I stood beside the twins as I watched Teon take on the students alone. They just kept coming, and he beat them all easily, like it was nothing. He didn't even break a sweat, whereas his opponents were all sweaty and looked exhausted.
I hadn't seen Teon since my professorship induction; even then, he was sitting in the crowd. He was tall, really tall; I don't think I'd want to stand close to him.
"Sloppy," he nagged. "Faster," he said, kicking the student who approached him. Was he forced to teach as well?
"He's so cool," someone squealed. I agree.
"And handsome," another person said. That is true, but don't they have classes?
"That's enough," Teon said, throwing the wooden sword on the floor. Even if he didn't stop them, I don't think anyone could move again; they were all on the floor holding one side or the other. It's a bit scary watching that sight; it reminded me of the many disciplines I faced.
I turned to leave but was stopped by Bella. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"It's nothing," I replied.
"Won't you want to speak to Teon?" Ariel asked. I don't know if I want to; I am certain that he doesn't remember me that well. Even if he does, what will we talk about? I don't want to be a clingy kid.
"It's fine," I said. I turned and looked at the training ground; the spectators were already flooding in. "I can't get in that crowd," I said. Teon is really popular.
"You're just making excuses," Ariel complained. Why does she want me to speak to him that much? Should I just do it?
"Leave her alone, Ariel; it's fine, let's go," Bella said, and I nodded. I glanced back and met Teon's gaze; I turned quickly, surprised by the sudden eye contact. When I looked back, he was speaking to someone.
"What do you want to do?" Ariel asked.
"I don't know," I replied.
Should I have at least said 'hi'? Would he be angry that I didn't? Does he still remember me? Would it be bothersome if I had gone to meet him? Is it too late to? Should I go back?
I was so lost in thought I couldn't hear what Ariel was saying, and I didn't notice the wall in front of me.
"Are you alright?" the person said, and I looked up. It was so easy for a person to push me down without even trying.
"I'm fine," I said, massaging my nose. The person brought out his hand, and I took it. "Thank you…" I was saying but stopped. He looks familiar, but I just couldn't remember who it was.
"It's been a while, Master's daughter," he said, and I nodded. He is one of Mother's students; he has pink… oh!
"Landen?" I asked, just to confirm.
"Yes," he said, smiling.
"It has been a while," I said.
"It sure has. Did you go to see Teon?" he asked.
"No, I came to meet Bella," I said, and his expression changed briefly, but I still saw the disappointment in his eyes.
"I see. Well, see you around," he said, and I nodded. He looked above me, then he looked back down at me and smiled. "Bye, Faina," he said, and I nodded. Everyone grew so tall; even though I tell myself that I'm taller now, standing close to someone like Landen makes me feel shorter than I normally do.
"Faina?" I heard and turned. Why am I seeing everybody here?
"Alia," I said. She pulled me into a hug, which surprised me.
"Wow, what are you doing here?" Elwin said, approaching us. And another person; it's so good to see them again.
"I came to meet Bella," I said, gesturing at the twins. Bella waved, and they nodded at her.
"It's been a very long time," she said. Just a few months. "We need to catch up sometime, but we have somewhere to be now," she said, and I nodded. Should I ask her about Mother? "Master should be returning soon, so we might meet," she said, and I nodded. Mother is okay; that's good to hear.
"I don't want to keep you," I said, and she smiled.
"Sure, bye, Faina," she said, and I nodded.
I turned to wave at them and saw that Teon was with them. Is he angry at me? Is it because I didn't speak to him? I raised my hand to wave at him, but his expression was rigid, which stunned me a bit. He said something, and they turned to look at me. Landen laughed and said something, which made Teon leave. So, he's angry?
I waved at them and left with the twins. I have to start preparing my teaching materials.
…
I walked into my house, the place I've been staying since I became a professor. Tyler was waiting in front of the door, but he was asleep.
"Ty," I called, squatting to pat his head. He moved a bit but didn't stand up. I don't know how we both hate waking up once we are deep in sleep, but I still find a way to be early every day.
"You won't believe what happened today," I said. "I met everyone, Landen, Alia, Elwin… and Teon," I said. I should have gone to speak to him, but I'm just worried that it will be awkward.
Mother's students grew to be very tall, but it's intriguing how strong Teon is. I hated the sight of people cowering on the floor because it reminded me of myself, but I still found it amazing that he could hold his own against so many people.
It reminds me of his training with Mother; he was never beaten up to that point, but I wonder who would win if they fought again. Mother used to act like she was bored when they were fighting; now Teon was the one acting bored when fighting the other students. He must be as strong as Mother was back then; it's amazing.
Thanks to Alia, I know that Mother is fine, but why didn't she try to contact me? I was worried and scared.
I stood up and walked inside to get ready for work. I had a lot to do, preparing my scheme for the few weeks I'd be teaching had to take top priority because if I didn't do it, it could affect me.
I picked out my old notes on the subject as a reference for what I'd be teaching. It came in handy, and I was done with the first week within a few minutes.
"I just hope Principal doesn't coerce me into teaching permanently; it would affect my work," I said aloud as I relaxed on my chair. Tyler came to my side and sat down. "Let's go eat something," I said, standing up, and he followed me.
Today was eventful.