As much as working with children is a gigantic pain in my ass, every now and again it has its perks. The other day, I rolled into work, in ripped jeans, old sneakers and a hoodie. The first thing any guy I knew said was "What the FUCK happened to you?" But no, not those kids. I was sitting there in all my nastiness and Brian comes up to me, simply to tell me, and I quote "Damn Clare, your hella fine!"
Now, I can handle a 13 year old thinking I'm hot. I'm mature, I'm good at my job, all that shit. I sat across from him at dinner. About halfway through the meal, I felt something move at the inside of my left ankle. Being taller than all the kids, I pulled my foot back. Then it happened on the right one. I pulled that back too. About halfway up my calf, I realized that a 13 year old was trying to play footsie with me. So I did what any normal self respecting staff would've done.
I waited till he got to my knee and stabbed him in the toe with a fork.
Which sparked this conversation (And I am not making this up)
Brian: What, you don't like it when a 13 year old plays footsie with you?
Me: NO!
Brian: It's not THAT much of an age difference. Will you go out with me?
Me: No!
Brian: Why not?
Me: I am WAY too old for you, and I'll lose my job.
Brian: They'll never know.
Me: Yes they will. The answer is no.
Brian: Your still hella fine.
It's part of the fun of working with children. Not only are they great for your ego, they seriously think that being "hella fine" should pay your bills.
If I was this popular with 13 year old boys when I was 13, I wouldn't be nearly this bitter.