Students And Teachers

[Huntress]

It had been a rough day filled with calculus and various other classes, and 18-year-old senior Athalia Rose Ysha, called Tali, was exhausted. She pulled her long, dark red hair over her shoulder and braided it so that the rope hung to her hips. Her clothes needed to be washed, but where she would wash them she didn't know. She organized all her belongings from her locker and left, intending to catch her bus back to the shelter where she lived but she had missed it. She turned around, seeing a pair of her teachers.

[Priest]

Doctor Tivoli removed his horn rimmed spectacles as he flicked through one of the books that had caught his interest as he prowled the library shelves that lunchtime; and placed them on the desk.  It was an old book, its pages weathered and torn and it had been used in part to depict some students less than meritable artistic talent.  He closed the book and slipped it into the safety of his battered leather briefcase; he stood and went to walk form the desk, stopping suddenly as he realised what he had forgotten.

He turned back to the desk; picked up the glasses and slipped them inside his coat, then picked up the small pair of dice that had been lying next to them.  The final bell had gone some moments before and he needed to be on his way.

As he left the faculty building he caught sight of one of his colleagues; a good friend really and smiled in their direction, picking up his pace as he walked closer.  As he got near; from out the corner of his eye he saw the school bus pull away leaving behind one of the students; her dark red hair gave her a distinctive look but for a moment he could place a name to her face.

[Huntress]

Tali shivered as the crisp November wind ruffled her short skirt. "Doctor Tivoli?" she called, running over. "Can I get a ride?" she asked softly, embarrassed.

[Minkus]

   Austin Spangler pushed his glasses further up his nose as he picked up his briefcase from his office, and moved his hand onward to brush a consistently intrusive strand of light brown hair out of his eyes.  They were hazel, but could fade to gray or blue depending upon what he wore.  Today, it was a set of simple brown slacks and a button-up blue shirt, keeping within acceptable 'professional' dress code for teachers, but letting himself stay comfortable for the long and often frustrating days.

   Picking up his keys from on top of the desk, and accidentally bumping over his pen and pencil mug, Austin stepped out of his office, scowling at the traitorous mug, and locked the door behind him.  He'd clean it up later, not like pens and pencils really mattered overnight.

   Proceeding to the faculty lot, he smiled, and waved back, at Doctor Tivoli.  It was normal closing time, and he had not really expected Tivoli to still be here, but he didn't really mind, the stories were always worth it, true or not.  With his coat tossed over one arm, he used the car's remote entry to unlock and open the trunk, into which he set his briefcase, and whipped his coat around him, settling it onto his shoulders, sliding the sleeves on in a relatively practiced motion.

  Almost ready to get into his car, he noticed a Senior running to Tivoli.  Odd.  Must be a late paper or something.  Speaking of late papers, where did I put that...aha!  Reaching into his left breast pocket, Austin pulled out a much-folded copy of somehting he'd thought the good Doctor might be interested in seeing.  No harm in asking now while he's got a student with him anyway.  Humming absently, he beep-locked his car and started walking to the pair.

[Huntress]

Tali begged Dr Tivoli with her eyes to drive her; it would be a long, icy, five-mile walk to the shelter, especially in her mini skirt. She trembled, not wanting to demand a favor but needing one anyway. "Please?" she asked softly

[Priest]

Damien Tivoli was a little startled as she suddenly sprinted across to him; he fumbled with his glasses  and placed then askew on his face as he looked and listened to her pleading “Athalia, isn’t it? You in one of my classes aren’t you.  A ride?” He wasn’t sure how much gas was in his broken old Caddy and was hoping that it wouldn’t be too far out of his way.  He couldn’t stand to see her looking so distressed.  “Hoe far do you need to go?”

He turned to see Austin walking briskly towards him and gave a smile his way.  He was hoping to catch his friend before he left for the day.

[Huntress]

"just five miles...To the little shelter." Tali blushed, she hated telling people about it. "I-" she stammered, "I have work to do there...Service stuff...y'know...For church?"

[Priest]

Doctor Tivoli’s expression narrowed a little as he lost himself to concentration, it was five miles in the opposite direction and he glanced back at his car.  He was unsure that it would make it; but then every time he drove to work it was always under the apprehension that he would be leaving it in the nearest gutter and walking the rest of the way.

“Sure.  I can do that.” he spoke with a hesitant smile.  “I didn’t know you were involved with their work.”

[Minkus]

" - their work?"  Austin caught the last of it a few steps from the pair of them, not really caring that he might be interrupting something.  He was addressing a fellow teacher, after all.  "Ah, Doc, thought I might have a word with you before you head out.  After you're done with your student, of course."

Now noticing how distressed she looked, Martin frowned, suspecting bullying or some kind of peer pressure  Their work?  Doing other's homework?.  "No rush, though, just wanted to show you that copy of the old Olmec study I'd mentioned a while ago."

[Huntress]

Tali bites her lip, glad he seemed to believe her little white lie. She looks anxiously between the two. "Please, i need to get back ho-to work" she begs, bouncing on her toes.

[Minkus]

"Oh?  I thought - well never mind what I thought, then.  Miss Ysha, yes?  Parents won't be able to pick you up, I take it?"  Austin glanced from Tivoli to Tali, and noticed the slightly confused smile on his colleague's face, rather than frustration.  Must not be something that bad, then.

[Priest]

The sound of Austin’s voice broke his concentration and his face lit up at the very mention of the paper; suddenly all other thoughts were lost to him.

“You remember me telling you about that field researcher?  She finally got around to sending me some of those pictures from the excavation site; I haven’t had a moment to look at them but if you have no pressing engagements tonight then -” the words hung in the air.  He then glanced back at the student standing at his side and then at his car; “Actually Austin, you couldn’t do me a favour could you?”

[Huntress]

tali blushed. "i'm sorry, i'll just walk." She started to walk away but then the strap of her backpack broke. As her books scattered all over, she bit out a soft cry.

[Minkus]

Austin tossed the paper to Tivoli and bent down to help collect Tali's books, ignoring her cry for what he thought would be her own dignity.  "Sure thing, Doc, what's up?  I've got papers to grade, but I mgiht as well just toss them down the stairs and give the farthest ones the best grades, it's a Freshman class anyway."

[Huntress]

tali blushed, embarrassed. "i'll see you guys monday then..." she whispered, cheeks bright red.

[Priest]

Damien was about to speak when the sudden thud of her books falling to the floor sent a shudder through him; it was an instinctive reaction to the thought of those bindings being battered and those pages creased and dirtied.  He was about to help with the books when Austin tossed the paper his way and he quickly grabbed a hold of it.

“A freshman class; I shall let you into a secret, I don’t grade freshman papers; these do.” he quickly fished the dice out of his pocket before slipping them back.  He looked furtive for a moment before speaking; “You couldn’t do me a big favour could you?  I was about to offer Athalia here a lift; she missed the bus and it seems that she is involving herself in charitable work after class, but I doubt I have the gas in mine heap to make it there and back home.  I could come with you and we could discuss this paper, then as you pass this way I could pick up my car and get on home?”

[Huntress]

Tali looked up hopefully; maybe she'd finally get home after all. She took her belongings back and fixed her skirt nervously.

[Minkus]

"Of course Doc, leave it to you to roll the bones for students futures.  And you're not to repeat that to anyone, Miss Ysha."  He tossed in a laugh and a smile to show he was teasing as he stood back up, holding her books in his arms until she carefully retrieved them.

"Yeah, I'd be happy to help out.  And it's great that you've gotten the dig site stuff, I'd be glad to look into it with you.  Come along then, Miss Ysha.  Or do you prefer Athalia, then?"

He turned back to his car, a not-quite-new Escort, and beeped the doors unlocked again.  "There should be enough room in the backseat, I just cleaned it out this past weekend."

[Huntress]

"Tali" she corrected softly. She held her broken bag in her lap and the moment she arrived at the shelter, she started to tremble with nerves. "i'm going to be late," she whimpered, biting her lip.

[Priest]

Damien only smiled as he felt the dice chink in his pocket.  As they walked towards the car he lagged behind a little, his attention distracted by the paper Austin had given to him; he always had this inconvenient habit of walking and reading; often to his detriment.  As it was he made it to his destination without event for once and dropped onto the seat; still thumbing through the paper, his attention distracted  as he spoke.

“Late?” he enquired; “I am sure they wouldn’t hold a few minutes tardiness against you given the circumstances.” he looked over and smiled at her.

[Huntress]

she shivered, looking out the window, rubbing her arms nervously. "ahuh" she tried to smile.

[Minkus]

"Tali, I understand that you might be nervous, but I'm sure they'll understand.  We can talk with them if you'd like."  He flipped through a variety of stations, not really finding one he liked at the moment, and decided in the long run, his passengers might not like his preferences anyway, so he killed the radio.

"Would you like one of us to go in with you?"  Glancing at his friend and the paper, Austin guessed it would be he who got out.  No matter.

[Huntress]

tali nodded silently. When they arrived, the woman who ran the shelter was standing outside. "ATHALIA ROSE YSHA!" she shouted. "I told you to be home at 3 o clock sharp!" Tali blushed; she'd just been "outed". "Go get your things and leave. This is the fourth time you've been late! I can't keep the doors open for you all night long, you little slut!"

[Priest]

“Sure Athalia, Tali.” Damien was becoming increasingly engrossed with the paper as he read more and more.  “There’s no need to be worried, I am sure they will understand.”

He glanced up as Austin spoke; raising a eyebrow and grinning at his friend.  “Yes; I am sure one of us can go with you and put a good word in.” his eyes dropped back down to the paper and he began to mutter to himself; quietly repeating some of the disclosures within its pages.  He barely noticed the jolt of the car as it braked; what he did notice though and what broke his concentration from the paper was the use of a word from a woman he would not have expected it from.  He glanced over at Austin and then through the window with a deepening scowl.

[Huntress]

Tali cried, softly, as she gathered her few possessions and clothes and left, intending to walk around until she found another shelter.

[Minkus]

((I hate my ISP - sorry for that hiatus.  IF I disappear, it's not on purpose.  Response coming))

[Minkus]

The blood drained from his face, and Austin got out and awaited Tali's exit.  When she reappeared, he simply told her,  "Get in the car, Tali.  The adults need to talk."

Closing Tali's door behind him, Austin appraoched the woman.  "Madam, I have no idea how this place is run, nor do I care at the moment.  Your actions are appalling.  By shouting the name of that young woman at the top of her lungs you reprimanded her with no concern for anyone who might overhear.  Furthermore, that young woman's self-respect is already low enough, you're NOT helping.  I have no idea what she had set up with you, but expecting a SCHOOL STUDENT to return daily at three in the afternoon is laughable.  She's an intelligent young owman, and I'm certain you told her that regularly.  Don't let your skin come to match your tone, I feel a frost in the air."

Returning to his car, and ignoring the woman's shouted responses, Austin simply drove away, unsure of the destination.

[Priest]

Damien; with the paper still in hand, got out of the car with a frown and leaned on the roof of the vehicle following the lead of his friend he spoke;

“Madam.  What kind of language is that to use?” He fiddled with his glasses, trying to get them to sit straight on his nose but his hand was shaking a little with annoyance.  He was angry, maybe not completely because of this woman’s corrosive attitude but more so because he had been disturbed as he had reached some revelation in the paper and now he had lost his flow; he hated that; and because of that he had a dislike for her, even though he hadn’t met her before now.

“You are a disgrace.” he thumbed his nose at her and turned back and returned to his seat.  He looked at his friend in the mirror and then at Tali.  “I have never met such a vile woman, I can see why you worried about her reaction.  Damien turned towards Austin and watched his eyes in the mirror.  “So, where now?” aware that they were driving with no clear direction.

[Minkus]

"Well said Doc."  And now we have a homeless student.  Great.  He turned right at a red, heading towards a row of commercial areas.  "Well, it might be a bit early for a full meal, but it's never too early for ice cream.  I think a sundae would be good.  My treat."

He let his eyes communicate to Damien his confusion and the simple fact that he didn't know what to do.  But hey, sundaes are good.  "And hey, then we can figure out what to dom right?"

[Priest]

Damien watched the scenery roll by as they drove towards the central areas; he turned back at his friend.  “I think over a sundae we could put the worlds to rights; especially if your buying.”  The smile returned to his face and he glanced across at Tali.

“Don’t worry, we will sort this mess out.” He smiled and returned to the paper; trying to find where he had reached.

[Minkus]

"Ah, there it is, Sunny's Sundae's.  Don't know who named it - they ought to be shot, but it's a good little hole in the wall."  Austin parked the car, and turned to his companions.  "Tali, if you're not entirely comfortable eating with a couple of your teachers, now would be a good time to speak up, or at least before we get into the building."

And without really waiting for a response, he opened his door and stood up.  Turnign back to the interior, facing away from the windy day, he mentioned to Damien, "And I have a copy of that at my apartment, so don't worry about gettign ice cream on it!"

[Huntress]

Tali smiled softly, pulling her sweatshirt tighter around her as she shivered. "Thank you," She blushed. She tried to tug down her skirt but it just rode up

[Priest]

They pulled up outside of Sunny Sundae’s ; Damien smiled, he recalled the competition they had the day it had opened to name the place; he had never expected to win with that suggestion but he had, and he had enjoyed a months worth of free ice cream for his trouble.

Damien cast his friend a wry glance and with a smile he folded the paper and slipped it inside his jacket.  Once outside of the car he glanced back at Tali and held the door open.  “Do you want to come in with us or shall we bring you something back?” he asked.

[Huntress]

Tali smiled. "I'll come, if that's okay. Is it?" Her eyes widened in fear that they would strike her or lecture her.

[Priest]

Doctor Tivoli just smiled and pushed his glasses further up his nose with his index finger as they slipped again.

"Of course its alright Tali, we shall discuss what is best to be done over an ice-cream." He chuckled to himself and patted the paper as it nestled in his pocket, he walked towards his friend; his face adopting a more ernest expression.  "Well old friend, just what shall we do?"

[Huntress]

Tali followed them in as they were all seated and ordered. As her ice cream arrived, she looked at it wide-eyed in amazement. "it's so pretty!" she laughed, looking at the rainbow sherbet in the clear glass. As she ate, she thought about what would happen.

[Minkus]

Making sure to keep his face cheerfully neutral, Austin looked first to Tali's relatively innocent enjoyment of the simple treat, and resoponded to Damien, "Well Doc, seems to me we have a responsibility to our students to make sure they're taken care of."

He played with the straw in his water, not touching the menu yet.  "So, simply put, Maslow's needs give us a starting point.  First thing we need to do if figure out where our pupil will be sleeping.  Roof over her head, dry bed, all that.  Hmm.  Well, I don't have too big of a nest egg put away, but I suppose we could check her into a motel for a night, at least until we work something out.  Actually.  Tali, how much do you have?  I mean, how long could you be by yourself before we'd have to contact child services?"  The last part he almost muttered to himself, unsure of how to proceed.

[Huntress]

Tali looked up. "I don't have any money...Anything I made at work went right to the shelter." She blushed. "I don't know what to do, or where to go.... There really aren't any others nearby." She looked down at her ice cream, mood suddely soured. She seemed to hope she would be able to stay with her teachers. "i don't know what to do," she whispered, more to herself. "i don't have anyone, or anywhere, to go."

[Minkus]

"Well, we'll figure something out, don't worry about that Tali.  What kind of work can you do, anyway?  Maybe we can help you get a job, some money flow, you know?  If you need an address, I'm usre it'd be fine to use one of ours, we could just get the mail to you at school, if you like." 

He tried to be reassuring, but he was truly at a loss as to what to do.  She was, after all, a student, but he had been her age not so long ago, and he really didn't know how he would react to something like this.  He still felt like just a kid, sometimes, and kenw this couldn't be anything but hard on her, maybe traumatizing.  Well, support system was what she needed, and that was him and Damien right now, that's fine.

[Priest]

Damien nodded at his friends first comment; true enough, their professional sense of duty would have to come in to play, they couldn’t knowingly see a student thrown out onto the street with nowhere to go and not a penny to her name.   For a while he studied the menu with a similar attention to detail as he had been thumbing through the papers in the car on the way over; but all through it he was working over ideas in his head.

“A motel would be one option.  I have some put aside for that trip I am planning on taking; I guess I could always dip into that; go halves with you or something.”  he slowly turned his glass round and around leaving a pattern of concentric circles of moisture on the tabletop.  “Motels are expensive though; and that would only be a temporary stop gap.”

Damien cast a furtive glance across to his friend;  “There is another option.” even as he spoke he was feeling unsure and slightly uncomfortable at the suggestion he was going to make. “My place;” the words hung for a moment, “Well its big enough and ever since I inherited it I have been rattling around that place on my own.  There would be enough room, could make up one of the spare bedrooms.  Tali could stop there a couple of nights until we can get something more of a permanent solution.”  He frowned as he continued looking across the menu; he wasn’t sure if it was even right for a teacher to offer to put up a student.  “Actually Austin, you are more than welcome to stay over too; we can go through these papers and I can get the pictures printed.”  He felt more comfortable extending the same offer to his friend.

[Huntress]

"That sounds...fine" Tali stammered. She was unsure but she liked the idea in theory. They were her favorite teachers, after all. "Would you be all right with that? I mean, you'd probably have to become my guardians, or something."

[Minkus]

Austin's eyes narrowed as the suggestion, and it's acceptance, hit him.  "Well, it is a solution, and it would be a good chance to chat.  And it would be saving money.  But... Tali, since you're eighteen...I think you are, yes?  We wouldn't be your guardians, you're old enough.  But...well, we are your teachers...so...this would have to be discussed with no one.  Ever."  He looked to both of them to gauge their reactions, and let it sink in a bit.

"On a lighter note, I think I'd like some caramel."  He smiled, hopign to at least give the impression that, even if they were all a bit uncomfotable about the housing scheme, he was happy to be enjoying their company for ice cream.

[Trieste]

This topic will be placed on hold; details can be found in Huntress' intro thread.