Obsessed with Submission

3

This so-called “Magic Monday,” faculty meeting has already caused a migraine for Ophelia. She sits beside her Aunt, staring as the headmistress, Mrs. Powell explains the focus points for the week. “This could have been done in an email.” She whispers, taking a bite of her chocolate croissant.

“Magic Mondays” are catered by the nearby brunch restaurant in the Highland Village a mile down the road. Aunt Lea had explained that every 2 weeks they hold a meeting to plan, discuss students, and see where improvements can be made in different areas. This just happened to be the meeting where they discussed funds for the mission trip next month to Connecticut.

“Honestly,” Azalea whispers back, draining the last of her hazelnut coffee. “I need more coffee to deal with this.” She motions with her chin across the room. “See that table?” Ophelia nods without looking too obviously at said table. “It was either Puerto Rico to help with the relief or Connecticut to work on community gardens. They had the deciding vote.” The table seats 5 and all of them are older than Ophelia’s mom.

“Oh…” She grabs a blueberry muffin from the tray in the center of their table. The other teachers seated with them are Dr. Davis, head of the science department, Judy Hotch is the biology teacher, and Ms. Franklin leads art. None of them pay their whispering any mind. Ms. Franklin is intently knitting, not even focused on the meeting. Dr. Davis is slowly inching her rolling chair back to the door, Judy right along with her. “I see. Well, maybe next trip it could be Puerto Rico?”

Azalea grabs ahold of Dr. Davis’ chair before the woman can finally roll away. “If I have to sit here and endure this, then you do too.” The woman glares at her but stops trying to escape. After a beat of silence, her Aunt turns back. “Sorry. But yeah, that’s our goal for Spring.”

She is about to answer back when Mrs. Powell’s voice is suddenly louder than before. “Ms. Long, is there any reason why you and Ms. North are speaking during the presentation?” Headmistress Powell stands in front of their table, her arms crossed and face downturned.

Feeling 30 pairs of eyes on them, Ophelia sinks lower in her seat. “No, I was just explaining to my niece about the presentation.” Aunt Azalea smiles sweetly, “Even though we have funds for the trip, we apparently don’t have enough to fix the mold in the girl’s locker room.”

Dr. Davis chokes on her bagel a laugh escaping, while the headmistress stares blankly at Azalea. “We have discussed that already Ms. Long.” Her flint-colored eyes settle on Ophelia. “Ms. North, why don’t you stand and introduce yourself. This is good a time as any.” She claps her hands, gathering everyone’s gaze. “Everyone, this is Ms. North, she is the new educational assistant for the science department.”

A pink flush settles on her cheeks, Ophelia stands, sweating. “Hello, I’m Ophelia.” She looks to the headmistress for direction and receives none. “Uh, I recently graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, so if you have technology questions, I’m happy to help.” Literal crickets could be chirping with how dead it is inside the room. “My favorite color is yellow and I have a pet fish named Twizzler, like the candy.” With a slight nod, she sits back down, face cherry red.

The headmistress inclines her head, glancing at her watch. “That’s all we have for today. Everyone remember to check your emails and we have the RTI meetings this Thursday, so come prepared.”

Azalea and Ophelia are one of the first to exit the room, hot on Dr. Davis’ heels. “Wow, she’s annoying.” Her mouth gapes at the Doctor's bluntness. “What? She is.” Her Aunt guffaws, clapping Ophelia on the shoulder. “So Ophelia, you’re going to be with me today. How are you in chemistry?”