To the meeting

Entering the library you see that a number of students are already seated, chattering with each other as they wait for the meeting to begin. You notice Grace sitting with some girls including the busty Julia. In another group you see the lovely French student Gabrielle preening with some other girls, and you notice that the eyes of many students flicker over you as you join a group of other teachers. You recall that the meetings are arranged alphabetically by year, this one being second year students with surnames from A to M.

Brian excused himself to join Christina Thorpe and Monica Fulton, and Donna Considine wave you to her table where she sits with Honey Thibodeaux and somewhat surprisingly, Miss Swanson.

"Take a look Mason," Donna Considine says, nodding at the students. "The future leaders of the free world. Or at least the leading customers of Gucci and Prada."

"Really Donna, must you always be sarcastic?" Miss Swanson replies icily. "These are fine young ladies from some of the great families of our country. It would do you well to remember that."

"I do declare I heard the anthem playing just then," Honey Thibodeaux smiles. "Ignore the cattiness and sit down here with me Mr. Carter."

"You're just as bad Honey," Miss Swanson sneers.

"It's Honey to my friends," the Cajun teacher smiles. "To others it's Honoré."

The older teacher just snorts and turns her head away, obviously torn between leaving the group and not wanting to be seen in retreat. You smile ambiguously, seeing Dean Hawkfeather is standing with Ms. Naylor, their heads together in conference, their eyes flickering to the students and back again.

You wonder what that's about as the last few students and teachers enter the library and Ms. Naylor taps her knuckles on a table for attention.