Episode 2 - A Brand New Face (2)

The greeting of the hallways was a familiar one. The familiar sound of students rushing to their classrooms filled the air and made me feel safe with its familiarity. Some familiar faces greeted me on my way to the classroom with many of the students trying to avoid me, most likely trying not to be noticed by me.

I couldn't really blame them since they had no idea how I might react. Usually, students being late to class wasn't much of a problem to me since it's nothing devastating and most of them would be late by a minute or two, but by them, I was probably currently perceived as emotionally upset and unpredictable. Something they weren't completely wrong about.

As I was walking the sinking feeling that had been bothering me the last time I was here was completely gone and the hallways felt somehow liberating in their monotony and familiarity. Luckily for us, the windows of the school were well placed which allowed for a lot of natural sunlight to fill both the hallways and classrooms.

In trying to keep the good feeling alive, I had slowed my tempo considerably and was practically going towards my classroom at a snail's pace. One of the perks of being a teacher was the fact that there was no one to give you trouble for being late as some of us would do with the students, or so I thought.

-Teach, hurry up, we're all waiting for you!-

Benjamin was hanging out of the doorway and waving towards me. I didn't exactly expect something like this, but he was always quite unpredictable in what he does so it wasn't overly surprising.

-I'm coming, don't worry.-

My pace went back to normal and the classroom was soon withing reach. As I got closer I could hear a commotion coming from inside which piqued my interest considerably. I took a few more steps towards the classroom when the inside of it finally got into view.

-WELCOME BACK TEACHER!-

The sound of all my students welcoming me in unison pierced my eardrums and confusion set in.

-What are you guys doing?-

Benjamin came up to me first with a basket full of different kinds of fruits and a bottle of juice.

-Well, we were concerned about what happened to you since you bailed on us on Monday and when Ms Theresa told us what happened we agreed to get you something once you get back.-

Almost all of them were smiling and taking photos of my confused self.

-But, why the juice?-

Some of them tried to keep themselves from laughing.

-Well teach, you have Tommy to thank for that one.-

Tommy was one of the slightly more problematic students in my class. He's not a bad kid in any sense, just really hard to get to and sometimes trapped inside his own head.

-Ummm... We wanted to get you a nice drink or something, but we're all minors so we can't exactly get you alcohol, let alone bring it to school.-

I couldn't stop myself from bursting out into laughter and all of the students who were previously trying to control themselves soon joined in.

-Ah.. I'm sorry, it was a stupid idea.-

-No, Thomas, that's not it. A year ago being minors wouldn't have stopped some of you from going out and buying alcohol. I'm just happy to see you all have started thinking about what you do.-

His eyes lit up at my words and he was soon greeted by compliments from his fellow students.

-Now for the bad news everyone.-

Their expressions darkened instantly at my words.

-I appreciate the gesture, but it's time for class so please take your seats.-

Everyone seemed somewhat defeated when they heard my words but their cheerful attitudes were still intact enough to not let the defeat seep through too much.

-Now for the two days I was gone.-

Once again their expressions changed and everyone stiffened up.

-Ms Theresa let me know that you behaved very well while I was gone. You can all probably imagine what a relief that was for me to hear.-

I made another dramatic pause just to get their full attention. During the pause, I took out one of the apples from the fruit basket and took a bite out of it.

-This is a pretty good apple. I think I'll be focusing on enjoying its taste for a few more minutes.-

The reaction was immediate. Everyone knew what that meant. Quickly backs turned and people moved. The quiet of the classroom was replaced by a murmur coming from the students.

-Ahem! I can't hear the taste of my apple.-

In a sense, they were like well-trained soldiers. All I had to do was give them confirmation and they would switch positions in a matter of seconds.

Lisa, Anne and Julia all gathered around the window to criticise Lisa's newest work of art and discuss her designs, making sure to point out how important things like proportions, colours and framing were. Phillip and Thomas whipped out their trading cards and began another intense match where the winner would be determined by a combination of skill and sheer willpower.

Benjamin dragged Daniel and Laura from their seats and as per usual and they began discussing whatever was this week's topic. Michael set up his station and started working on Amber's makeup with Judy as his assistant. Finally, Theodore and Alice both just dropped their heads on their desks the second I finished talking to take a nap as they usually always do whenever they get the chance, probably tired from another late-night gaming session.

Thirteen students might not be a big class, but considering why they all had to be here it was a considerable number for both them and myself. And to add on top of that, we were expecting a new student to arrive today.

I finished my apple and got up, taking a loud step so everyone was aware that their few extra minutes of peace were over.

-It's time for class to officially get started, but before we do so I would like to tell you that we're expecting a new student today so please everyone be nice to them when they arrive.-

I concluded the announcement and went on with today's schedule. Usually, you would expect a new student to be on time on their first day, but not in this school. Since all of the students were sent here as a punishment for some form of offence or bad behaviour it was quite common for students to either be late or not even show up on their first day when they first get transferred here.

***

Classes had gone normally for the first two periods. I held my speeches and the students nodded in agreement as per usual. They would join in here and there to contribute, a major improvement when compared to how they were in the previous year. Life was going normal again for the most part.

An extended break of twenty minutes is always scheduled after second period and I had to unfortunately use this break to have a serious talk with Benjamin.

-Benjamin, I'd like you to tell me what happened to your arm.-

The question had obviously put him outside of his comfort zone, something that rarely happens with him.

-Look, I've seen the bruise when you raised your hand earlier. How did that happen?-

The usually ever cheerful Benjamin was now staring at the floor and contemplating what to say instead of just saying what was on his mind.

-Look teach, I did a good thing. I know I did. The bruise doesn't matter.-

I hadn't expected him to give such a response.

-Did you start it?-

-No, teach.-

-Did you try to help someone else?-

-Yes, teach.-

-So it was self defense?-

-That's right.-

He knew better than to lie to me and that's why I believed him. At this point, who was I to lecture him on such things since I had done the same thing just a few days ago.

-Look, Benjamin...-

-Please call me Ben teach.-

-Fine, but just this once. Ben, I know that you know that you're not supposed to get into fights anymore. And I know that you've improved a lot on your behaviour since you came here a year ago. And this is the only reason I'll let this slide this time, but please don't go putting yourself in danger anymore. Can you do that?-

-I appreciate the concern teach, but sometimes there are people who no one is concerned for and I'll gladly get into a fight if that happens.-

This kid, speaking like that. I guess I really did do a good job with him.

-Good, now go and enjoy what you have left of your break.-

-Thanks teach, I appreciate it.-

Benjamin headed towards the door and I went back to my desk to take another apple from the fruit basket. I wonder how they knew the green ones were my favourite. Maybe they just guessed.

*THUD*

I immediately turned my head towards the door and saw Benjamin on the ground.

-Ben, you piece of shit! This is all your damn fault.-

A young man with a bruised face stood in the hallway in front of the classroom, standing over ben with his fist stretched out and a face full of bruises.

-You ruined my fucking life you damn asshole!-

The new student had arrived.

CHAPTER END