Secret Inferno

First Day

As I sat and waited for my students to filter into the classroom, my mind kept wandering to the strange dream I had the night before. I couldn’t figure out why I was dreaming of such things. Sure my class had started on our gothic unit, but we’ve just started looking at works by Edgar Allen Poe; but it had nothing to do with a little girl whose father was a jerk or watched her house burn down. I was so lost in thought I barely noticed when the Principal walked into my room and over to my desk.

Mrs. Scolio wore a violet dress suit with matching heels. She was in her early fifties and was starting to gray out her black hair. Like all Italians she had thick black hair and olive skin, but with a few laugh lines. She was a very pleasant woman, but I pity the students or even other adults that get in trouble with her. She could be quite terrifying if she felt the need to be.

“Mrs. Scolio, to what to I owe the pleasure?”  I asked politely with a smile. 

“Mr. Jones, I have a few important announcements for you and your class.”

She turned away from me and addressed all of the students who had by now found their seats.

“Today, I have some exciting news. First of all, we have a new transfer student and I expect you all to make him feel welcome.” She then turned to the door and motioned for the student to come inside who had been waiting in the hallway. Only two people came inside, the last two people I would’ve expected to see.

“Class, this is Dante McTavish and her brother, Carlisle. Mr. McTavish will be your new classmate and Ms. McTavish will be assisting Mr. Jones with his classes with you all. Hopefully, they will be here for a while so be nice to them and make them feel welcome.”  She turned back to me. “Mr. Jones, Ms. McTavish will be an excellent resource for you. Be sure you use it well.” And with that she was gone.

I swallowed. Carlisle and Dante were looking at me expectantly waiting for instruction.

“Uh, right then. Ms. McTavish, Carlisle, since you’re both new would you mind telling us a little about yourselves?”

I couldn’t think of what else to do, the tradition usually is that the class asks the new kids about themselves in my class. Otherwise they spend the whole class asking questions rather than paying attention to me. I figured better to get at least some of their curiosity eased, at least enough so that they can follow what I’m trying to teach them.

Carlisle seemed more than willing to share, seeing as he smiled brilliantly and faced the class.

“Hi, everybody! My name is Carlisle. My family and I just moved here from New York. Umm…. I like English classes and sciences; I’m good at all sports, though I’m particularly fond of swimming. And my favorite pastimes are music and books.” Carlisle was practically bouncing up and down with excitement. I had no doubts that he would end up with a lot of friends.

Dante on the other hand; not so much.

Her face was just as impassive and emotionless as it was the day before and she looked like she was trying to restrain herself from saying anything. She laid a hand on Carlisle’s shoulder and he looked behind him at her. Apparently it was her way of telling him to calm down and he stopped bouncing on his heels. The class chuckled at this, but they didn’t seem to notice.

I cleared my throat to get their and the class’s attention.

“Thank you for that Carlisle, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this class then if you like English classes. Why don’t you have a seat by Marcus over there?”

Carlisle pulled his shoulder out of his sister’s hand and did as I asked and sat down in the seat by the window next to Marcus Tranis. As I expected, they introduced themselves quietly and started whispering to each other. Already he was making friends. I then turned my attention to Dante who was still standing in front of the classroom awaiting my instruction. I smiled at her.