Seabrook, Texas, at Vanguard Preparatory, Monday, September 23rd, 2030, at 2:20 pm

Rachel

"Okay, you guys, please make sure that you don't lose these packets! You need them for the entire week!" I reiterate to my sixth period as I hold up the twenty-pages of practice questions I put together for them. "If you lose it I'm going to be very sad and personally offended," some of my students chuckle as they put their packet away in their binder.

"Yes, I'm looking at you, Landon!" I say as I point at one of my favorite students with the stack of papers. He puts his hands up, defending himself.

"Hey, that was one time! I swear, it's in my backpack this time Mrs. Clarke!" He picks up his backpack and shakes it around. The class giggles as the bell rings.

"Okay, have a great day you guys! See you tomorrow!" I dismiss my students, giving out high fives some, while others just nod or quickly shuffle past me. When the last of my kiddos are gone, I head towards my office.

We have another meeting after school today. I'm assuming Sam called it just to go over any schedule changes for the semester now that he's taking over for Principal Jeffreys. I haven't seen him since the morning meeting on Friday. Being at work is giving me anxiety now for multiple reasons; I haven't told Lucas that Sam is my temporary boss and I haven't spoken to Sam since he got here.

I don't really want to do either.

As I get into my office I close the door and gingerly take my cardigan off. I've been wearing it all day to cover up my bandages, but it's almost ninety degrees outside and I need a break. I look down at my arms and make sure that all of the small white strips are still there. Lucas said that I didn't need them wrapped up anymore. The strips sort of look like what he wears on his nose while he sleeps.

I should call Anne after the meeting and see how she's doing.

I haven't slept very well since the incident. It's probably a combination of anxiety from keeping secrets and trauma from the explosion. Every time Lucas asks me how I slept, I just tell him it was fine. I don't want to worry him or become a distraction with everything he has going on at work right now. He and Cooper have been working tirelessly on the space habitat to fix it for the next demonstration.

I slide my sweater back on and head towards the band room.

"Are you ready for this meeting?" Artemis asks as she pops out of a hallway.

Staff are slowly coming out of their offices and heading to the band room. My anxiety starts to creep back up as Artemis reminds me that I'm about to be in the same room as Sam again.

"Let's sit in the back?" I say turning to her, my face hopeful. She sighs at me and nods.

"Okay, only while he's here. You know that I like to sit up front because I'm short," Artemis moves her hand over her head like she's measuring herself. I chuckle at her as we make our way into the band room.

I try to look around for Erika and Tyler. As my eyes make it to the front of the room, my heart stops. Sam is standing up at the podium with our Dean of Students, Casey. They're flipping through some sort of document on the laptop. I see Erika and Tyler waiting over on the left side of the room. I stick my hand up to wave them over, immediately regretting it. As soon as my hand is raised I see Sam turn his head out of the corner of my eye.

He definitely saw me.

Erika and Tyler move between staff members to get to us, and we take four empty seats in the back. I try not to look up at the front when I sit down, but I can't help it. Sam is still staring at me. I open the notebook that I brought and stare into my lap to act busy. I doubt he's buying it, but I'm so anxious right now that I don't know what else to do.

"Good afternoon, everybody," Sam begins as he clears his throat. The room quiets down and everyone finds a seat. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, again." He smiles as he looks around the room briefly. A few of the women giggle at him. "For those of you that don't remember me, or if you missed the morning meeting on Friday, my name is Sam Marconi. I am the Vice Principal at Westlake Academy up in Dallas, and I am going to be your temporary principal until the end of the semester."

I close my eyes and sigh. That's almost three months away. The semester doesn't end until Christmas Break.

"I was thrilled when I heard about the opportunity to come to Houston and be a part of your amazing school," Sam continues. "I actually met a few of your staff at the Innovative Schools Summit Conference in Seattle back in June."

He points towards where we are sitting and Tyler yells out, "Yeehaw, brother!"

The room erupts into laughter. I look down, trying to avoid Sam.

"I had an incredible time getting to know them at the conference, so I just had to come out here to see them again." His accent is still deep and slow, forcing my eyes to drift up at Sam. His gaze is still locked on me as he smirks.

"The main reason for this meeting is to discuss the upcoming fundraising event that Principal Jeffreys was putting together for this Friday," Sam begins.

This fundraiser happens every year to raise money for the following year. It's always very successful and is a great excuse to wear a floor length gown.

"Since Principal Jeffreys was in charge of the event, she left me specific instructions for how to ensure that it is carried out smoothly." Sam flips through the laptop until he gets to a note. "She asked me to put Mrs. Finnegan and Mrs. Clarke in charge of the remaining duties for the event, and has the highest faith and trust that they will do a fantastic job." Staff members begin to cheer for us as Artemis turns to look at me. Her expression is the most excited I've ever seen.

"I will be working closely with both of you to finish organizing the event for this Friday," Artemis' excitement shifts to amusement as Sam says this.

"I can't believe we get to be in charge of the fundraiser this year!" Artemis whispers excitedly. "What're you going to do?"

I have no idea.

The rest of the meeting is mostly boring as Sam goes over information that we all already have. It's taking longer than it should because some of the women in the front keep asking Sam unrelated questions about himself.

"If there are no further questions, then I hope you all have a fantastic day and enjoy the sunshine." His southern accent is still so captivating. He smiles around the room, but pauses when his eyes get to me. "Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Finnegan, could you please meet me in the office to talk about the event?" he calls out to us.

"Sure thing, boss!" Artemis holds her thumb high in the air. Sam chuckles as he turns to talk to the herd of women waiting up by the podium. I pull Artemis out of the band room and into the hall.

"Alright kiddo, let's go," Artemis says as she gently nudges me down the hall. I pretend to head towards the exit doors and then swing back around. Artemis' hearty laugh relieves some of my stress.