The Beginning of the Year
Aileen had finally escaped the grasp of her dorm room as she smiled at the passing students in the hall and then made a run for the field when no one was looking. She had a half an hour until she had a meeting with the dean and an hour until orientation started. School was to begin in two days and the students arrived early this morning. Her speech was very short and the dean was encouraging her to speak more so he wouldn’t have to be in front of the students a lot. In the middle of the tall grass, she threw herself on the ground and breathed in slowly. Wow, when did her schedule become so crowded? She had been on campus for a good two weeks in advance and now she was pretty much running orientation, new teacher seminar and was going to cook dinner for the dean since he gave her free room/board. Aileen covered her face with her arm as she listened to the breeze sway the grass back and forth. The heat, the sounds and smell reminded her of short story she was in the middle of writing. Maybe one day, she would find someone who wouldn’t care that she was busy and would make an effort to see her.
Caladar was a great school where she could be involved even if it was a little much sometimes. A faint beep rang in the air as she glanced down at her cell phone.
“Meeting with Dean… You only have fifteen minutes, GET UP!” It read.
Grunting, she sat up and looked over the tall grass at the school. A second, louder beep went off and she saw her phone yelling at her for not getting up. How could she foreshadow what she would be doing now? She was just so predictable. Getting off the ground, she wiped off her black tights and skirt while slowly starting to head toward the dean’s mansion. She was greeted by the cheery dean at the door who welcomed her in and followed her to his home office.
“Now, Aileen… We have new students arriving in the night class and I would like for you to welcome them since you are their voice.” The dean stated, looking down at his folded hands.
“What? No one is allowed to see them! Why would I?” She was surprised by his request.
“You are the class representative! And you can help the night class feel more wanted. Please, later tonight, I will gather all the night students together and you can talk to them.” He said with a smile on his face and looked out the window in bliss.
Aileen had a strike of fear com over her as she thought about what the night students were like and she would have to talk to them. Don’t get her wrong, she liked everyone but what would she say to them? They aren’t allowed to even join any clubs. She breathed in slowly, contemplating on what sdhe would say but she just smiled at the dean and nodded.
“Ok, I will talk to them.” She said, getting up from the chair and was about to walk out when the dean’s voice reached her ear.
“Aileen… The night class is different. Do not repeat anything you observe while in their classroom. They are very special people and I do not want them to be exposed to any prejudices. I trust you and that is why I am allowing you to visit them. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.” He exclaimed full heartily.
“No problem, Dean. I will talk to you later. I only have a few minutes before I start greeting people at orientation. You have twenty minutes until you have to open the orientation speech.” They both nodded and Aileen ran toward the dormitory.
Stress was becoming overwhelming as she stood outside in the courtyard where the thirty students would gather to meet and greet. She would soon get to know everyone on a personal level and this was the part of school that she enjoyed the most. What new things would she learn? How many friends would she make this year and will she fall in love? Were the questions on her mind while the thought of the night class lingered on her mind. On the other side of the campus, she imagined the night students making themselves comfortable in the dorms and they never once would show themselves to any of us. Wonder why? Her concentration was quickly taken away as the students began to make their way out of the dorms and toward the courtyard. She stood there, nicely dressed in her uniform and smiled while saying hi to everyone that passed her. She could make it through this year, right?