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They nod.
I motion to Christian. “Give us something.”
He straightens, his body facing the class as he signs.
I’m sorry, Wilson! Wilson, I’m sorry!
Their bank faces stare back at him. I, on the other hand, let out a bark of laughter.
“I was expecting something from Lord of the Rings, Transformers, hell even the Marvel franchise. Not that.”
“What? Castaway is my grandad’s favorite movie. It’s on all the time. It’s the only thing I could think of.”
“Okay, let’s do an experiment. I want you to, one by one, stand up front and sign your favorite movie quote. Whether it be funny, sad, heartwarming—anything goes. This way everyone can see the range of facial expressions and how you use them while signing.
I watch them one by one. A few of the lines I recognize. Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Iron Man. They’re doing a great job so far.
We’re halfway through the class when Marsha comes up, her gaze meeting Christian’s as she signs. Her face falling, her eyes sad as she signs.
I’ll never let go, Jack.
A few of the girls in class sigh dreamily. I have to control rolling my eyes. This is no place for a Titanic quote that means she can flirt with her boyfriend. Though, I said they could do anything.
“Thank you, Martha,” I chuckle. Her cheeks flame red before she moves back to her seat.
I wave a hand, and we keep going. Twenty minutes later, I have one student left. He looks rather pleased as he comes up to the front. He makes sure everyone is settled with their eyes on him. He turns, I can see he’s getting into character. Some of these kids, I swear.
He turns around, his face looking worried yet defiant as he signs.
Dad’s on a hunting trip and he hasn’t been home in a few days.
Christian high-fives him.
“Now that, ladies and gents, was an applause-worthy skit; however,” I say, looking over at Tony, “it was a little too theatrical for everyday use. It’s one thing to be expressive and another to be over the top. It’s best to not show all your cards at one time. That’s not to say you can’t use it on occasion. Now, if you were, let’s say, translating for someone who was attending a screening of a movie, or at a theatrical performance, then you’d have nailed it. I’m not saying that wasn’t amazing; it was. You nailed Dean Winchester. You can be seated now.”
“Professor, Dean Winchester is a bit dramatic at times.” Kaitlyn stands up for her brother.
“Yes, he is. I’m telling my age, but I watched the show as the episodes aired. There are a few that could have been good for today’s purpose. But, as I said to him, Tony did a great job, but every day translation isn’t going to be to that level. Does that make sense?”
Everyone nods in understanding. I look at my watch and then nod to the door.
“Okay, you can all get out of here. Use your extra half hour to your advantage. Study for the semester test on Tuesday.”
When the room is empty, I make my way out to the hall.
“Professor, can I ask you a question?”
“Sure, Kaitlyn, if you can ask while we walk. I have to meet my girlfriend at the library.”
“Girlfriend? Oh, okay. I’ll be quick.” I see her face drop slightly after I say ‘girlfriend’ as she looks to be scrambling for a question. What is it with these young girls having ideas that they can get closer to their professors? She isn’t the first one to give me that look. I’m old enough to be her father—no, thank you. I am more than happy with my girl. I need no other, nor do I need the complications of dating a student.
I start walking. She’ll keep up or not. I really have to get to the library.
“What do we study for the test? I have to work tonight and all weekend.”
“Everything we’ve gone over the last four weeks. This is the end of the semester final. It’s worth forty percent of your semester grade, just like the last one. “
We walk out of the building, taking the stairs to the sidewalk.
