Step back. Breakfast with Louisa

"It doesn't take courage to get wounded," you say with a deprecating smile. "Thanks for the towel Josefina." You step back into the bathroom, shutting the door, noting the kindness and empathy on the pretty housekeeper's face. You dry yourself, your feelings mixed as to what just happened. You've always been a little touchy about your wounds, and uncomfortable when people sympathise. You dislike being the object of pity, and while you sensed sincere compassion from Josefina you don't like being defined by the damage to your body.

You take your time, giving the housekeeper ample time to finish up and leave, not wanting another meeting so soon. She's a very pretty woman, and part of you want's to get to know her better, but you want to wait for a time that isn't triggered by embarrassment and unease.

You have two classes today, one at 10 and another at 2. You turn your mind towards them, thinking that your students today are likely to respond much differently than the classes of Marine recruits you last instructed. You smile for a moment, imagining the girls of Pink Rose being subjected to military discipline, before carefully opening the bathroom door to make sure Josefina has left.

Finding the bedroom empty, you dress quickly in your standard khakis and cotton shirt before leaving your office. You haven't had breakfast, but you have no wish to join the dining hall this morning. You head for the kitchen entrance, stepping inside and catching Louisa's eye. She frowns when she sees you, then waves you in, standing with her hands on her hips as you approach.

"What's the matter, that diner in town go out of business?" she asks with a stony face.

"I came to apologise," you say, trying to look contrite until as grin breaks over her face.

"I'm just messin' with you vato," she laughs. "You want something? I fix you some eggs."

"Just some toast and coffee would be ok."

"You'll have eggs," Louisa says firmly, pointing to a small table. "Sit there, I bring you coffee."

A few moments later a plate of bacon, eggs and toast is put in front of you, and Louisa pulls out a chair and sits across from you.

"How come you don't eat breakfast with the other teachers? You shy or something?"

"Reminds me of being in a messhall," you laugh. "And I'm not so good with small talk."

"How you like it here vato? You sure got some people excited, I say that for you?"

"You mean the discipline thing? I guess, but it seemed the right thing to do."

"That and you a handsome man, all you four men are fine looking. Got these girls all worked up. Some of the teachers too. And other teachers, they just don't like you."

"Any names attached to that last part Louisa."

"I think you already know most of them vato. But you keep going. You doing this place some good I think. And that Miss Diana, she likes what you're doing. She may not say so but I can tell."

"You and her are friends?"

"She comes back to talk sometime. Lot on her mind that girl. Lot on her mind. She talks to Louisa because Louisa listens, then tells her straight. She's a good woman vato." She looks at you sternly before getting up and tapping the table for emphasis. "You have a good day."

You nod and finish your food, thinking about the day ahead.