Phrontistery Of Monster Kind - Six Feet Deep

Chapter 14

While all the other students worked on their assignments, Rosemary set up her origami at my desk as she taught me how to make her flowers.

It was three different projects merged into one. The flower, the stem and the leaves. We had a collection of colours, making up for some of the ones that were destroyed. I didn't inform her I salvage some of them in the wreck, thankful as they were paper most survived but would require some TLC.

After teaching me, she zipped through making a dozen. She included little hearts and stars to distribute at the next gay-straight alliance meeting.

From what she told me, it was more of an excuse for queer students and allies to share their hobbies and interests and meet new friends.

"I bet they'll love them," I said, checking out one done with floral paper.

"I need something really special; do you have any more of the flower-pressed paper?"

I pulled some out of the bottom shelf of the bookcase behind me. "Any that you fancy?" I offered them over.

"Do you have any rose ones?"

I shook my head. "Don't tend to work with roses. Strange, since they are my favourite flower."

"Do any of these flowers mean love?"

I scanned the stack in my hands, half of which I was unsure what they were made of. "Sorry. Are you sure you don't want to gift real flowers instead?"

"It won't last as long and she's too cool for flowers."

"Everyone likes flowers."

"Would you give one to Mr Mors?"

I rose my brow, but answered honestly, "Depends on the flower. If you want rose paper, I'll teach you how to make it if you supply the petals."

"Deal."

"Now, how many more flowers before I fill this vase?"

I received a notification on my watch informing me of an impromptu staff meeting being called after curfew. I ended the night class off early, excusing myself after ensuring that everyone was out of my classroom with an attendance slip.

Vivian Barkley stopped in front of me, asking if everything was all right.

"Of course it is, Vivian. If you need any help with your work, let me know, and I can set aside some time."

The year eleven nodded and left to catch up with her friends.

I reached the staffroom as early as I could. It didn't seem everyone had gotten the memo, as the room was bare except for twenty teachers, excluding Mayor and Harro. I was the last to arrive; I apologised, informing them the reason for my lateness, before taking space on the couch beside the rat science teacher dressed in her nightgown.

"We called all of you in here to inform you that the brother of Vivian Barkley was discovered to be dead two nights ago. We are telling you this as all of you are the teachers of either Vivian or her cousins Jet, Simon, and Addison Barkley. Due to both the sudden death and disturbing nature in which he was found, we would like you all to monitor the children and ensure the time after his passing doesn't cause any long-term negative effects on their psyche, as well as to be lenient on them in the upcoming weeks," Harro said.

The mustn't have informed the children yet.

"We are aware some of you had taught him, and others went to school with Ralph, and we are here for you if the news is too much," Mayor added.

"How did el die?" Chiro asked from her place in the back of the room. "You said it was disturbing."

"I don't believe it is important-" Mayor went to say before Harro cut her off.