"Class dismissed"

The words were barely out of my mouth when the sounds of books being closed and bags thrown over shoulders filled the room as my last period students shuffled out of the room. I took a few minutes to go around and tidy the work stations and power off all of the computers in the studio before gathering my own belongings in my messenger bag and heading out the door.

I enjoyed the quiet walk through Idris Preparatory Academy as I headed to the art studio to meet one of my best friends Clary Fairchild. Clary and I had met 10 years ago while attending the American School of Design. She was majoring in the fine arts while I focused more on design and photography. We became fast friends and following some less great moments after graduation we both decided to teach in our respectful fields at this prestigious academy. It was not my dream job by far, but it paid the bills and allowed me some time to focus on my own designs while teaching others the basics.

I entered Clary's classroom just as she was gathering her belongings and together we left the school in the direction of the subway which would take us back to Brooklyn. As we walked down the busy New York streets we caught up on all the events of the day.

"Did you hear they are finally replacing Ms. Branwell and bringing in a new English teacher?" Clary inquires, knowing full where that I pay very little attention to the changing staff at the school. It seems that we have at least 2 or 3 new teachers a semester, and it is not worth my time or effort to get to know them all.

"Well that is good I guess, it will be beneficial to the students to have a regular teacher again instead of a stream of substitutes." I replied back to her.

"We should be meeting them at the staff meeting tomorrow after school. It would not hurt you to try to socialize with the rest of the staff Magnus." Clary tells me with a pointed look.

"Ok! Fine! I will play nice in the sandbox, but I do not see the point in getting to know all the new staff that never stick around. I mean I am friendly with Hodge Starkweather from PE, and I went for drinks the other night with Sebastian from the science department. How many more friends do I need at work. I have you and Caterina and Ragnor outside of work. What more do you want?"

"I want you to open yourself up again, you are never going to find someone if you can't even make friends Mags."

"Your one to talk miss Clary, when was the last time you had a date?"

" Ok you have a point. We both need to work on it, but let's just agree to play nice tomorrow, maybe even help the new teacher feel welcome."

"Agreed"

And with that we both got on the train and headed home

MALEC MALEC MALEC

Today seemed to take longer than most days and by the end of the last period I just wanted to go home. I have no desire to go to the staff meeting and listen to the headmaster drone on and on about who knows what. But I know that the sooner I get this over with the sooner I can go home and start my weekend. So I quickly cleaned up the room and gathered my belongings before locking the door and heading to the staff room.

I push open the doors and scan the room for Clary. If I am going to have to sit through this horrible meeting I am going to do so with her by my side. Our side commentary can usually make the meetings a little more enjoyable. Spotting her at the back of the room I quickly make my way over and take my seat.

The rest of the staff starts to sit down as the principle heads to the front of the room. He starts talking about the plans for the second semester, and making arrangements for the senior showcase at the end of the year. It is all stuff we have heard before, and you can tell over half the staff is starting to zone out on him.

Just as I am about to follow suit and mentally check out of the meeting the staff room door opens and in walks the most amazing man I have ever seen. I so wish I had my camera on me. He was in tight black skinny jeans with a royal blue button down shirt with a black vest over top and the top few buttons un done. His messy black hair was swept over half his face hiding his eyes... his eyes were the most amazing shade of blue. I was mesmerized by this blue eyes wonder.

"Everyone" I heard the headmaster call to grab our attention. "This is Alexander Lightwood our new English teacher."