Overtime

twenty-eight ✧ || family

As their presentation drew to a close, Ms. Dansworth wandered forward again. In the midst of the dying clapping, she shook The Professor's hand and took her place before the microphone. "Thank you, Professor Daniels." She cleared her throat, folding her hands. "Everyone, today we'll say that lunch begins half an hour early. Classes resume at 1pm." With a faint wave, the crowd was dismissed and thus burst to life with chatter and excitement.

The Professor trotted after Dansworth as they made their way down the steps of the stage, sliding to the side of the room to continue a conversation they were in the midst of. As they stopped to the side of the stage, The Professor turned back to his pupils, watching as they made their way to the edge of the stage.

"Aubrey," he calls, lifting a hand to wave her down. The call snagged the interest of their entire team, Aubrey's peaceful smile speaking with Noah and Colten halting. The Professor offered a smile, hoping to assure her of his intent for peace. "Ms. Dansworth and I want to speak with you."

Aubrey hesitates, but feeling a comforting pat on her back she turned, offering Colten a thankful smile before vanishing down the stairs.

"Aubrey," before The Professor had a chance to say anything, Ms. Dansworth stepped forward, accepting both of the teen's hands into her own. Her smile was genuine, almost excited, as she swayed their palms back and forth. "It is so wonderful to officially meet you."

"Ms. Dansworth wanted to professionally introduce herself to you given your relations with the last principal," The Professor continued, giving the new principal a faint nod, nudging her to speak more on what they had discussed previously.

The woman nodded, dropping the teens hands. "I just want to reach out so you don't feel threatened by me." She explained, her excited gaze snapping, almost instantly, to one of sincerity. "Glendhall was a vile man, and I hate that I need to clean up the mess he made while he was in this position," she shook her head, the thought disgusting her. "But if I can assure you of anything, I want you to know that I am actually here to support you and your team any way I can."

Aubrey smiled. It wasn't forced or bitter like many of the grins she had given her classmates while on their mission. This one was genuine, real, honoured even. "Thank you, Ms. Dansworth." She said, tucking some brown hair behind an ear. "I trust you."

From across the room, Dustin could see Ms. Dansworth place a hand to her chest, as if honoured by something Aubrey had said. How strange that he was watching Aubrey get along with a principal when the position had previously been filled by someone so vile to her.

"It's weird knowing after all this time we still aren't even going to be students here." Raymond sighed, drinking in the sight of students fumbling out of the room, draining into hallways to fulfill lunch plans.

"Dang," Dustin sighed, his gaze latching onto the brunette at his side. He hesitated as he watched the male adjust his glasses. "You really are a nerd, Ray."

Raymond turned, a smirk dancing across the cheeks fumbling to a shade of pink. Dustin grinned, jostling the male's shoulder. His own cheeks became warm hearing the male's hearty laugh at his tease.

"You're not wrong." Raymond said, scratching behind his ear. "At least I have access to all the school's textbooks."

Dustin snorted. "Looking on the bright side I see." He shook his head, astounded. "It amazes me that the positive side to you means willingly doing homework."

Raymond shrugged, his smirk never fading. The two turned their attention to the centre of the gym, watching as the twins and Colten spoke with a handful of female students, giggling and eagerly leering to speak.