In the face of the public I should smile; for those who succeeded in my place. Congratulate them with the same fake smile. Give them no hint of sadness.

But in reality I feel cold. Cold: about the promotion announcement in school. Cold: realizing that I am never good enough with anything. Cold: knowing my hard work is never appreciated.

Cold...numbing myself from any emotion I should be feeling.

Thus the word: Strong...I must be strong for myself. I will not give them the benefit of them seeing me weak. I drew in a sigh and make my way briskly to the headmaster office. The empty corridor fills itself with the sound of my footsteps. The rhythmic sound helps to sooth my nerves as my mind wanders off making plans for the uncertain future. My mind stopped abruptly as I reach in front of the office. I took a second or two to compose myself before plunging into the office.

"Aaaahh...Miss Trepe, what can I do for you today?" the headmaster Cid greeted as his warm smile crept into his face.

My eyes darted away from his eyes. He would know straight away. It's dead give-away. My eyes are the only thing that I couldn't train to hide all my feelings. I wouldn't want anyone to have the benefit of having my emotion read even my mentor.

"I know it is a short notice, but I am accepting the offer to teach in Trabia,"I said slowly keeping my voice and my eye contact in check. "I am sorry but I hope you'll understand"

"Oh? How unfortunate..."He said with a hint of disappointment in his voice. "May I at least know why?"

"It's nothing really; I just wanted outside experience that's all."My voice sounded so ...rehearse.

"Ah...Well, do know Balamb High will still welcome you with open arms if you want to come back ,"he frowns as right hand caresses the back of his neck. Ah... Bad habit dies hard. That indicate his true message; "I know that you are lying to me but I'll let it pass...for now". I wince slightly, knowing my lie was seen through. I felt bad lying to someone who was like a dad but I have to do this...I have to get out of this town. I need to start afresh knowing it hurts both of us. I need to. I need to get away from "that" too.

"Thank you Sir. Now I will take my leave."I said calmly as I turned for the door.

"Oh Miss Trepe...One more thing."

"Yes?"

"No matter what, I am proud of you."His frown dissipated into a firm smile. "Goodbye and good luck"

"Thank you sir and goodbye."And for once, I smile. A real smile.

A/n

I hope Quistis is in Character...She is a hard character since she has very little screen time. Anywho, let me explain the logic why she is not promoted. In this school to be promoted to the head of department you have to get votes from the other teacher from that department. From what I gather in the game she is loved by students but I don't think other instructors like her. Probably because she is the youngest and the, I guess, the most lenient teacher. Thus, off she go! Oh she is hiding from a reality. I won't tell you what now...but soon!Need a BETA!

Standard disclaimer:Not mine!if they are mine...they would already have kids!