Riza was grading the days algebra and calculus homework when she received a text from an unrecognizable number.
Sometimes I feel sad too. (14:35)
She paused and panicked as she tried to conjure a response.
Im sorry to hear that, if you ever want to talk about it, I have lunch free, 4, 7 and 9 period free. I can also arrange time. (14:38)
She sighed, what was I thinking? Minutes passed without a response, she returned to grading papers.
Friday came and passed without any unseen obstacles. That evening she went to her grandfather's home for dinner. The back patio was well furnished and given the comfortable weather of the day they sat outside. Her dog Hayate played happily in the lush yard. The swimming pool was covered, but that didn't hinder Hayat's curiosity.
"Roy called in Thursday and Friday." Her grandfather called over the grill.
"Yes, I don't know why." She sipped a beer as she watched the dog. "He didn't tell me anything and I couldn't get anything out of Maes." She sighed and peaked at her phone. No new messages.
Grumman chuckled. "Well, I am thankful that you filled in for him. I didn't have to call in a substitute. It has been short supply as of late." She nodded but didn't respond. "Are you concerned?" He pursued.
When Riza had gotten her teachers license her grandfather hired her with few questions. He quoted something about her work ethic and iron moral compass. While they had been estranged most of her life, he had reached out to her while she lived in Central city. Out of respect he had asked her several times before hiring Roy given their past. Grumman had always had a weak spot for Roy and considered him a grandson, but not at the expense of his granddaughter's comfort.
"A little, I waited all day for a call from him or at least a text." She looked down to her phone, her heart raced when she saw a new message notification. She froze when she saw it was from the unidentifiable number again.
"What is it?" He sat across from her.
"Nothing, I just thought it was a text from Roy." She turned up to Grumman "Maes says that he is fine, that should be enough. Shouldn't it?" She looked to him.
"He will reach out when he is ready." Grumman reassured.
She sighed and finished her beer. Grumman stood and took the empty bottle. She returned to her phone and bit her nail.
Can I talk to you on Monday during lunch? (21:07)
Of course, I'll be in my room. Come whenever is convenient. (21:10)
She put her phone down as Gumman returned. He handed her another beer and they both watched the dog happily prance around Grumman's dog, it was much older and slower.
When Riza was a student at the school her father was the chemistry teacher. At the time King Bradly was the headmaster. A couple of years after Riza graduated Bradly took his retirement and Grumman happily took the position, looking for a relocation. He was previously the head at a military academy in Central City.
Riza had a relaxing weekend, other than preparing for the upcoming soccer season. Grumman had granted some funding for the girls to get much needed new apparel. Riza spent her free time looking at designs and potential local venders. Monday had quickly come but she felt well prepared. She filled her mug in the quiet teacher's lounge. Maes laughter could be heard from down the hallway. She could distantly hear him reply "Okay buddy I'll see you later."
"I was told I owe you a very large thank you." A voice from the doorway. She turned quickly nearly allowing the coffee to escape. She looked to Roy standing against the door jam an empty mug in his hands.
"I was told that you would do the same for me." She answered with a half-smile.
Roy smirked and looked to the side. "Regardless, thank you for the last-minute cover."
Riza filled his mug. He watched her closely "Regardless. You owe me." She said sarcastically
He chuckled "Thank you and yes I do." He shuffled before leaving "Can I talk to you during lunch?"
"Of course." The first bell rang and they both moved to the door. She paused to think about sharing the mystery texter but thought against it. Her door was close to the lounge, she watched him walk down the hallway.