by Patricia Gilliam

Created on: December 16, 2008   Last Updated: September 15, 2009

The Christmas Mural

"Wow, that's going to have to go! It's a shame, too...makes me want to take the whole wall out and put it in my house."

"It's beautiful..."

Principal Jason McNab and janitor Elliot Wilson gazed in silence for a moment at what had to be the most intricate painting Elliot had ever saw.

"There are three more down there that are almost as incredible," McNab said as he gestured down the main hallway leading to the classrooms. "This one was intentionally meant for the entrance."

"Who painted them?"

"A woman named Angela King. She was the art teacher with the Christian school. From what I heard, she worked on all four murals a little each week for nearly 30 years. I have no idea if she's still alive or not. Principal Vega said the other 3 shouldn't cause any stir. She hoped we wouldn't do anything to this one, but the Board of Education won't go for this. One lawsuit, and the legal fees would take up more money than we already don't have for the kids. We have to anticipate complaints now even when there may not be one."

"Why didn't the Christian schools just merge here instead of Hampton? They look the same size from the outside."

"Hampton's a newer school with more A/V equipment already built in. They're taking the money the state gave them for this building and getting more computers. Vega says her and Hampton's principal are also considering a tuition break until the economy picks back up again. They don't want to lose any kids due to parents getting laid off and that sort of thing."

Still looking over the painting, Elliot's mind began to think of alternatives to what may have been the most tragic and horrible thing he'd ever been asked to do in his life.

"If you can give me a week, I can build out the wall around this to where the kids will never know there was a painting. I'll find the wood, drywall, paint-everything. Maybe one day after the school is closed it can be opened back up again without having to destroy or paint over it."

"We need to have everything ready by Monday, and there are also some other issues I need to show you. I have a list here somewhere," McNab replied as he patted his pockets, finally handing Elliot a piece of notebook paper, "Could you get it done in a weekend? I should be able to approve you for the extra time."

"I'm not sure if I could get the supplies in-"

"Don't worry about the supplies. Just call me tomorrow with what you need, and I'll go by Home Depot. I'll take care of the expenses personally. Just take care

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