Chapter 66: Welcome to Disneyland

As soon as Jeffrey walked in he could hear the room getting louder and louder. The substitute teacher had written his name on the whiteboard. Mr. Reese Scranton.

There were a few hushed whispers, but most of the kids in the class were sounds of excitement and glee.

"It's Mr. Scranton", one kid said out loud. "He's the Voice over guy... the whatchamacallit. The actor, the voice actor dude"

"No way, what happened to the other substitute with 13 houses and mortgages and complained that the government taxes made him sell 5 of them", one of the girls in the back Jeffrey didn't recognize gossiped.

"Alright Alright, settle down class", Mr. Scranton announced. He wore a black jacket, khaki slacks, and was clean shaven.

Jeffrey sat near the front seeing a few familiar faces of Harrison Ford, Steven Harris, and Sophie Zahn.

"You're substitute teacher had originally planned an activity about going through workbook pages 95-98. Something about the land bridge between Alaska and Asia. However since I'm not a social studies teacher we can just have some fun and games", Mr. Scranton announced.

"Keep it down though, don't destroy the classroom", he stared at the kids in the corner grabbing a few pencils.

"Meanwhile, I'll be doing a little story time", Mr. Scranton announced.

Some substitute teachers were quite chill, others had strict activities set by the teachers, but few were like Mr. Scranton storytellers that could captivate a classroom full of kids to listen.

"Welcome everyone to Disneyland", he said in a Micky Mouse voice.

"It's a wonderful day today. As you get seated please keep your arms and legs inside the tram at all times", Mr. Scranton said acting as the imaginary driver taking the class on a trip.

Jeffrey was reminded of the magic school bus, many kids envied the adventures Mrs. Frizz's class went on. However, often times that adventure in the classroom was brought by some of the most amazing teachers including substitutes. The many science experiments, the weekly archeology activities, and field trips.

There were some who were busy drawing and goofing off. Most of the kids were just excited to hear an adult talk. Jeffrey for a rare moment, decided not to take out the book he was working on. A sign that Mr. Scranton really did have a way with words and interacting with kids.

A strange thought appeared in Jeffrey's mind "I wonder if there is a good enough teacher to make learning fun. Like streaming, broadcasting npr or something..."

"Nah", Jeffrey dismissed the thought.

Mr. Scranton took them on a journey through the cities of Brazil, the forests of Mexico and Guatemala, and the amusement parks, roller coasters and anime conventions of the west coast, United States.

"Mr. Scranton, Did you really get stuck on a cliffside for half a day?", Tyler asked.

"Did I really get stuck on a cliff for half a day", Mr. Scranton repeated sarcastically, in a kind and humoring way.

Most of the class laughed.

"Yes I did, Jason. If I was lying, I probably wouldn't be here today", Mr. Scranton moved on.

"Mr. Scranton that's Tyler. He's Jason", Melissa pointed out.

Mr. Scranton smacked his forehead, "Oh, I'm sorry!"

His exaggerated tone, confidence and high charisma really made the classroom have quite an excited atmosphere. The school day was coming to a close.

"Any other stories we should talk about, there's only 5 minutes left?", Mr. Scranton asked.

"Here's what we're going to do, I'm going to wait 2 minutes and we can peek outside the window. If any of the other teachers let's their class out early, you guys are free to go", Mr. Scranton finished.

The sounds of backpacks being zipped, pencils and papers being put away sounded throughout the classroom. Within seconds the class was bunched near the window. There were a few slower kids and stragglers, Jeffrey was among the few.

Nearby Steven was still talking with his other good friend Harrison Ford. It was really rare to see Steven talk, he was a quiet Swedish kid and drummer of the band. The only thing Jeffrey knew about Steven was that he was good at soccer and he had a British accent.

Steven usually hung out with Gavin and his group of friends, Matthew Blakley and one other person whose name was on the tip of his tongue.

"Did you see xmzsna score yesterday it was amazing", Steven said in a near perfect british accent (as far as Jeffrey could tell).

Jeffrey definitely wasn't making any friends bringing up the accent thing whenever he heard it.

Harrison continued, "Yeah, it was a good match. Shame Valquez couldn't pull it back. Their goalkeeper is just too good."

Jeffrey saw Mr. Scranton sitting on the edge of the teachers desk watching the clock and the group of kids. It was almost winter break.

the second hand kept ticking as the kids is the classroom waited for another class to get out.

*tick* *tick* *tick*

the thin black clock hand moved in a circle. Finally a group of kids in another classroom exited the door. Seeing the kids get excited Mr. Scranton announced,

"You're free to go, have a good winter break everyone!"

a chorus of "Thanks Mr. Scranton", students footsteps, and the chatter could be heard. Another classroom of kids made their way out the school.

Jeffrey approached the teachers desk and looked Mr. Scranton in the eye.

"Thanks for the story Mr. Scranton", he said being one of the last kids in the room.

Mr. Scranton was a little taken off guard by a random kid approaching him, but responded in kind.

"Thanks for listening and I'm glad you appreciated it!"

Jeffrey followed Steven and Harrison out.

Compliments are uttered without a care in the world. Invisible, the giver never knows what the receiver feels. To Jeffrey however, he decided to take Mr. Scranton's last words of thanks at face value. As he hoped Mr. Reese Scranton would do the same to his.

Earlier that week, he and Samantha were discussing teacher appreciation. Samantha said it was all about the little things. So Jeffrey tried to do his best, perhaps a compliment tomorrow might brighten someone's day. It was best to practice, so that when it was needed or a random one he'd give out would be better received.