Breakfast

You wake out of a heavy sleep, still feeling the effects of the previous day's exertions. You stagger out of bed and into the bathroom, noticing that Brian's door is standing open. Nothing like youth to recover so quickly you think to yourself as you step into the shower, letting the water wash your lethargy away.

As you leave the bathroom Brian comes bounding up the stairs in running gear. He gives you a nod as he strips off his t-shirt.

"Feeling better? I'll grab a quick shower and let's get some breakfast. When's your first class?"

"Ten. Then nothing until three. You?"

"Also ten. Then two more at two and three. I won't be more than a few minutes," he grins, stepping into the bathroom.

You dress in a soft button down shirt and a knit tie. Looking at your reflection you see a respectable biology teacher, not the lecherous libertine you've become in the last few days. You shake your head in silent reprimand, wondering if there is any way out of the convoluted mess you've got yourself into, and considering what best to do.

You're not sure who to trust, or if you can trust anyone except Brian, who is in just as deep as you are. That limits your avenues of investigation, at least inside the confines of Pink Rose. You consider that there might be people in town who might know something about the history of the school, but how you'd identify them or approach them is a mystery to you.

You're still mulling things over as Brian calls to you that he's ready for breakfast. The two of you walk up to the dining hall you see some students making their way in the same direction, looking pretty and innocent in their uniforms. You don't recognise any of them, but you find yourself speculating on the sexual proclivities of each girl you see.

The dining hall is about half full as you enter, and the two of you fill your plates and make your way to the teachers' table, joining Donna, Lorri and Darnell, making desultory small talk as you eat. After a few minutes, Darnell pushes his plate aside and stands up, saying he needs to get to his nine o'clock class.

"Ready to rock and roll?" Lorri asks with a grin. "You're looking tired Mason. Rough night?"

"Just didn't sleep well," you answer, toying with your food. "I'm ok." Lorri raises an eyebrow and exchanges a glance with Donna before turning her attention to Brian.

"You look a little more chipper. Oh to be young and full of piss and vinegar again," she laughs. What's on your agenda coach?"

"Three classes, and I thought I'd give some thought to drop in fitness sessions. There have been a few requests"

"Students or teachers?"

"Both. Apparently they were popular last year."

"I suppose. I also suppose that some of the students want to show themselves off to the handsome young coach. Maybe some of the teachers too. Speaking of which, where is young Monica?" she asks with a grin, making a show of looking around.

"I saw her running by the cottage this morning," Donna says with a grin of her own. "Not long after you ran by Coach."

You see the faintest flicker of a smile on Brian's face as he replies. "She caught up to me near the lake. We ran the path together." You see another glance pass between the two women, a flicker of amusement in their eyes.

"Well, I've got be going," Lorri says as she stands. "You gentlemen enjoy your day. And don't put up with any nonsense from these girls. Be strong and mean, gentlemen strong and mean." She gives you a final grin before striding away, her imposing body moving through students like a ocean liner among sailboats.