The New Principal

1. The Meeting.

     The fact that Mrs. Druthers won't be at this stupid staff meeting has me pissy from the time I wake up. I don't want to go or find out who is replacing her. She hired me last year and spent much of her time mentoring me, making sure I adjusted to the school. It's a private school, funded by rich parents who want the best for their kids. I'm sometimes surprised that the best includes me.
       I never intended to be a teacher, I despised the idea as a younger man. But after getting to university and realizing my high school teachers failed me miserably, I realized I could make a difference. Teaching kids history is more fun than it sounds, save for those kids who hate the class, no matter what they're learning about.
      I dress in my usual, black button down and grey pants. My school is a little more open minded than some, allowing me to keep my hair longer, just now long enough to wear a bun. I decide to wear it up, the slightly humid weather making the decision for me.
      I make my way to school, happy they've finished the damned road work between me and work. I see Steph, a coworker, parking so I slip in next to her, greeting her with a hug.
     "Hey hot stuff," she laughs, hugging me. Steph got married this June and spent much of her summer holed up with the new mister. She's also the only one here, minus Mrs. Druthers, who knows I'm into the same sex. They never treated me differently, unlike my family, and that's why I love them so much.
      "Ready for this? I can't wait to see who the new principal is. I'm a little scared though." She giggles at me. "The old lady was a lot of fun." She makes me laugh, looping her hand around my elbow, walking into the school with me.
     We make our way into the staff room, furnished with plush couches and tables that are fancier than anything I'd have in my own house. Sitting at the table is a stranger, a handsome one at that. He looks up at us and smiles, making me pause at the door. He's almost too good looking, shaggy brown hair and green eyes. "Hello guys." He smiles again, oh my.
     I feel Steph nudge me before answering. "Well helloooo. I'm Steph, I teach a bunch of math! Ha. This is Thomas, he teaches History." This stranger smiles at me, never once even looking at Steph. "Hi," I say, waving slightly and moving past him to sit down. "What the fuck, Thomas? You didn't even let him talk," Steph whispers to me once we've sat on our favorite couch in the back. I just shrug, the stranger has apparently made me a mute.
     Steph and I gossip while the rest of our coworkers file in. We're joined soon by Reena, the art teacher who has somehow gotten in with us. She's the most creative person I've ever met. I'm slightly jealous, having never had a single spark of creativity.
     Soon everyone is here, the stranger still sitting at that table, alone. Everyone is looking around, confused as to what to do. The stranger then stands, making his way to the front of the room. "Hello everyone. I'm Joel Strafford, the new principal here. The Superintendent was going to come introduce me, but I asked to do it myself."
     I study him as he talks, long sleeved shirt tucked into dark jeans. He runs his hands through his hair as he talks, making it stand on end in places. It makes him even cuter, in my humble opinion.
      He goes on to tell us about his education and work history, having come from California. He stays professional, never mentioning his private life. I notice he keeps looking at me, never leaving his eyes on me very long. I can't seem to look away.
     "I'd like to have status meetings with everyone individually. We could start today if everyone is alright with that." We all nod, well I think I do. "Okay, three today. How about," he looks around, "you three back there. Art, math, history. In that order okay?" I feel a nudge from Steph again. "Sounds perfect, sir."
      The meeting ends, fairly uneventful. He arranges his meetings with the rest of the staff for the following few days before the school year starts on Monday. The three of us wait around, waiting for our meetings. Reena goes first, taking hardly any time at all. Then Steph goes in, taking a little longer but not much.
      It's soon my turn, and I'm feeling super anxious. He stands at the door, motioning for me to enter. He greets me with a hand out, ready to shake. He takes a seat across from me, looking me over before talking.
      He asks me about my lesson plan for the year, reading over the plan I gave him. He seems okay with it, stating it seemed I had a good idea of progression through the semester. He then stops talking, staring at me.
     "Can I ask something maybe a bit unprofessional?" I'm confused, but nodded. "May I have your phone number? I feel like we'll be... uh, good friends." He smiles and my insides flutter. "Sure you can." I give him my phone number and head out, him following me from his office. He smiles at me as I leave and I feel like this year is going to be so very confusing.