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“Is that a thing? Forgive me, this is my first gig. I’m unclear on the ropes.” I say.
She claps her hands together. “That’s awesome. You won’t be jaded. There are a few jaded teachers here, you’ll see. There are cliques; it’s a little like high school, in that retrospect. But a few of us, we don’t operate like that. Come, I hear we’re having a mixer in your honor.” She says walking towards the door.
I follow like the obedient new guy who is overly eager to fit in with the crowd. Through the halls, Sammie is describing the school and then some of the inner workings. She stops at one door and pokes her head in. A moment later a lumberjack comes out of the room.
He stops in front of me. “You must be the new guy. Welcome, I’m Nic. I teach 3rd.” He extends his hand after pushing up his thick framed glasses, and pushing up his flannel sleeves.
“Davis. Nice to meet you. 5th.” I say clasping his hand in mine.
“Tatum still around?” Nic asks Sammie.
“No, she had to go somewhere after her class let out.” She explains as she turns to me. “Tatum is a kindergarten teacher; she’s one of us, a mingler. You’ll meet her as time goes on. She’s on the little’s side.”
“Little’s side?” I ask.
“The little’s side is the kindergarten side. There’s about 4 different classrooms on the east side of the school, they have their own playground and drop off area.” Nic explains as we all start walking again.
* * *
I’ve been homefor a whole day and still haven’t seen nor heard from Max. Like an eager child, I want to talk to him about my first week of school. I stayed over at Katrina’s house for a few more days before heading home, it was a nice break, but I worried about my brother. Someone has to.
I’ve got assignments spread out around me on the coffee table as Max walks in. He’s whistling, so that’s a good sign so far. He removes his shoes by the door and rounds to the dining area and stops.
“Oh hey, I thought you moved out?” he asks.
“Nah, I would have told you at least.” I say looking up from the paper I’m currently grading.
“What’s all this?” He asks walking closer to the table.
“Homework. I forgot that once you become a teacher, the teacher has homework too. I went into the wrong field.” I joke.
“Wait, you got the job?” He asks surprised.
“You don’t remember the conversation?” I ask in honest concern.
“Sorry buddy. Congrats. We should celebrate.” He slides into the seat next to me.
“Can’t tonight. I’ve got to get this done. Plus, it would seem you have started celebrating without me.” Max’s expression stays the same. “Can you do me a favor and curb any extra-curricular activities to your bedroom tonight? I’ll be out here most of the night, in this spot until I finish.” I say pointing to where I am currently sitting.
“Yes Mr. Hunter.” Max says as if he was a student. Then he ruins it with a salute and I roll my eyes.
“Thanks dude.”
“Nikki is coming over anyway, she only likes the bed.” He winks.
Nikki is a nice girl. I’ve met her on a few of the occasions that Max has brought her home. She’s the only token who has stayed over and made breakfast. She seemed to take pity on him. She knew his deal and seemed to be fine with it. She’s become a friend to him, as well as a hook up. I guess she couldn’t just be a token, if she was a frequent flyer. But she did seem to like him more than he liked her, she played the nonchalant attitude, but I see the way he looks at her.
“Not meeting her at the bar?” I ask.
“Just came from there, she had to do something first, then she’ll be over.” Max disappears into his bedroom and then in a moment later emerges wearing a t-shirt and his basketball shorts.
“I see you’ve dressed up for her.” I poke at him.
“Why dress up when it’s just gonna come off.” Max laughs opening a beer from the fridge.
Max settles into the living room and after he’s had four beers, there’s a knock on the door. Max doesn’t hear it, so I answered the door.
“Hey Nikki, come in.” I greet her.
