Expect the Unexpected

Isn't it Lava-ly

"... so, when sulphuric acid is launched into the atmosphere via a volcanic eruption, it can alter the planet's climate temporarily," said Doctor Oliver. "Hope you guys got all that."

Looking up from her notes, Anabel noticed that more than half the class were staring at the board tiredly. For the last hour, they had to listen while their science teacher droned on about volcanic activity and how it had shaped the world as they now knew, killing most of the dinosaurs, and repopulating with other animals.

"Could that happen today?" Lawrence asked, his hand shooting into the air and drawing attention to himself. "I mean, could a volcanic eruption alter the way things are in modern times?"

"Yes," said Doctor Oliver. "Every volcanic eruption that occurs in modern times could cause a climate change."

"Climate change isn't just linked to volcanic activity, though," said Anabel, now drawing attention to herself. "The Greenhouse Effect is climate change, and that has to do with the warming of the planet."

"Yes, but the Greenhouse Effect takes years to form," said Doctor Oliver, smiling slightly. "A cloud of sulphuric acid is more devastating in the sense that it would block out the sun, cooling the Earth at a considerable rate."

Anabel bit the inside of her cheek and looked back at her notes. She wasn't actively seeking a discussion, but rather pointing out that climate change could happen regardless of a volcano eruption.

"Alright, before we go, just a couple of announcements," said Doctor Oliver, calling for the class's attention one more time. "Our very own Ethan James is going to be competing at the Detonation Man competition at Hayley's Cyberspace this week," he said, grinning at the boy in question.

The room erupted in an applause.

"I hope you all come down to watch," Doctor Oliver added. "Also, I just want to let you guys know that we'll be having a sub tomorrow."

Anabel furrowed her brow as she looked up. They had only just got Doctor Oliver back, so why was he missing class again so soon?

"He's someone who knows a lot about volcanoes. I think you're going to find what he has to say interesting," Doctor Oliver said.

The bell rang, signalling the end of class.

"You can go," Doctor Oliver said, releasing them.

Anabel slowly packed away her things, watching as each of her classmates trickled out of the science room. She passed a smile to Chris as he clapped a hand on her shoulder and filed out behind Devin and Cassidy.

Soon, only she and Doctor Oliver remained.

"Here," said Doctor Oliver, passing her a folder of notes.

"What's this?" Anabel asked, taking it.

"It's for Circe."

"Circe's back in the Mystic Realm," said Anabel. "Why would she need this?"

"For the same reasons I am missing class tomorrow."

"And they would be?"

"Zeltrax. After what happened to you, I don't want to take any chances," Doctor Oliver explained. "I've already contacted Root Core. They're sending Blade back to assist your mother, and Circe should be at my place this afternoon."

Anabel groaned. "Overprotective, much?" she asked.

"Aren't I allowed to be?"

Anabel shrugged. "I guess," she said, hesitating slightly.

"What?"

Anabel sighed. "I'm not used to someone being this protective of me," she said. "I mean, my mother is the mayor, I'm supposed to have a security team that follows my every move, but I asked my mum to pull them off because they were interfering with my social life."