Unpolished

Changes

Chapter Nine

Changes

(Playlist – Trespassing by Adam Lambert )

Vance's POV:

We pulled into the school at 7:30. I had been able to catch a quick shower before throwing on a pair of jeans and a button down shirt. Isaac had done the same, only he had dressed his part, wearing a tight fitting white t-shirt, and a nice pair of black sweatpants. Walking into the school, we received stares not only from the staff, but from students as well. Glimpses of days to come.

We went to introduce ourselves to the secretary, but were intercepted by a tall, lean man with a tight set jaw and hollow cheeks. He wore thick, brown rimmed glasses and had a clean shaven head. I initiated the conversation. "It's nice to meet you...?"

"Principal Hendricks. You must be the two new teachers. You don't know how happy we are to have you here." As I went to shake his hand, he clasped onto mine with both of his.

"I'm Mr. Capriani. This is my friend and colleague Mr. Zeiger." I gestured towards Isaac, and they shook hands as well.

"Ah! Zeiger. I recognize the name, and the resemblance. You have a huge name to live up to. A family of Olympians. Well, we are so lucky to have you here. Get our kids whipped into shape, eh." Hendricks gave a mock punch to Isaac's arm to which Isaac faked being hurt.

"Wow, you have some guns on you there Mr. Hendricks." Isaac was obviously lacking any real humor. "You're not so bad yourself there."

"Yeah, I try to keep up a regimen. Swinging the golf clubs don't hurt either."

"Perhaps you could work out with us one morning, but why don't you give us a tour of the school, and show me to my classroom? I am sure Mr. Zeiger would like to get warmed up a bit before the first bell rings."

"Absolutely. Welcome to Ashley Waters." I couldn't help but notice a sneer laced in his voice. Maybe it was just me applying what Blackbourne's team had told us. Thus far.

Once I was settled in the classroom I would be time-sharing. I picked up the roster. I would have a homeroom, and of course the Italian beginners class. Jade's name was listed for both of my classes, and her brother was to be in my homeroom. Jade would knock them on their asses. It's a shame I knew exactly where she was right now. I decided to quickly text Marco.

Me: Wishful thinking, any changes?

Marco: Nothing. Was waiting for text from you before nap.

Me: Sleep then.

Marco: Done.

The bell rang right as I was shoving the phone in my back pocket. Hearing the noise was like the running of the bulls when visiting Spain. I walked to the front of my desk and halfway sat on the corner, papers in hand. Students poured in. I listened to the whispers and watched the stairs.

"Oh, my god!"

"What happened to Mr. Terrel?"

"He better not hit on my girlfriend."

"I think I just died and went to heaven."

Sheesh. Thankfully I was saved by the final bell. "Per favore, si accomodi. Please, have a seat." There were still seats being moved around, but it was relatively quiet. "I am Mr. Capriani. For those of you who had wanted to take the foreign language elective when school started, and were denied, lucky for you I came along." There were a few laughs. "I am going to take attendance, and then I am sure the bell will ring before I can bore you with my life story."