Theoracism

Expulsion. Myson Thomason and Gadot Tinkerton looked at the digital screens outlining the details of their new reality. They stood outside the doors of Cooney Academy. Their parents were still talking with the Board.

“I say we form our own school. We don’t need to indoctrinate teachers or kids, we can just teach subject matter. What, so we need a certificate?” Myson asked her.

“We don’t. It’s like parents who teach their own kids. What’s to stop us? I think that’s a great idea. With our knowledge, we will put together a curriculum of freedom. Goddamn the crits,” she sneered.

Ophelia, Garfield, and Thomason all emerged from the school. Todd was the first to speak.

“They’re offering a deal—”

“It’s alright, Dad,” Myson assured. “We’ve just come up with a solution.”

Tinkerton and Ophelia looked puzzled.

Thomason folded his arms.

“What is it, son?”

“We’re going to launch our own private school,” Myson replied.

“With what?” Tinkerton asked.

“We’re going to crowdsource the money,” Gadot said.

“I see the ambition in both of you, but you only have a few more months until graduation. You’ve already been accepted in college. Don’t allow senioritis to get in the way of good sense, you two,” Ophelia explained.

“We hear you, Mom, but we can develop a solid plan.”

“And where are you going to teach out of this private school idea?” Tinkerton asked.

The two ex-students shrugged. “No matter where we teach, we’re going to be affordable for our investors, and employ advertising to keep the school free of charge. We could use a freemium model or—”

“You’re spitballing here, honey. Both of your imaginations have been active since the court appearance. They’re willing to reverse the decision and keep both of you as Cooney students. It is for your best interests,” Thomason said.

“No,” Myson said.

“No,” Gadot repeated.

The parents looked at each other then at two beefy men with sunglasses also by the entrance of the school.

“Let’s continue this conversation elsewhere,” Tinkerton said. They arrived at their home. Thomason and Myson followed them.

“Now,” Tinkerton said at the head of the table, “We’re not going to entertain this idea of you both forming a school. It’s cute. I think you are both quietly angry at the Board, and especially Dr. Valdez. I’m not in support of CRT, but it can’t hurt for the next few months. Just ignore it. With you both DIT bound, you’ll have too much going on in college to consider a career as founders of a school. I mean you can hold onto the idea. Just finish your bachelor’s degree at least. I think we can all agree, no?”

Gadot and Myson exchanged quick glances. He acknowledged she should speak ahead of him in her house.

“I know you all are concerned. That’s why we’re skipping college to go full force into the start of this school.”

“The hell you are, young lady—Todd?!” Tinkerton had been seated, he rose from his chair as if his seat were hot.

Thomason cleared his throat. “You both have to realize you’re still kids. You’re smart, you’re great, but you’re close to being adults. We’re your parents. All you have to do is continue at Cooney. The expulsion was not as definite as you think. You graduate and you’ll be able to go onto DIT. It’s simple.”

Ophelia sighed. “Myson, you’re like my son. You and Gadot grew up together. I’m not going to be the one to upset you both. Obviously you’re both fighters. We wouldn’t be at this stage of the game. So, I think your dads are right. Finish up at Cooney, do your four years and then go about this idea.”

“Excuse us, please,” Gadot said and she and Myson exited the house.