THE WORTH OF ONE - A CHRISTMAS STORY 

By Tessa Harvey

    Just then there was a strident clamour of an electric bell.  It shattered the stillness. Aiden and Pamela bolted for the door. They struggled with the knob in their panic, enabling the principal to bar the way out. Jacob grabbed Melissa and headed under the biggest desk, leaving Veronica open-mouthed. It was only a bell! Augustus cradled his arm, looking uncertain.

    "Calm down," called Mrs. O'Leary. "It is only a practice fire drill. Someone forgot to warn this class. Now line up sensibly near the door. Augustus and Veronica first, please, then Aiden and Pamela." Reluctantly they moved into place. "Now Jacob and Melissa. We go down to the school yard in two's following me. There is a VERY small fire rigged and one of the Junior children will show us how to use one of the school fire extinguishers.

    Without looking back, the tall woman led the way firmly and the students followed. Gus was looking very interested.  It sounded exciting to him! Ronnie was also looking forward to learning how to use a fire-control device. The other four felt a little foolish because they had panicked unnecessarily.

    It was fun watching a senior staff member light a small prepared fire. A boy of around eleven or twelve came forward. Clearly and carefully, he was show what to do. The flames leaped up, almost mesmerising. The boy aimed the extinguisher. After a few fumbles, he managed a small squirt. There were a few groans from the assembled students.

    The tall teacher beckoned the youngest six students over.  They were each helped to use the extinguisher and looked very pleased with themselves.

    Now, wondered Maureen, how would they settle here at the school? Had what she had shared made a difference?