As I lift my gaze, I see that someone is still there.. It's a bigger dilemma than it seems, I never had anything like a "problematic student"...
And clearly, he has no intention of talking, I could just leave and walk down the hallway as if nothing happened, but, that's not how we do things here!.
—Don't you go out for recess?.— I ask, from my desk.
—Usually I prefer to stay here, it's nothing to worry about.— He replies.
He understood the situation very well, he knows that the question wasn't just curiosity..
—Having a different teacher than the one you've seen for years can be a significant change in trust, but we'll be sharing this classroom for a whole year. Therefore, whenever you need it just say "IA, I need to talk" and you can count on me just like you did with Rin.—
—Rin?.— He asks.
—Yes, just like Rin..— I say.
His question seemed more inclined as if he didn't know who I was talking about, but the students' records didn't say that he was new, and this school doesn't allow transfers.
—I appreciate the intention, IA.— He says seated from his desk.
I'm in the middle of the classroom, with my briefcase in front of me, holding it with both hands. His gaze can be very intense, I think it's because of the type of eyes he has.
—That's the spirit, now I have to go to the teachers' lounge, but if you need anything you can look for me.—
With a smile, I walk out into the hallway.
From what I saw he's just someone who enjoys his space, doesn't show any problems or cause them, I'm glad I talked to him.
On my way to the teachers' lounge, I think I'll be the last one to arrive, again.
My classroom is at the end of everything so it takes me a little longer regardless of how small the school is.
—How did it go, IA?.— Asks one of the professors as soon as I enter the room.
—Nothing out of the ordinary, they're good kids, not having many students is a great advantage.— I replied with a smile.
Henrietta is already sitting in front of her desk, at least she doesn't look asleep, teaching classes surely woke her up.
—Aahhh, I slept so well!.— Henrietta says…
..It was my mistake to trust in her dedication just for a second.
—..I mean, aahh, that was exhausting..— Henrietta changes her script upon seeing me..
—Don't tell me.— I say incredulously, sitting in my place.
—Yes, so much work.— Henrietta continues..
—And what did you talk about?.— I ask.
—...About...you know, the usual..—
It's hard to get her to voluntarily confess when she did something wrong. Judging by her smile, she must have just woken up...
—Of course.— I say, going along with it..
—And how about you, anything interesting?.—
—Aside from wanting to talk to Rin before she left to catch up with her group and get to know them better, nothing worth mentioning. The people in this town share the same upbringing, so, their ethics are linear, good kids.—
—It's a small town, advantages over the big city. There, I couldn't sleep in class and they would test my patience.— Henrietta says, who unknowingly, again confesses her bad habits..
—By the way, do you know someone named Razar?.— I ask.
—I don't know the name of any student in this school.— Henrietta replies..
Her sincerity surprises me.. she can say anything with total certainty in her words..
—..Just kidding, but I haven't heard of us having a student named "Razar", anything interesting to say?.— Henrietta continues.
She turns her chair towards me, it's easy to pique her curiosity, but her expression has become more serious than usual.
—Like a little kitten.— I think out loud about her behavior.
—What do you mean?.— She asks seriously, it's strange that she didn't respond with another joke.
—I'm just talking to myself, but no, nothing interesting to report, he's just like a boy I've never seen before. I mean, I've never seen anyone like him in this school.— I add.
—Just that?.— Henrietta remains serious, and turns her chair again, her interest has faded.
—For some reason, he seemed sad, as if something bad had happened, as if he had lost someone.— I say.
—Mmmh, every mind is a world. I know it doesn't make sense to say don't worry too much because I know how you are and you'll do the opposite. But I can tell you, and you'll agree, that you've only just met him, just wait or call Rin to ask. I know your "eye inspection" to determine what a person is like, never fails, just like Asuka, but maybe he just had a bad day.— Henrietta says.
—The most epic advice I've ever heard.. —
—Kyaaa, I'm blushing.— Henrietta says sarcastically covering part of her face with her hands..
—If it bothers you so much, I'll go talk to him, after a snowball fight, I'll defeat him, he'll cry and understand the meaning of life, hahah.— She adds.
—It's summer...and, you're joking, right?.— I ask.
—Clearly.—
Clearly she's not joking..
Henrietta is a cheerful girl who likes jokes, like me, but her other side is undeniably very very different.
—Do you want some?, I heard it's good to eat between meals.— Henrietta shows me a packet of cookies.
I never knew where she keeps them, she seems to have them hidden all over the building. If I asked her about it, she would say "Ah!, you think I raided a cookie truck, don't you?!", hahah..
I take some cookies, they're of different types...
—...Mmh..they taste really good..— I say.
—I wish I were like you, Henrietta, you can eat a whole factory of cookies and not gain any weight, is it your metabolism?, that way you'd easily get a husband.—
— What does that mean?.— She asks.
—It's a compliment.— I say.
I didn't realize I was hungry until I started eating.
—Your compliments are always strange..I don't know if you're telling me something good or something bad.—
—It's always something good, Henrietta!.— I joke with her, hugging her.
—As if you'd gain weight...we have almost the same physique, tall and slim. We're like two tyrannosaurus rex on a farm..— She says.
—What kind of comparison is that?..— I ask..hahah.
***
We spend recess talking about anything that serves to pass the time while eating some cookies.
It's good to have a friend like her, she always helps me feel better. I think her humor is often deliberately comical to make people around her smile, she's a great girl.
—Am I that pretty?.— Henrietta asks.
—Don't be narcissistic.— I stared at her face without saying anything for a long time.
—If I didn't know you, I'd say you like girls, IA. It wouldn't surprise me if one day you asked me out..—
—Wanna go out?.— I ask seriously.
—No.—
—Hahah.—
—Hahah..— We both laugh..
—It's time to go back, here are the lesson plans for my class.— Henrietta says getting up when we hear...the director's trumpet..
—Recess is over damn it!, tangerine for winteeeeeerrr!!!..—
And he shouts from the courtyard…
Not because he's angry, but so his voice reaches the entire establishment...
—There he goes again...— Henrietta says.
—Hahah.— I laugh slightly..
I look at the papers Henrietta leaves me, there aren't many, she knows I don't have anything else to do. Here begins my struggle to make it through the afternoon..
—Leave it to me, I'll see you later.— I get up and hug her before she leaves.
The other teachers also leave and give me their respective study schedules, it will be my task to review them, organize them and make sure everything is in line with the school's standards.
Anyone would say it's a quiet job, I don't teach many hours, the salary is good, and the work environment is excellent.
To make up for the hours I lack, I organize papers, class schedules, and anything that can take away precious time from my colleagues. That way, they don't have to stay late and everyone can leave at the same time.
When I was looking for a job, I just wanted something completely different from what I was doing. And how could you compare an underground research center to teaching high school kids in such a small town like this?... It's more than peaceful, and being here makes me feel good.
I received many job offers because of my academic background and experience, but they were all from big companies, more of the same. Ambitious projects, large facilities, and the famous phrase "unlimited budget".
What was the point of continuing in a big routine if all I wanted was to escape from all that?.
So, I took the job in the smallest town, with the lowest salary, the fewest inhabitants, and the school with the fewest number of students.
A small corner somewhere in this world, that's where I was.
Since I arrived, I've had the feeling of being surrounded and comfortable with everything and everyone.
I didn't feel like just another person in the crowd of big buildings, someone insignificant.
Being on a small scale helped me feel part of this place from the day I got out of that taxi and then a car crashed nearby.
It was quite a surprise, I was scared, but that accident meant the beginning of a drastic change in my life.
It took two years until I finally stood in front of the school. The difficult part was holding back laughter when I saw the principal, but his moments of clarity inspired respect, he seemed happy that I had accepted. He knew I would have many offers, but he wanted me to be part of this school.
"This town was built for people like you", is what he said.
Five years ago, in the principal's office;
..As I open the door, there's a man of medium height sitting with his feet up on his desk. He looks older and has long black hair with a suit of the same color… The hair gives him a... slightly funny touch... but his expression is serious...
—You didn't tell me you were the principal of this school.—
—Didn't I?, well, now you know. We've been through a lot in this place, but as everything has calmed down, I want to formally resume my proposal for you to work here. I know you're now a member of Asuka's family, but I want to know if you still want to teach.— The principal lowers his feet from the desk, sitting normally as he speaks.
—It was a long struggle of almost 2 years, and just a few months ago everything returned to normal in the town. I never thought I would be part of something like this, in the first place, I don't know if I would have moved to Japan knowing what was really happening. But the main idea was always to lead a quiet life, that's why I discussed it with Asuka, and even though she insisted a lot, in the end, she let me be a teacher, so I would love to start next year.—
—IA, it will be a pleasure to have you, the school needs someone to cover the physics position. Considering your studies, you are more than qualified, it even felt odd to me that you accepted my invitation. But I wasn't interested in you for your studies, the reason was this.—
The principal opens a drawer and takes out a portfolio. I think it contains the file of all the current teachers.
—My photo?, are you saying you chose me for my face?.—
—Not for your face, for your gaze. When I saw you, I noticed sadness, and at that moment, I realized you had to be here, that this was your place. Of course, that was before the war broke out, otherwise, I would have waited, but I'm glad I did it this way.—
—...— I just stayed silent, was it so obvious how bad I was feeling?..
—And I said to myself, a girl like her can't be so sad, that's why I want you to be part of this school. Being a smaller institution, we pay more attention to the little details, we notice what people nowadays overlook, we help each other if someone needs it, just like a family.— Said the principal arranging his long hair….
—Welcome IA, welcome to the last step of your journey, from the park to the well.—
I didn't understand what he meant.… but while he spoke, I didn't say anything, I just looked at him intently. His tone of voice, his words, as kind as usual, who wouldn't want to be part of this?.
—It will be a pleasure, principal.— I smiled and shook hands with him.
—!!!!!!—
I hear a very loud crash behind me, and I see the door flying into the room and being thrown out of the office through the window...
—Wait a moment!, I will also teach here!.—
Henrietta knocked the door down in one blow...
—Eehhh?!— The principal was clearly surprised..
—Why are you here, Henrietta?— I ask.
—….My door..— Says the principal..
—What do you mean "what am I doing here"?, we live in a free country, if IA is going to work at this school, then so am I.— Henrietta enters the office wearing her usual black suit.
—But...—
—Eehhh?!...can't I?.—
The principal tries to object, but Henrietta shows her threatening side..
—...Fine, you can start together.. But before that.—
The lights suddenly go out…
When they come back on..the principal is no longer in his chair and now he is at the piano... He's playing "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" by Bach..
Did he have it planned from the beginning?...
With Henrietta, we stay silent as he plays..the light goes out and comes back on to complement the atmosphere of the music I suppose...
Now he plays with his back to the piano, raising his head upwards...
When the light goes out and comes back on, he plays with his foot... How did he manage to take off his shoes so quickly?..
Now he unbuttons his shirt...
—We better get out of here..— I tell Henrietta..
—..Yeah…—
We leave the place and as we walk through the courtyard, we can still hear the piano playing behind us…
***
And so we started working here, Henrietta practically forced the principal to accept her, as she has a lot of influence in this town he wasn't going to say no to her.
She adapted very well to an area totally different from what she had done all her life. She studied to graduate because she started teaching without being a teacher, it's just that she knows about many subjects, she used to read piles of books about physics, chemistry, history, and the like, there's nothing you ask her that she can't answer.
She became a great teacher even though sometimes she falls asleep in class, but most of the time she's awake... probably..
To this day, the principal's office has no door... but he always makes the movement of closing and opening an invisible door, he even makes the noise with his mouth, simulating that the door is squeaking... To play along, everyone does the same..
As for me, even though I work full-time, with few students there's not much for me to do, so I dedicate myself more to being a "secretary", this way I have more tasks in my free time, after all, I'm paid for it so I decided to help my colleagues with their extracurricular activities, which isn't much but it helps me pass the time.
—¡Tuturutu turutu turutu!—
—...….—
—It's lunchtiiimeee!!, time to hunt with a demon!!.—
And the principal runs out with a spear into the forest...
..I don't need to explain that…