Some further explanation

"I'm afraid I overstepped myself in slapping Valerie," you tell him, with a sigh and a shake of the head, "- unfortunately that girl brings out the worst in me."

"How serious are her threats?" he asks you, seemingly a little concerned.

"Oh, she'll complain to Daddy, and he'll complain the board, and they will ask a few questions and ultimately ignore him,” you assure him, “He doesn't have anywhere near the influence he thinks he has, and certainly nothing close to what Valerie believes. She's threatened me twice before, and four teachers with firing. We're all still here!" you almost laugh as you explain this part.

"So, she's an ongoing problem."

"Yes, and getting worse," you nod, not sure you can handle another year like the last one with Valerie, "- something will definitely have to be done with her."

"That sounds like you have a plan," he tentatively inquires.

"I wish I did," you shake your head, despairingly, "- if I thought that expelling her would do any good I'd do it, but I think she's safer here than out in the so called real world. I keep hoping that she'll learn, or mature, but I've seen no signs of it. I'm afraid that one day she's going to get herself into trouble that's way over her head."

Mr. Carter nods his head as you look at him after explaining this, and you continue.

"Valerie thinks that she can get her way by bullying and threatening. She's got herself in trouble in town a few times, teasing some of the local boys and trying to threaten them when they got serious about her… offers. Fortunately for her someone or something got her out of it unscathed each time. But she hasn't learned from her experience,” you shake your head remembering this, telling him “To be frank, Valerie isn't very bright!"

You watch the sly smile almost appearing on his surprised face as you tell it how it is and tense up as you add in a firm voice: "This is, of course, entirely confidential Mr. Carter."

"Of course," he nods.

With that you decide to wrap things up, standing up and letting him know as much with a quick nod. A move he mirrors and with a smile offers his hand.

You watch that hand a couple of seconds before taking it and adding a closing remark. "Welcome to Pink Rose Academy Mr. Carter. Let us hope the board of regents has no reason to regret their decision."

"They won't. At least not on my account," he tells you with that smile still on his face, his hand keeping hold of yours for maybe a few moments too long, giving you time to feel his firm grip as you really take him in for the first. He kept in pretty good shape for a man his age, and especially given his status as a recovering alcoholic.

You’re not sure how long it takes you to reach these conclusions regarding Mason Carter, but suddenly his hand leaves yours and he grabs his things before turning a leaving the office, and leaving you standing there behind the desk, breath caught in your throat and skin slightly flushed.