Phrontistery Of Monster Kind - Six Feet Deep

Chapter 18

I got up, gathered my belongings from the music classroom and wished the man a good night. The night was still young, barely turning eight. Curfew had been expanded by an hour on Fridays and Saturdays, a new treat they were trailing out for the students and had become a world of pain for the few staff who monitored the halls. The only bonus was the older students had more time in the library.

I still had time and was going to go back to my office to relax before my shift. Along my way, I ran into Mayor.

"I'll join you. I wouldn't mind some fresh air," she said. The air wouldn't be any fresher unless you count the lack of smoke in her office.

"Oh, sure, of course, you can." I waited for the elderly woman to catch up before the two of us commenced our walk.

"Do you have night duty?" she asked, making conversation. She already knew the answer, having made the schedule herself sometime prior.

"Yes, might stop by my office until curfew begins, then make my way to the courtyard."

"I believe Clay is on duty too."

"Isn't he always?" I joked. "Couldn't get him to take less shifts?"

"With the extended curfew, the teachers are less willing to take night duty. I am giving them more weekend town trips and lunch duties to compensate." The two of us laughed at that. I was more than fine wasting my night hours as long as I didn't lose my lunch break as well. "It's his favourite part about the job."

"Odd choice, but to each is their own." My favourite was teaching, being in the classroom, and transforming ideas into digestible information for the new generation to grasp.

"I'm glad you're working here; I was worried about him looking after all those students on his own. You also seem to be the only one who doesn't care about what he is." She sighed, "I hate to admit it, but you are right, our staff don't get along as well as they should."

"You can't like everyone."

"The names. Until recently, I thought it was simply a nickname. That whole group has one, but after the incident with Mr Galloway, I know that's not the case. I heard what you did, tried to stand up for him. Help his reputation."

"He did it for me. It's only fair." There was a pause. "He's helped me out a bit and kept me on my toes. Lots of work to do. Mainly things he doesn't want to deal with."

"Not too much, I hope. If he does, I'll talk to him about it."

"No, it's all a decent amount. I am used to having a lot on my plate at once."

"What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?"

I rose my brow sceptically, but answered, "Nothing I can think of. Depends on how tonight goes."

To be honest, I had already cleared my schedule for the day. Normally I ran optional classes after lunch on Saturdays, but perhaps I might sit by the lake for a while instead. I might leave that to later to avoid the students. Or I could start my morning like that, after doing my rounds.

"If you are up, Clay and I were going to have a little get-together, away from all the other staff, if you would like to attend."

I thought about it. Any other day, I would love to, but tomorrow... it was a bit much to ask.

"I wouldn't like to interrupt-"

Worry flashed in her red eyes, "Well, it's been interrupted, as you so put it, by Harro inviting himself the last three times. He'll be there too, so it won't be so weird."

"Still-"

"I told Clay to invite someone, but he, as always, is being stubborn."

"Then why invite me and not just let him pick? And why invite anyone at all if it's your get-together?"