[ WP ] `` You do n't get it . These people will swallow you WHOLE , and spit out the bones . And they 'll sit back and laugh while the people you love pick up your pieces . ''

`` You do n't get it. These people will swallow you *whole*, and spit out the bones. And they'll sit back and laugh while the people you love pick up your pieces.'' 
 
 She would n't let it go - could n't understand that I had to do this. I was born to *be* this. 
 
 This was n't the same Clarissa I'd fallen in love with. She did n't used to mind the path that I'd chosen. One little, tiny breakdown and off she went. I tried to explain to her that there had been a lot of things that had led to the break, and it was n't just about the job, but there was no reasoning with her after that. 
 
 `` Rissa... You're not being rational about this. I'm fine now.'' 
 
 `` You're not fine, Heath! You're killing yourself and it's all going to fall on me to clean up the mess. Do n't you get that? Ca n't you see? They're *monsters*.'' 
 
 `` They're just kids. Look, ever since you met me, you've known that I wanted to be a teacher. Now's my chance. Now I am one. This really is n't fair.'' Clarissa collapsed back onto the bed. She almost never left these days. 
 
 I walked out. It seemed like I was almost never home these days. 
 
 -- - 
 
 *First day. Remember, take control. Do n't show weakness. Firm, yet compassionate. Firm, yet compassionate. * 
 
 I walked in. At first I could n't make eye contact. It was just easier to focus on my destination; the podium. I pulled my notes from my briefcase. I still had n't looked at the class. 
 
 *Deep breath. * 
 
 `` Hello, class. My name is - `` I was cut short at the sight of hundreds of white, glistening teeth. 
 
 `` Ha ha ha! Very funny.'' The kids extracted their fingers from the corners of their mouths. `` I saw some pretty good funny faces there. We'll just have to remember that when it comes time for school pictures! As I was saying my name is Mr. Carmallo.'' 
 
 -- - 
 
 That was n't so bad, one period already down, only seven more to go. I could do this. Mrs. Green had said that I was doing great when she'd popped over from her class next door. 
 
 `` Mr. Carmallo?'' A small voice echoed off the bathroom tile. I nearly dribbled onto my new loafers. 
 
 `` Cammie? Hey, Cammie, you ca n't be in here. This is the boys' restroom.'' 
 
 `` Mr. Carmallo?'' 
 
 I zipped up, not realizing I had suddenly finished. `` What is it, Cammie? Here, let's go outside.'' 
 
 `` Are you in love, Mr. Carmallo?'' 
 
 `` What? Get out. Go out in the hall and wait for me.'' 
 
 Cammie giggled in that distinctive way that toddlers do. `` Who do you love, Mr. Carmallo?'' 
 
 `` Out!'' I saw the smile leave her face. I turned to the sink to wash my hands and heard the door open and close behind me. 
 
 *That was close. * 
 
 As I stepped into the hall something crashed and exploded inches in front of me. One of the fluorescent bulbs had fallen out. 
 
 `` Do n't you worry about that, Mr. Carmallo. Happens all the time.'' A comely, large woman in navy blue coveralls stood in place at the end of the empty hall. `` I'll get a broom straight away and pick up those pieces.'' 
 
 `` Thanks.'' 
 
 Cammie was nowhere to be seen. 
 
 `` You'd better get on back to class, you're late.'' 
 
 `` Oh. Yeah.'' I had n't realized that so much time had passed. Five minutes was n't as long as I thought. 
 
 -- - 
 
 Drawing time. The principal had said it was `` basically a free period, but we're not allowed to call it that.'' I scanned the class. Heads down. Quiet. Just as I was about to find my place in the book I was reading, ( *Dizzy Bear Goes to Market, I'd need to remember to bring something from home tomorrow* ) I thought I saw one of the children look up. 
 
 Nothing. Connie was sitting where I thought I'd seen the face. Strange. 
 
 `` Mr. Carmallo?'' 
 
 `` Hi Jeremy. I did n't see you, there. What are you doing out of your seat?'' 
 
 `` What do you taste like, Mr. Carmallo?'' 
 
 `` Excuse me?'' 
 
 `` Can I go to the bathroom, *please*, Mr. Carmallo? I've really got to -'' 
 
 `` Yes. Of course, that's fine. Take a partner. Who wants to be Jeremy's potty partner?'' The entire class raised their hands at once. Scanning the room, I saw Connie's face, her teeth shining a little too white. It looked like she'd been drooling. 
 
 `` Ronald, would you go with Jeremy, please?'' 
 
 -- - 
 
 I'll just sit here a moment. Try to enjoy the quiet. At least they've all gone home now. At least I'm alone, now. Safe now. What a shame that Clarissa was right all along. 
 
 At least this way, I would n't have to go home to hear her say I told you so. Maybe she'd come here if I stayed long enough. It'd do her good to leave the house. Come here and help me, - oh god - *pick up the pieces. * 
 
 My laughter hurt my ribs, I felt them crunch and grind against each other. Thick, dark blood streamed from the wound onto the letter carpet. The yellow bus on spot'B' was totally obscured. Over on'F' was my right leg, bites taken out of it. I could still hear and see their little white incisors cutting and tearing it from the bone. 
 
 Maybe I'll just sleep awhile. 
 
 `` Oh Mr. Carmallo. Oh, dear. Now, do n't you worry about a thing. I'll just go and fetch some garbage bags and I'll clean this mess right up for you.'' Her laughter echoed out of the hall and into the classroom.
