A Rift Between Us

Chapter 28 - The Weight Of Responsibility

Mr Dodge's fist struck the door's glass panel, sending out a crack that echoed like a gunshot. Dust from the glass frame dispersed in the air, tickling his nose. Alfie's lips twitched at the sight of the web of cracks in the glass. Mr Dodge stepped back, head down, as he rolled another small piece of Blue Tack in his fingers. He muttered what Alfie could only guess were expletives.

"Grab your stuff and follow me."

His vascular hand swiped his mug, pulling the door open with force. Alfie watched as he stormed down the corridor with a scrunched-up nose and bared teeth. He quickly threw on his bag before exiting the room, flicking the lights off as he left. Every inch of the school corridors buzzed like a beehive. Students of all year groups traversed their way outside. Alfie walked, glancing at them, and then noticed an idle student in the crowd. 

He slowed his pace, his eyes narrowing to clear the blurriness from his vision.

Oh, it's her...

Numerous students brushed past Keiko as she remained motionless, her gaze directed towards the floor. Alfie continued to walk, shifting his view to where her side was visible. Her phone was in her hand, her thumbs tapping against the screen.

Who's she texting? I'm pretty sure she doesn't have any friends here yet.

More people flooded into the corridor like a tidal wave, causing her to disappear from view in the sea of black uniforms. The office was different, having very few people. Mr Dodge held out his hand in front of Alfie, causing him to halt as he looked down at the outstretched hand.

"Stay here. Let me see what the heck this is all about."

He ruffled his hair, walking towards the glass partition separating visitors from the receptionist. This time, a familiar voice came out instead.

"Mr Dodge, we'll need you to cover an after-school revision class for year 10's and year 11's. They'll be in room 84."

Mr Dodge placed his hands on his head, his movements reflecting in Alfie's glasses. He rotated his body, biting hard on his lip. His hands moved from his head to his hips, struggling to digest the news. Tugging at his hair, he faced Ms Camdyn.

"I can't do this, I have other commitments today!" His fingers fanned out in the air in frustration. "I've also covered for a science and ICT class that I wasn't even meant to cover!"

Alfie's eyes bounced back and between Mr Dodge and the glass partition. He could almost sense Ms Camdyn's dense, unsympathetic energy emanating from behind it.

"The needs of the students are paramount, Mr Dodge, especially at this time. I'm sure you are aware of that."

She continued to share information that failed to reach Alfie's ears. Various people entered the office, making her words harder to decipher.

Wow. Mr Dodge has a lot on his plate. Kinda feel bad for him...

Alfie's thoughts evaporated as Mr Dodge walked past him, his mug swaying loosely by his side. His crumpled shirt matched his chaotic hair, as did the musky smell of his sweat.

"Just go home. Your detention will happen another time."

Alfie nodded in agreement as Mr Dodge marched away, slipping through the crowd gathered in the office. Alfie looked at the school gates in the distance, the electric doors sliding open as he stepped out.

I wonder if he'll call my mum after all that. I hope he forgets.

His thoughts were abruptly shattered by a piercing screech that assaulted his ears.