The Spitter

by Angela Tadlock
It's the first day of preschool. Like all parents, I cried when I saw her ready. Armed with Miss Kitty (the white Ty-baby kitten that had been grayed with her love) Emily walked out the door. Thirty minutes later we stood in line with our camera. I couldn't believe three and a half years ago she had been placed in my arms only six pounds and six ounces. Here she was now at thirty pounds excited and nervous to be going to school.When I went to pick her up two and a half hours later I was not prepared to hear that she had spit at the teacher. My mouth fell open. I went into the room and waited a few minutes while the other children left with their parents.At last we were alone with the teacher."You spit!?" I began to shake I was so angry. Her teacher and I began to explain harshly that when mommy is gone teacher is mommy. Tears of anger formed in my eyes. I couldn't believe I was so angry that tears had formed.After an apology we went to the car where I really laid down the punishment."Give me Miss Kitty!" Now it was she who was crying."NOOOOOOOOOOO!""You want her back!? Tomorrow at school you had better be good or you won't see her until next Thursday!"That day she screamed and pleaded for Miss Kitty. I had decided that she would get her back for school (I couldn't send her to school on the second day without some comfort), but at home, Miss Kitty was banned. It was her first night without Miss Kitty. It was harder for me than it was for her.Friday morning we readied Emily for school, I returned the ragged cat just for school and with a warning."If you are naughty at school, I will take her when you get home and you won't get her back until you are good at school."It worked! Later that morning her teacher reported excellent behavior. She received Miss Kitty and my Little Princess was a princess once more.Next Thursday she bit another student at school. Here we go again.