A night out with friends

"Dean Hawkfeather, we meet again," the pretty language teacher gives you a radiant smile. "I'm sorry Alice," she adds, turning to the librarian. "I didn't realize you had a gentleman caller." Ms. Wilder blushes, giving Monica a pleading look that goes unnoticed.

"Ms. Wilder was just helping me out with a question I had." The librarian buries her chin even tighter against her collar, studying the carpet at your feet with careful diligence.

"Alice and I were just going into town to get a bite to eat, would you like to come along?" Monica asks with a meaningful glint in her eyes. Normally you wouldn't hesitate to accept an offer like that from this bubbly young teacher, but you can see Mss Wilder is growing more uncomfortable by your presence and you try to politely refuse.

"Come on," she teases as she flashes you a brilliant smile, "we just have to get Alice out of these dowdy librarian clothes of hers and tart her up with a little make-up and we'll be ready to hit the town."

"Actually Monica," Ms. Wilder interrupts softly, "I can't go after all. I still have the whole European History section to re-shelve, I'd hate to have the new History teacher come look over our books and have him see them all over the floor. And since you two have already met, why don't you go together."

There is an awkward moment as the two young women exchange a silent look and you try to decline again, aware that it is your presence that has ruined their girl's-night-out. Monica simply shakes her head with a bubbly laugh and takes the librarian by the arm.

"I won't allow it Alice! You need to get out of here for a few hours. History can wait. It should be used to waiting, and it won't do it any harm. I insist girl. We have to show the new Dean some hospitality. Now come along." She pulls at her friends arm, almost dragging her along as she gives you a flirting, inviting smile over her shoulder.

"We'll take Alice's car. Give us a few minutes to change, and we'll come get you. At your rooms?"

"That will be fine," you agree, following the two of them out of the library, and wondering exactly what Monica is up to.