Double Standards

“We swear we won’t say anything!” Gabi grabbed Alyssa’s hand and then crossed her heart as she looked at Sue with all the feigned innocence of a priest. “Please tell us what you heard. Pleaseeeee….” Alyssa managed to hide the disgust she felt. One would have thought Gabi’s life depended on the information in question. She was such a hypocrite - such a gossip driven heifer!

Alyssa looked at Sue and gave a small nod. She had to admit she was a bit curious about what had been said about Mr. Gonzalez despite the bad taste Gabi left in her mouth with the fake ways.

The three women were fifth grade teachers at Portsmouth Elementary School. At present, they huddled closer together in the workroom, in anticipation of what secret Sue was about to divulge. Whatever it was, Alyssa thought Sue had best hurry because their co-workers were about to enter the room eager to enjoy their brief lunch breaks.

Sue peered over her shoulder one final time to ensure they were alone before she leaned closer and spoke in a whisper, stifling a girlish giggle despite the fact she was almost forty. “I heard Mr. Gonzalez was called to task – maybe even written up and disciplined – for wearing such tight pants.”

Mr. Gonzalez was the school’s Assistant Principal. Even though he was about forty-five years old, he dressed as if he thought he was still in high school or college, his overly snug slacks reflective of the same. Pretty much everyone, including staff, parents, and most likely some students, agreed his tight pants revealed more than they should. The fact that he was an Administrator in an elementary school only made the matter worse.

“Well, I can imagine how difficult a discussion that must have been for Principal Langston. She probably wanted to crawl under her desk and hide.” Alyssa was the most serious – and perhaps the most mature of the three. She spoke with the utmost gravity, somewhat embarrassed for the Administrator who had been faced with such a daunting task.

“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. His pants show everything – and more!” Gabi spoke like a witness in a courtroom who held evidence that would lead to a criminal’s conviction.

“Still, do you not find it a bit unfair.....?” Alyssa threw out the question, but the women were abruptly interrupted as other teachers entered the room, putting an end to the ongoing discussion and leaving the question she had just thrown into the mix unanswered.

*************

Two hours later, Gabi was leaving the restroom during planning period and encountered Sarah, the Gifted Teacher, in the hallway. Gabi gestured for Sarah to come a bit closer, indicating she had news to share.

“Did you hear about Mr. Gonzalez?” she asked.

Sarah shook her head to indicate she had not.

“Well, it’s finally hit the fan. He’s been suspended because of his tight pants.”

Gabi felt it was okay to go ahead and add the suspension as she was sure it was bound to happen anyway. Her reasoning (or lack thereof) was that she might as well tell it like it was or not bother telling it at all.

*********

Later that same afternoon, Alyssa reported to the cafeteria to assist with the daily chore of dismissal. When only a few students remained, her co-worker, Lydia, moved to stand beside her, obviously intent on sharing some bit of gossip. Alyssa suppressed an eye roll. Women were such habitual creatures, were they not?

“Did you hear about Mr. Gonzalez’ suspension?” Lydia asked, her eyes gleaming with the prospect of sharing such delicious gossip. Oh, but how quickly things could blow like a sandstorm through a staff of about one hundred people, most of whom were women.

Alyssa turned and eyed Lydia. Her distaste for the subject matter Lydia was spreading was evident. Here and now was a chance to add another piece to this story. Perhaps what she was about to say would circulate just as quickly as the initial gossip had.

“Why Lydia Thompson, I’m a bit surprised at you spreading such rumors. Do you not find it the least bit hypocritical that Mr. Gonzalez was reprimanded for tight trousers when more than two-thirds of our staff," she clucked her tongue and shook her head as she looked pointedly at Lydia's skirt hem before continuing, "wear dresses up to only God knows where? Such double standards, don't you agree?"

Surprise flooded, and Lydia’s eyes grew large at the other woman’s words.

Alyssa looked up to find Mr. Gonzalez entering the cafeteria, as always, ready to assist teachers with their duties. Her face broke into a large, catlike grin. She nodded, gesturing for Lydia to look in the direction of the Assistant Principal. “Well, there he is - Mr. Gonzalez, who has NOT been suspended, alive and well, in the flesh.” After a moment, she returned her attention to Lydia, who now stood red-faced, much like a chastised child. “As with politics and social media, you can’t believe everything you hear around here, my friend. If you choose to spread what you do hear, however, you should probably fact check or research it first - or at least look at both sides of the coin, so to speak.”

A look of triumphant satisfaction crossed Alyssa’s face with her words. It was likely no one would ever hear any of what she'd just said - at least not in the manner in which it was intended - but in some small way, she felt justified, both for herself and Mr. Gonzalez. She should really be his PR person, she thought, giving herself a mental pat on the back for her wisdom and efforts.

Alyssa walked across the room and stood beside Mr. Gonzalez, as though in solidarity and to offer her unbridled support. Glancing down, she released a pent up sigh: a mixture of satisfaction and something akin to frustration. Now, about those damn, tight ass trousers….