Phrontistery Of Monster Kind - Six Feet Deep

Chapter 13

The school, mainly Mayor, thought it would be a good idea to organise a night out for the younger teachers to encourage socialisation between me and the younger staff.

She must have picked up on my avoidance of the group, that or it was something they already did, and I was forced to tag along.

Walton took charge of the event, changing it from a nice dinner at the pub to a trip to a local nightclub. Everyone seemed to be aware of the change, dressed in their best club outfits, openly walking in them as they headed to the entrance of the school.

I waited by the minibus as everyone exited, chatting in their group. A few eyed me as they approached. Some were more indifferent to my attendance than others. Walton seemed to be talking to Ophis about me before rushing over. "Oh Esmay! Glad you could make it. You know, you could have worn something revealing. We are trying to steal the spotlight after all."

"Not my style." I was still in my teaching clothes. One I'd be wearing for my classes tomorrow since someone planned this for a school night.

One teacher whispered, "Prude" but I didn't catch who.

He was showing enough skin for the both of us. I almost said that to lighten the mood, but I didn't know the man well enough.

"I'm a bit old for this scene, but I promised Mayor I would go."

"We need to work on your spirit. You're sound like Mors- Speaking of which, have you seen him? "

"No, is he coming?"

"He's our ride. Plus, Mayor is convinced he is young and should get out more."

"Sounds about right."

The van door opened, and Mors revealed himself in his black hoodie. "Hurry up and get in, I have marking to do." So, he was the one babysitting us.

The group of eight filed in, reluctantly thanking Mors as they did so. We were taking time out of his night so we could drink and dance and act like young fools. It was an hour's drive and taking that out of his life was a lot to ask- especially for a man they muttered about behind his back. He did it with minimal complaint. The seat beside him was reserved for paperwork, so the eight of us had to arrange ourselves in the back. Most of the people in attendance I expected: Walton, Chiro, Ophis and her girlfriend. But then there was Isha who traded her South Asian attire for a black body con dress. And I never even thought of the art teacher and nurse joining us. They were all young enough just to enjoy partying. I never realised we had most of the younger staff. Marchella's attendance concerned me, her species not interacting well with alcohol, but there was a chance she just wanted to dance with her friends. All but two in attendance were responsible for looking after year nine. It made me question how the owl got out of the event. He couldn't be more than seven years older than the oldest here, but maybe it was the cut-off.

If he couldn't be here, surely, I shouldn't.

Everyone was forced to sit in silence so Mors could listen to his audiobook version of Frankenstein on CD. From Chiro's groan, I assumed this was a usual occurrence. The price they pay for his time. Mary, the school's doctor, muttered along as the woman read.

The audio wasn't fluid, as though someone was reading the book aloud to a child rather than professionally done. She messed up and corrected words, chuckling and mumbling to herself. Those few times, Mors would chuckle too.

"Noi need to get him another audiobook," Chiro commented, softly enough for the man to miss it from her seat in the middle back. A few glared at her. Ophis just hummed, laying her head on her girlfriend's shoulder.

"He likes it. Who cares?"

I knew little about the gargoyle Paris, but she seemed to be the peacekeeper amongst the year nine staff and unlike most situations, it worked. This group was a unit, and she was the female equivalent to 'Mr Death'.