Teacher's pet

Elementary school teachers loved me. I think it's because my mom still dressed me and everything matched; from my headband right down to my socks. I was also very quiet and aimed to please. I remember my third grade teacher, 'Ms. Devin,' making me do odd tasks. Like staying in from recess to help her clean. But she was so afraid I'd get dirty, that she'd put paper towels down on the floor for my pretty little knees. I found ashtrays full of her butts next to the yellow sponges in the steel school cabinets. Her voice was raspy and her makeup was thick. Years later she passed away in a bad car accident. She loved me like a daughter. I both feared and respected her. Other people called her, 'Devil-dog Devin.'