Resignation

L.J. Smith owns The Secret Circle books and CW the TV Series.

This chapter is rated T

Things are going to get very interesting. Please leave your reviews

Today Jake has to resign from his position at the school to take the position offered to him at the university. He feels a little nervous as he makes his way into his office, he knows he has to tell the head of the department (HOD) who has been so gracious, kind, accommodating and really given Jake a lot of leeway at work, he probably won't be pleased. At the scheduled time Jake walks into his office to hand in his resignation, he knows he has to do it, he takes a deep breath then enters the office

HOD: Have a seat please Jake, how can I help you today

J: Well actually I wanted to let you know that I have thoroughly enjoyed working for you. I've learnt so much over the past few months, it's really (he gets interrupted)

HOD: Why do I feel like you are leaving me?

J: (he gets straight to the point now) I've been offered a more senior position at Harbor University and I think it will be a good career move Dr. Nioclab

HOD: Please call me Sam. Hmmm why?

J: Okay Sam, why what?

[Author's Note: HOD will now be referred to as S (for Sam) going forward]

S: Why do you think it will be a better opportunity?

J: It's a lot more money five times actually than what I make here and I'd have three other research assistants to help me

S: Five times the money…. Hmmm is that what you want?

J: I think it's a step in the right direction

S: What if I was to match whatever money the university is offering you

J: Eer... I wasn't expecting you to say that

S: I know but I think you have a lot of potential and a very bright future here with me

J: Thank you I'm flattered you think that

S: Besides isn't the university almost an hour away? You wouldn't get to spend as much time with your lady friend if you took the other job

Jake is confused, this conversation is not going as he planned. He knew Sam would not be happy but his counter offer is putting a wrench into the whole situation. For the first time Jake gets a weird vibe from Sam he thinks it's odd he brings up Cassie as a reason for him to stay.

J: I'm going to have to think about this

S: You should do that, take the week off to think about it and give me your answer Monday of next week

J: (hesitantly) Eer..okay thanks, although to be honest I'm not sure much will change

S: Leave that to me, besides aren't you forgetting something?

J: What?

S: Morgana will be devastated if you leave

J: She will be fine she's learnt a lot helping me, maybe you can finally start paying her

S: To be honest Jake I don't think she took this job for the money

Jake is irked he doesn't know why Sam is trying so hard to keep him, there is almost a desperation in his voice. Besides has Sam been this insightful the whole time? How has Jake not noticed any of this? Has he just been oblivious? Has he been caught up in his own personal not to mention supernatural issues that he hadn't noticed something off about Sam? All these questions riddle Jake now, but what is most alarming is what Sam says next

S: I know it's not easy to choose between two gorgeous girls but you really shouldn't let your affection for one cloud your decision to further your career

J: (plays dumb) I'm not sure what you mean

S: I might be an old guy with white hair, a spare tire where my tummy is suppose to be but I'm not blind, deaf nor stupid Jake. Are you sure you're decision isn't based on keeping your girlfriend's insecurities at bay

J: (bit suspicious) No I had actually made my decision before I told Cassie

S: Yes the lovely Cassie, I bet she could persuade you to do pretty much anything, give up anything

Jake is uncomfortable with this conversation he doesn't like that Sam is now making his decision to leave seem like it's because of Cassie's manipulation. Sam senses Jake's discomfort at his previous statement then speaks again

S: I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you or your girlfriend, it's just that a woman can make even the strongest of men do things that are not in their interest. Tell you what, we won't speak on this again till next week.

J: That would work since I was going to ask you if I could take Friday off, I need to be somewhere else

S: Well you don't need to ask me now Jake, I've given you the whole week off.

J: (smiles) Yes thanks

S: May I ask where you're going?

J: Yes Cassie and I are taking a road trip to Vancouver

S: How wonderful it's a beautiful city, very romantic I'm sure you'll have a great time. I have an old friend who works at the Museum of Anthropology there it's a lovely museum you should visit if you get the chance

Jake smiles then makes his way out of the office, he can't get out of there fast enough. As he's walking back to his office the conversation with Sam has left him feeling a little run over. He can't put his finger on it but something just isn't Kosher. Jake texts Cassie

J: Hey Cas call me when you get this - your Jake

Cassie is at work doesn't hear her cell phone with all the noise around her plus it is quite busy early in her shift then it slows down a bit. Melissa stops by the cafe to ask Cassie to go shopping with her after her shift is over. Cassie is only too happy to accompany Melissa who needs a new dress to wear when she meets Gunther's mother. She would have asked Faye but Melissa knows she's currently engaged in other activities with Greyson so won't pick up her phone. Besides it gives the girls a chance to bond before their trip.

Cassie and Melissa are off shopping, Melissa is trying different dresses to make her look a few years older, there is a good six years difference between Gunther and her she doesn't want it to be apparent to his mother. Cassie spots a yellow and white flowing sun dress that looks adorable, she makes Melissa try it on and then they are amazed the color compliments Melissa's complexion perfectly. She looks adorable they have found the dress Melissa was looking for, as she's paying for the outfit Cassie checks her phone then sees the text from Jake. She calls him right away

C: Hey handsome what's up?

J: (he speaks in a low tone) Cas I can't talk right now but can you meet me at John's house in 10 minutes

C: Sure! Are you okay? Is everything okay? Jake you sound weird you're scarring me baby

J: I'm fine just meet me there I'll tell you everything

C: Hey Melissa I'm sorry but I have to go meet Jake he sounds a bit off

M: No worries thanks for helping me find the perfect dress

C: Anytime (she hugs Melissa then heads out)

Cassie arrives at John's place first she's sitting on the couch as Jake walks in, she goes over to hug then kiss him, he responds with as much fervor as she does. When they break apart for air he tells her about his conversation with Sam. Cassie is irked too, she hadn't paid any attention to Sam either then remembers something

C: Jake you know he did say something weird to me at the history symposium

J: What did he say?

C: He said something like "isn't it great when a born leader just falls into your lap?"

J: What does that mean?

C: It's not just what he said but the way he said it, I didn't get the feeling he was talking about your piece of the presentation. Ofcourse at the time I was too distracted by being pissed at you for hiding what you were doing with Morgana.

J: Why didn't you tell me this before?

C: We weren't talking properly before I got to the symposium, you were busy setting things up and then Morgana was all over you I couldn't get you alone. When we finally were alone talking was not paramount on our minds if you remember

J: Cassie something just feels off here

C: I know, do you think he knows we're witches?

J: What? No way

C: Maybe...it would certainly explain a lot

J: Oh god, I really wanted this part of my life to be completely separate from magic

C: I know let's just try to find out more okay. Let's not assume the worst

J: Wow! I'm really rubbing off on you, that is something I would say

C: You are (cheeky grin) I would like you to rub off on me some more

As Jake starts leaning over to kiss Cassie he gets a text from Sam which dampens the mood

S: Jake would you mind picking up a package for me when you are in Vancouver from the Anthropology museum?

J: (sighs) Sure send me the details

Jake sighs then Cassie tells him to just forget about everything and enjoy the paid week off. She has to submit a paper for one of her classes from last semester so she can earn extra credit and needs to stop by the school to finish it. After Jane died the school made some exceptions, Cassie was thankful for it at the time but it just reminded her she was completely alone, an orphan in every sense. Jake tells her he'll meet her later by the docks maybe they can go to the boathouse for dinner. She thinks that's a great idea, pecks his lips with hers then heads towards the school.

Jake realizes that although his conversation with Sam was tough, the tougher one it yet to come with Morgana. He dreads having to tell her he's leaving, Morgan's isn't one for mega drama but he knows this won't be easy for her. He knows he has to be the one to tell her, the absolute worst thing would be for her to find out Jake is leaving from someone else. He texts Morgana

J: Hey Morgana how is your family trip going? Text me when you get back I have some news I want to share with you.

Morg: Hey handsome we are fine, should be heading back Thursday evening let's grab coffee at work Friday?

J: I'll be out of town Friday, let's grab coffee Monday morning?

Morg: Can I just call you now?

J: I'm heading out now is not good, let's connect on Monday

Morg: Okay...by the way I got you something

J: You don't need to do that Morgana

Morg: I saw it and thought of you, I hope you love it as much as I do

Jake does not reply he really doesn't want to encourage her light flirting. At the same time Morgana gets an unexpected text from Sam, the head of the history department.

S: Hello Morgana, can you come into my office as soon as you get back from your trip

Morg: Sure! Is everything alright?

S: It's about time you and I had a heart to heart

Morg: Okay I'll come in on Friday morning, since we plan to get into Chance Harbor on Thursday night

S: Can we meet on Thursday its kind of important, I'll come to you or if you'd like you could come to my place once you're back in town

Morg: Okay sure I'll text you when I get in

Morgana tells Balthazar about the strange conversation she's having over text with Sam. Zar insists he goes with her to Sam's place incase he turns out to be a creep or pervert. Morgana is touched that Zar is protective of her but insists she can take care of herself.

Morg: Thank you Zar but I'm a Balcoin too you know an old creep is no match for me (winks)

B: Doesn't matter I'm still accompanying you. I can't let anything happen to the only sister I like

They both smile at each other then hug. Atleast they know they're sibling bond is unbreakable.

Do you have theories on what's going on with the HOD (a.k.a Sam)? Also is there a character from the past you'd like to see reappear? Working on more chapters but wanted to post as soon as I could. Thanks to all my reviews you guys are awesome!