large smile, looking forward to the outing.

 

  Exposed