"What are you doing here?" It didn't cover the shock and irritation of having been woken up, but it was all I could manage on 30 seconds of consciousness and a rising scowl headache.
"I could ask you the same question." And there we have it. Full on scowl headache. Justlike a thirteen years old about to storm out of, like, whereEver. God.
"If you asked that question," I said unclenching my jaw and carefully not assaulting anybody, "it would mean what am I doing in this school in the US. When I asked that question I meant what are you doing here, in my bedroom, making my alarm go off at four thirty in the MORNING," control, "ahem, when I have an assessed fucking lesson to teach first thing TOMORROW." Okay, so I know it's not exactly an object lesson in control, but give me a break here, I'm trying.
"You still have quite a remarkable temper," he replied calmly.
"Can't imagine why," I muttered. "Go away."
"I need you to do something for me."
I paused. Pauses are useful, they make people think you are thinking. "Let me make this clear," and now I had myself under more awake control I was able to making my voice as cold as I could, "I do not work for you. I cannot help it if my brother is interested in your organisation. I'm. Not. I can see you point. I respect your right to your opinions. Really I do, but as a non-mutant I maintain my opinion that destroying non-mutants is a little extreme. Go. Away."
"I can make sure you get this job."
I sat up and glared at him. "Look, sir, I know I ruined a couple of your lessons, and I never learned to identify and capitalise nouns properly in class, but I really think your new career path is a bit much. I take back what I said. You're awonderful teacher. I really think you should go back to it…"
"Ms Jacobson, I wouldn't be attempting to enlist your assistance unless it was truly necessary but please understand if you persist in denying me your co-operation there will be consequences." It was the same tone he used when he was trying to force me to confess that I had switched his whiteboard pen for an indelible marker. It didn't work that time either.
"Mr Lehnsherr, you have thirty seconds before I start screaming." There is nothing like being threatened to make me calm.
"I know where your mother is."
"Seven, eight, nine."
"Very well. I will leave. My next request will be delivered through your brother."
And he turned and left. I made a frowny face and went for a bit of self-pity. It's not fair. I like my brother, and I'm sure the non-mutant hating thing is just a phase. And now I'm going to feel dead uncomfortable next time he rings me. Fucking German teachers.
"I TAKE IT BACK!" I called with more petulance than an adult ought to use. "YOU ARE WORST TEACHER EVER!" Actually I didn't, because it's difficult to shout at an empty room, but I did think it loudly, which counts for something, right?
I need a muffin. With blueberrys.
