Adam Blake - 35. Chapter 35

I followed Jane down some steps which led to a cafeteria that faced the back lawns. It was a nice view as there were several gardens one could walkthrough. Taking a tray I followed Jane through the line. I noticed they had a fresh-looking salad bowl which I took along with a small dish of fresh fruit. It was obvious I was the first staff that ate in that cafeteria. Every student's eyes followed us as we headed to a table. When we were ready to sit down, one of the students came to the table, “Sir, we’d like for you to join us.” I looked at Jane and we headed to his table.

“Thank you for your invitation, I’d be please to join you. Is it ok if we ask this lady as well?”

They chuckled and nodded yes. We sat down, I introduced myself and asked them to introduce themselves as well. That started the conversation, I found out their names and which class they were in. We talked about sports, hobbies, and classes they liked and disliked. When lunch was over, I invited them to stop by my office anytime they had free. “As long as my door is open, feel free to come in.”

Walking back to my office, a young man approached me. “Sir, do you remember me?”

“Yes, Johnny I remember you. How’s the running coming along?”

“Fine sir, did you bring your son with you?”

I knew he meant Billy. “No, Johnny I’m sorry but he couldn’t come. He has to go home to start school.”

“When you see him, tell him I said hello.”

“Johnny, if you have time today stop by my office and I’ll give you his address, you can correspond with him, I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”

I watched him walk down the hall as he turned to go outside. I looked at Jane, she smiled and I wonder what she was thinking. “Jane, do you eat in the cafeteria or the Staff Dining Room?”

“I bring my lunch. Most of the secretaries bring their lunch. I guess we could use the cafeteria but they frown on it. It’s for the students and until today no teacher or someone from administration would dare eat there.”

“Why not? If I had my way there wouldn’t be a Staff Dining Hall. They should all eat in the cafeteria. I understand the need for a private dining hall for guests or visitors, but not for teachers. A good teacher will mingle among his or her student, how is a student going to feel comfortable bringing a problem to a teacher if they are isolated. That isn’t my way of thinking. I’m afraid I’ll rattle a few sacred bones when I continue to use the cafeteria.”

Arriving at my office, Dr. McMilan was there waiting for me. “How was lunch?”

“It was excellent. One of the students invited us to sit with them. I must say the dialogue around that table was very interesting. I plan to have all of my lunches in the cafeteria unless we have a guest in that case I’ll join you in the Staff Dining Room.”

Jane and Dr. McMillan left as I entered my office. I continued my review of the students when I was interrupted by a knock on the door. Looking up I saw one of the students I had lunch with, "Come in and have a seat.”

“Thank you, sir. My father asked me to welcome you to the Academy.”

“Thank you very much. I’m assuming your father is a friend of Dr. Stevens.” I thought maybe I could find out who Henry talked to about my position here.

“No sir, my father has a copy of your book and I told him I thought you’d be coming here. My friend Johnny was telling everyone about you possibly coming here and your son running. He said that your son said you were the best running coach he has ever worked with.”

“Evan, I’m the only coach he has worked with. Billy isn’t my son, as much I’d like that, he’s the son of my best friend whom I consider a brother. I appreciate your father on two counts, he has bought my book and he has a well-mannered son.”

“Thank you, sir. Sir, you’re welcome to sit with us any time you use our cafeteria.”

“Thank you, Evan, I’m sure you’ll see quite a bit of me.”

When Evan left I thought about how well mannered he was. If all of the students are like that, I’ll like this place.

Jane brought several folders to my office, “Dr. Blake, these are secretary applications for your review.”

“Thank you, Jane, I’ll look them over tomorrow morning. Are there any that stand out?”

“Well, Dr. Blake how adventurous are you? You seem like a rebel.”

“So there’s a resume in here that would cause a stir or perhaps break a taboo here?”

“Well, not break a taboo but would cause a slight stir.”

“Are all of these applicants qualified?”

“Yes, their names have been submitted by the secretarial school where most of us have graduated.”

“Good, I’ll have an answer for you tomorrow morning.”

You know when someone has a twinkle in their eyes and a slight smile on their lips, something is up. I couldn’t wait until I looked at those applications.

I hadn’t completed reviewing the student list, but I had to drive home. I hadn’t found my lodgings yet but I’ll do that tomorrow. On the way out I saw Johnny and gave him Billy’s address. I said good night and I’d see him tomorrow. I stopped by Dr. McMillan’s office, told Jane I was leaving and I’d see her in the morning. One day down and 364 days to go.

On the drive to the cabin, I thought about the students I saw in the cafeteria. They seemed like a good group of well-mannered students. I’m sure their parents impressed upon them the importance of education as well as the development of friends.

When I stopped for gas, I saw I had a text message from Billy. He wanted me to pick him up from the diner.