Tasting

386–Going Back School

Nora:

Before anyone woke up, we had already left the mansion and were on our way to the school. I could tell the lockdown had gone well for the pack members; they were now out and about. I wondered what the pack must have looked like during the lockdown–empty roads, no giggles, no laughter, or cries.

I sighed as I shook myself back to reality.

“So, are you continuing your studies?” Nash cleared his throat and asked. We were approaching the school, so I guessed that warranted the question.

“Nope, I’ve achieved it all,” I replied, the answer confusing them.

“I wanted to be a fighter, and I became one,” I lied. I had never wanted to be a fighter, but I couldn’t remember what other dreams I had before that.

“Let’s go.” As soon as they parked the car in the lot, I jumped out to avoid any small talk with them. The sooner I finished this task, the quicker I would return to my children.

Students were rolling in with their bags, looking so happy. Life had been the same for them, while so much had changed for me. I remembered how I had been kicked out of the school because of those two girls. We headed straight inside and were welcomed into the principal’s office by his

assistant.

I took a seat with Silas, while Nash wandered behind, staring at the pictures on the wall.

“Sorry I was busy-” Mr. Forun wam– landed on me, and his smile began to fade.

Oh, I missed this so much.

He had always been nasty towards me. Not even realizing how the bullying had gone on in his school, he had only pointed at me, believing that getting rid of me was the only right thing to do.

“Mr. Fortin,” Nash responded to his greeting with a nod, walking towards us to take a seat.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve got to ask, what is she doing here?” He took his seat in slow motion, his eyes fixated on me.

“She is working on this case with us,” Silas informed the shocked man, who seemed even more stunned upon hearing about my involvement in

the case.

“On the weeping guardians case,” I added with a cheeky grin. It’s no secret that when people dislike you, they can’t hide it from the disdain shown on their faces.

“Oh! How come? Last time I met her, she was just a student,” Mr. Fortin tread carefully with his words, his gestures oddly nervous as he sneakily adjusted his glasses and gave a very unsettling smile to the brothers.

“Oh, you don’t know? I’m the best fighter at our pack. You should come by someday.” Crossing my legs, I shifted into a more comfortable position, his eyes following my every move.

‘Anyway, we’re here to speak to Robert Mitch. Can you call him in for us?” Nash broke the awkwardness by jumping straight to the main topic.

Mr. Fortin hadn’t absorbed the information that someone he kicked out of school was doing so well. That’s what they all thought when hearing

386–Going Back School

about my strength–my story would make them rethink their opinions of my life.

He made a call, and after a few minutes, a timid–looking guy appeared in the office. He was wearing blue–framed glasses and a black hoodie. He reminded me of myself back when I had to act a certain way to avoid. trouble. His hands were clasped obediently in front of him, but the agitation in his fidgeting fingers told me he was afraid of this meeting.

“Robert, they are here to talk about your experience with the fog people,” Mr. Fortin said to the boy, who nodded and then walked over to us.

As the boy settled down, I looked over at Mr. Fortin. If he really thought he could sit here and enjoy watching us investigate the whole matter, he was mistaken. He had once shunned me, now I had the power to kick him out of his own office.

“Why don’t you wait outside?” I said, watching Mr. Fortin point a finger at his chest, confirming I was talking about him. “Yes, you. It’s a known fact that students are not very keen on talking in front of their teachers or principals. So please, wait outside.” With a closed–lip smile, I pointed at the door.

Mr. Fortin turned to the brothers for help, but Silas got up from his seat and walked over to the door, holding it open for him. “She wants you gone.”

Watching Silas side with me made Mr. Fortin nod his head reluctantly before stomping out of the room.

The minute he was gone, the boy’s very first statement caught our attention: “They are going to kill me.”