Sweet Perks to a Sweet Job

The prompt: Mystery Cookie
One Day you come into work and find a cookie mysteriously placed on your desk. Grateful
to whoever left this anonymous cookie, you eat it. The next morning you come in and find
another cookie. This continues for months until one Day a different object is left—and this
time there’s a note....

"OOOOOh!" Suzy says, "Looks like somebody has a secret admirer." 

"Maybe," I reply as I bite into another delicious mouthful of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. "Or maybe Santa is treating me to some early Christmas gifts." 

For the past week someone has been sneaking over to my desk when I am not there and leaving me a cookie. My class of Kindergarteners won't admit it and they aren't too great at telling lies yet... or so I thought.

Who could it be? And why are they doing it?

Days and days go by and the cookies keep coming, different times, different kinds, different ways. Each made fresh and each tasting just as delicious. 

By the second week, my mouth watered for the sweetness I craved. I asked teacher after teacher if they knew who it was? Was someone playing a joke? Did someone had a crush? Someone that bakes this good, could sweep me off my feet in no time... maybe.

As a teacher, you are told to not eat the random foods that make their way to your desk, but playing and learning with 37 Kindergarteners, a little pick-me-up goes a long way. And one as good as this, goes even farther. 

After 30 days (And 30 perfect cookies) I began to think the cookies would keep coming. If someone is going to keep it up for a month, maybe it will last a lifetime. As I bit into yet another bite of the mouthwatering snickerdoodle. I froze.

In the middle of the cookie... was a note. I quickly withdrew my teeth from the paper and stared down at it. "Meet at the flagpole, 5 o'clock" was all that was written on it in a coarse, dark handwriting.

...Well, this was odd, I thought. Throughout the afternoon, I couldn't help but flipping decisions. Do I go? Do I go home? I mean I might as well say thanks? 

I questioned myself all day. I had to go, but maybe I needed to bring someone. By then it would be dark? Did they pick that time on purpose? 

How was I supposed to know it was them? Like, that was a logical question. How many people did I think would hang around an elementary school's flag pole over 2 hours after school let out. 

Then right before the dismissal bell rang, I turned back towards my desk and on it, I saw a magic 8 ball. Figured, right?

So as I dismissed the children and let them run home to their loved ones. I quickly grabbed up the ball and asked it if I go to the flagpole.

"Without a doubt" it tumbled back to me. I had decided, through the help of a "magic" 8 ball that I would go meet the "secret admirer" that has been leaving me cookies for a month. 

As 5 oclock leared closer. I turned off my computer, reached for my bag and turned off the lights. I headed in the dark of the fall night to the flagpole and waited nervously to see who would appear.

All of a sudden, I heard a branch snap beneath someone's feet behind me. I froze and as my heart began to beat a little more back to normal, I turned slowly around. 

In front of me, was a 6th grade student, smiling ear to ear. 

"How'd ya like my cookies, Miss P?" Cody asked. I was shocked. How could this student be so sneaky? And why?

"They were the best part of my day, Mr. Cody. Where did you get them from?" I asked still in disbelief.

"I made them. After that time we made cookie dough in your class, I have been making cookies every week. That was years ago. I wanted to share what I could do with you. Besides, mom wanted me to stop leaving them around the house. So I thought I'd share my passion with the one who made it so."

"Wow Cody. They were marvelous! I can't believe you made them all by yourself. Why'd you leave the 8 ball?" 

"Oh! That's where I left it! I meant to borrow it to Troy today. Do'ya think I can get it from you tomorrow, Mrs. P?" 

"Absolutely, Mr. Cody. Oh, and Mr. Cody? Continue baking and keep pushing yourself. You have quite the talent. Thank you for sharing it with me." 

"No, thank you Mrs. P." Cody said as he slinked back away towards his home. 

I sat down laughing at myself for the fear I had after the note. Cody was always a sweet kid, though a bit on the shy side. He always worked really hard and made sure he pushed himself even farther. He always wanted to be the best and I am glad that at such an early age, he had found it. Teachers may not make the millions they should, but we sure get some pretty sweet rewards.