House of Sabbaticals:
Eddie was in his room with Patricia and looking at the Mark of Anubis that was on his arm.
"What is this?" Asked Eddie.
"The Mark of Anubis," said Patricia.
"And what does it mean?" Asked Eddie.
"Nothing good," said Patricia.
"What do you mean?" Asked Eddie.
"So this is why I didn't want to involve you," said Patricia.
"Patricia, tell me what it means," said Eddie.
Patricia showed Eddie her wrist with the Mark of Anubis on it.
"But you didn't have that before," said Eddie.
"I've had the mark for a long time, you can see it now because you have a mark too," said Patricia.
"Wait, does this mean I'm marked for death?" Asked Eddie.
"Yes, just like the rest of us," said Patricia.
In the meantime, Joy was in her room, unable to sleep. Joy turned on her nightlight and grabbed a writer pad and started writing.
The next day, Jerome and Mara were helping Trudy with breakfast. Victor Jr. came into the kitchen.
"Trudy I think you washed my coat wrong," said Victor jr.
Mara please say to Victor that he doesn't have to worry anymore, from now on he can do everything himself, said Trudy.
"Victor you don't have to worry anymore...," said Mara, but Victor jr. interrupted her.
"All right, I'm sorry," said Victor jr.
Trudy did not listen and was busy putting some food on a tray.
"Mara, what kind of emergency?" Asked Trudy.
"What kind of emergency?" Asked Mara.
"I can't say," said Victor jr.
"Now, if you'll move, I'm going to bring a nice breakfast to KT," said Trudy.
Trudy grabbed the tray of food and headed upstairs. Trudy entered KT's room and saw that Aaron was on the bed with her.
"Here you go my sweetie," said Trudy.
"Thank you Trudy," said KT
"I put some breakfast on it for you too Aaron," said Trudy.
"Thank you Trudy, You're the best," said Aaron.
"You're welcome, sweetie," said Trudy.
"Trudy?" Asked KT.
"Yes, KT," said Trudy.
"Aaron, has doubt that what he did at the funeral was right. What do you think?" Asked KT.
"Oh sweetie, that was beautiful, when I think about it I start crying again," said Trudy, as she grabbed the cloth from her shoulder.
Trudy blew her nose in a cloth and walked out of the room. Aaron and KT began to eat from Trudy's breakfast.
"You see, everyone thought it was beautiful," said KT.
"Yeah," said Aaron.
"It was really beautiful Aaron," said KT.
"Did you ever tell them how I met Fabian?" Asked Aaron.
"No, but tell me," said KT.
"Okay, I was 11 years old and my father dropped me and my sister off at the school. While my dad went to take care of some things I went to look around the school and that's when I saw boy reading a book that was almost bigger than himself," said Aaron.
"And that boy was Fabian?" Asked KT.
"Yes, I sat down next to him and asked him what kind of book he was reading and of course it was one of those books that I wouldn't understand anything about. And he told me he was new to and so we bonded and finally became best friends," said Aaron. "Never thought that 7 years later, I would bury my best friend,"
Aaron started to get tears in his eyes and KT gave him a hug. Aaron began to cry out on KT's shoulder.
In the meantime, most of the residents sat at the table eating breakfast while Trudy poured some tea for everyone. Otis came into the living room, sat down and didn't see Joy sitting there.
"Where is Joy?" Asked Otis.
"I don't know," said Patricia.
"What do you mean, you don't know? You're her roommate," said Otis.
"I didn't sleep in my room last night," said Patricia as she looked at Eddie.
"Did you sleep in Eddie's room? asked Victor jr. while he entered the living room.
Trudy crossed her arms and glared at Victor Jr.
"No, no, otherwise he had to sleep alone last night and I understand that's a bit much for now," said Victor jr.
Victor Jr. walked out of the living room and Patricia and Eddie gave Trudy a thumbs up. Half an hour later and the residents had finished breakfast and were getting ready to go to school.
"I'm going to check and see if Joy is still upstairs," said Otis.
"Okay, we'll see you later at school," said Jerome.
"Yeah, see you later," said Otis.
Otis walked upstairs and went to Joy's room.
"Joy," said Otis, knocking on Joy's door.
But there was no answer. Otis opened door and walked into the room and saw that it was empty. Otis looked around and then saw an envelope with his name on it sitting on Joy's nightstand. Otis walked over to Joy's bedside then picked up the envelope from the nightstand and sat down on the bed. Otis opened the envelope and took out the letter and began to read.
A few moments later. Nina, Amber and Alfie were walking the three of them in the schoolyard towards the entrance of the school.
"I dreamt about Sarah last night," said Nina.
"What, is she back? What did she say?" Asked Amber.
"Did she know about Fabian?" Asked Alfie.
"Fabian was there," said Nina.
Amber and Alfie looked amazed. At that same moment someone tapped Nina's shoulder and when she turned around Mason was standing in front of her.
"Mason," said Nina.
"Hi," said Mason.
"Hi," said Nina.
"Sorry I was suddenly gone after the funeral yesterday," said Mason.
"It's okay, I was glad you came," said Nina.
"How are you now?" Asked Mason.
"I'm all right. I shouldn't think about it too much, otherwise I'm going to…," said Nina.
"Why don't we go do something fun?" Asked Mason, noticing that Nina was about to cry
"We've to go to school," said Amber.
"Oh," said Mason.
"I'd really like to, I'm not really looking forward to go to school," said Nina.
"All right, you know what, just go. I mean, Alfie and I will think of an excuse for Mr. Sweet," said Amber.
"And besides, I don't think he'd mind that you take an extra day off," said Alfie.
"Have fun, Nina," said Amber
"Thank you," Nina.
"And you, you make sure she gets home safely, and if she doesn't, I'll find you and I'll make sure you regret it," said Amber, turning her attention to Mason.
Nina smiled and gave Amber a hug and then left with Mason as Amber and Alfie waved them off.
"Should I follow them?" Asked Alfie.
"No, he's okay," said Amber.
In the meantime, Mara and Jerome were in the computer lab and a few seconds later Otis came running in and he was completely out of breath.
"What is it Otis?" Asked Mara.
"Joy," said Otis.
"Yeah, what about Joy?" Asked Jerome.
"She's gone," said Otis.
"She's what?" Asked Mara.
"It's all in here," said Otis.
Otis grabbed the letter and started reading it out loud.
"I've to leave urgently, have to help family in Greece. Don't worry I'll call you soon, kisses Joy, said Otis, while reading Joy's letter.
"So?" Asked Jerome.
"So, I'm worried of course," said Otis.
"It's a bit weird," said Mara.
"What does she even mean with helping her family? She has to go to school," said Otis.
"Have you tried calling her?" Asked Jerome.
"Yeah, but she's not picking up," said Otis.
"But here in the letter it says she'll call soon, so I assume she'll call soon," said Jerome.
"And yet I'm still worried," said Otis.
Otis started reading the letter again and at that same moment, Mr. Sweet and Ms. Delaney walked into the computer lab.
"Hello," said Mr. Sweet.
"Hey, Mr. Sweet," said Mara.
"I can imagine it's not easy for you guys being here, but if there's anything I can do for you, anything at all, my door is always open," said Mr. Sweet.
"Thanks," said Jerome.
Mr. Sweet nodded his head and walked out of the computer lab.
"And how is Mr. Sweet holding up really?" Asked Mara.
"If you want to know, bad," said Ms. Delaney.
"And when is the school board coming to talk?" Asked Otis.
"Today, it doesn't look good," said Ms. Delaney.
"But the guy's only coming to talk, right?" Asked Jerome.
"Mr. Sweet hasn't been fired yet, has he?" Asked Otis.
"No, but Shepard has it out for Eric. I won't bother you any longer with my problems. You've a hard enough time as it is," said Ms. Delaney.
Ms. Delaney walked out of the computer lab with a sad feeling. And this news didn't make Mara, Jerome and Otis any happier either.
At the same time. Joy was sleeping in a small tent in the garden and was awakened Delphi who was licking her face.
"Good morning Delphi," said Joy, petting Delphi on her head
"Good morning, Joy," said Isaac, as he walked into the garden.
"Good morning," said Joy
"Time for breakfast," said Isaac, giving Joy a plate with sandwich on it.
"Thank you very much," said Joy.
"Those in a hurry don't believe. Where are you off to so early?" Asked Isaac.
"Good question. I don't really know," said Joy.
"Yes, Delphi, but she just woke up, You can stay here today and tomorrow, said Isaac.
"What about after that?' Asked Joy.
"Our work here is done. Delphi and I will start the journey home," said Isaac.
"You're going back to Kenya?" Asked Joy.
Isaac nodded his head. Then Joy heard Trudy enter the garden and quickly closed up the tent. Trudy approached with a tray of tea and breakfast.
A few moments later. Nina had gone with Mason for some distraction, but she had no idea where they were because Mason had his hands in front of her eyes. Mason kept his hands away and then Nina saw that they were at a petting zoo.
"We're going to feed real animals. I have lettuce, bread, carrots and bananas," said Mason, as he pulled food out his bag.
"Bananas?" Asked Nina.
"For the monkeys," said Mason.
"I don't think there are any monkeys at the petting zoo," said Nina.
"There aren't? Oh then they are for us," said Mason.
Nina looked away from Mason and he noticed that she was looking upset.
"Hey what's up? Don't you like bananas?" Asked Mason.
"It's not that. I just think it's weird to be here, without Fabian," said Nina.
"Do you want me to take you back to school?" Asked Mason
"No, you don't have to," said Nina.
"Are you sure about this? We might as well come back to the super-exciting petting zoo another time," said Mason.
"Fabian wouldn't want me to cry all day," said Nina.
Mason nodded his head, Nina opened the gate and entered the petting zoo with Mason.
In the meantime at school. Amber and Alfie were sitting in an empty classroom and then Patricia and Eddie came.
"Where were you guys?" Asked Patricia.
"Here," said Alfie.
"We've been looking for you everywhere," said Patricia.
"What is it?" Asked Amber.
"Where are Nina and Aaron?" Asked Patricia.
"Nina is out with Mason. And Aaron..," said Amber.
"He's just coming in now," said Alfie, seeing that Aaron came into the classroom
"Sorry, guys, I was with KT," said Aaron.
"Guys, we've a problem," said Patricia.
"What is it?" Asked Aaron.
"Eddie show them," said Patricia.
Eddie rolled up his sleeve and showed Amber, Aaron and Alfie the sign of Anubis on his arm.
"The Mark of Anubis," said Alfie.
"You saw Senkhara and she marked you," said Aaron.
"Yes," said Aaron.
"Now what?" Asked Alfie.
"That I also need to help find the Mask," said Eddie.
"So you're part of the club now?" Asked Amber.
"I've no other choice," said Eddie.
Back on the petting zoo. Nina and Mason were feeding some animals, then they went to the rabbits and Mason put a rabbit on his head, which made Nina laugh. At one point Nina dared Mason to hug a goat and he did it. Then Nina and Mason went to try and catch and sheep, but they didn't succeed, but they were laughing about it. After the failed sheep catching attempted, Nina and Mason walked across the petting zoo while eating a banana. Two hours later and Nina and Mason left the petting zoo.
"It was really nice to really think about something else for a while, thank you," said Nina.
"You're welcome," said Mason.
"Were you there when Fabian...?" asked Nina.
"No, I had physio therapy, then suddenly he was gone," said Mason.
"I don't understand, if I'd stayed a bit longer I could've…," said Nina.
"Then what? You could have saved Fabian?" Asked Mason.
"Yes, I could've," said Nina.
"Don't think like that," said Mason.
Nina leaned against the fence and just stared as the grass.
"It's nice to be away from school, home, everyone," said Nina.
"If I can cheer you up again, just say so," said Mason.
Nina got a little smile on her face. Mason looked at his watch and got up.
"I gotta go," said Mason.
"Oh," said Nina.
"Maybe if we run really fast, I can get you to school," said Mason.
"No, I'll walk myself," said Nina.
"Okay, bye," said Mason.
"Bye," said Nina.
Mason began to run and Nina waved at him, then she began to walk back to school.
In the meantime, Mr. Sweet sat in his office and looked sadly at a picture of him and his students. Ms. Delaney walked into the office. Mr. Sweet put the picture down.
"I will miss it here," said Mr. Sweet.
"Miss it? What do you mean?" Asked Ms. Delaney.
"When I'm out of here," said Mr. Sweet.
"Eric come on, you can't give up now. This school can't exist without you," said Ms. Delaney.
"Do you really mean that?" Asked Mr. Sweet.
"Yeah, of course I am. The teachers are all happy, the students are caring you on their hands and the results are fine and according to the rules of the board, you can convince Shepard of that," said Ms. Delaney.
"I guess," said Mr. Sweet.
"Yes, you just have to make him listen. You can do that," said Ms. Delaney.
"You're right. I'll show him what I'm made of," said Mr. Sweet.
A few moments later. Nina arrived back at school and walked towards the club and Eddie. Nina was greeted by Amber who gave her a hug.
"Oh it's great that you're back," said Amber.
"Yes, especially that you went with a strange boy," said Alfie.
"Mason is perfectly normal, nothing out of the ordinary," said Nina
"Vampires can seem perfectly normal," said Alfie.
"Anyway, he's not a vampire and we just went to the petting zoo," said Nina.
"Petting zoo?" Asked Amber.
"Yes, and I'm glad I went," said Nina.
"Did you guys smooch?" Asked Alfie.
"Alfie, don't be unappropriated," said Patricia.
"Mason is just a really nice guy and I liked getting away from it all," said Nina. "You understand that, don't you?"
"Yeah, of course," said Amber.
"I still love Fabian, even though I can't anymore, I always will," said Nina.
Amber, Aaron, Patricia and Alfie gave Nina a hug, even Eddie gave her one. At the same time Mr. Sweet walked out of his office.
"Ah Nina, is everything all right with you?" Asked Mr. Sweet, as he walked over to Nina.
"Mr. Sweet before you give her a punishment," said Amber.
"Punishment? Who is talking about punishment? This day of skipping school I take for my account," said Mr. Sweet.
"Thank you sir," said Nina.
"Hem-hem," said a voice
Mr. Sweet, The club and Eddie turned around and saw Mr. Shepard standing in the hallway. Mr. Sweet got a nervous look on his face.
Did Mr. Shepard heard what Mr. Sweet said? Is this the end of Mr. Sweet's career as a school principal?