Two days later, after spending some time in the school's infirmary under observation, Alan was packing his bags to leave. The entire school was been sent home so that damage could be assessed and repairs could be made. The fire had reached the administration block, which stood in the middle courtyard separating the two blocks of classrooms and dorms, meaning that almost half of the school was unusable. Any student sitting the finals was issued a reservation at another school in the area so they could sit the finals there. Alan was both happy and sad at the news.
Although his father had forgiven him for acting impulsively, but the root problem had been left untouched. His feelings about going home were an unidentifiable mixture.
Ah well, at least I'll be able to see Tintin again, he thought miserably
He grabbed his bags and shuffled his way out to the car his father was waiting at. Jeff would then take Alan and Fermat to an airport where they would take his father's jet to Tracy Island.
He gave his father a grim smile before handing him his bags. As Jeff loaded them into the boot of the car, Alan looked back at the school.
For the past two days, more than wanting to see his own father, he wanted to see Mr Corper. He hadn't seen him since before the fire and was eager to see how he was. He couldn't leave without saying goodbye; not after the relationship they'd built together.
"Dad, I'll be back in a minute," he said, running off towards administration
He hesitantly knocked on the door to be called in by Mrs Whiteman, the school receptionist.
"And what can I do for you Mr Tracy?" she asked. The stern but kind old lady had seen Alan through to the principal's office many times during his stay at Wharton's and had grown a fondness for him.
For the first time in a long while, Alan didn't greet her with a cocky, "Mrs Whiteman, my blossom, you're looking fabulous today"
Instead he spoke nervously, "um, Mrs Whiteman, do you know if I can see Mr Corper?"
Noticing his solemn tone, she nodded, "I'll see what I can do"
"Alan?" came a voice
Alan spun around to see none other than Mr Corper standing behind him. Alan broke out into a smile, "You're okay!" he exclaimed before he could control himself
Mr Corper only smiled, "Yes, I'm okay. Would you like to step outside for a moment?"
Alan nodded and they both stepped out into the teacher's porch area.
"How are you Alan? I heard what you did," said Corper bluntly
Alan could always trust him to get to the point and nodded, "Yeah, I'm okay"
"I meant to come and see you, but unfortunately the Headmaster has been bogging all of the staff with paperwork" apologised Corper
"No its okay"
Mr Corper nodded, "That was a brave thing you did Alan. But it was also very foolish"
Alan looked at the floor, expecting to get another lecture.
But instead, Corper said, "I don't suppose you want to hear me banter on about right and wrong. But I do want to say thankyou"
Alan was shocked when Corper embraced him strongly.
Awkwardly and quickly Corper released him, looking around nervously. He gave a small cough, "Excuse me"
"Well, I suppose this is it" shrugged Alan
"Is someone here for you?" asked Corper
"Yeah, my Dad" he replied
"Well, you'd best be off. I'll see you soon" said Corper
Alan bid him goodbye and walked around the back of the administration block towards the carpark. He wondered why, as his teacher, Corper did not wish him well on his finals.
Alan walked a little further outside and was suddenly grabbed just below the shoulder by a strong hand.
"Don't make a sound Alan, just keep walking," said a voice
Alan looked around to see Mr Corper.
But there was something different this time. He didn't have a twinkle in his eye. They were now cold steel.
"What's happening?" murmured Alan
"I'm taking you home Alan" replied Mr Corper
"No you're not," said Alan, remembering his Dad waiting for him in the carpark
"I'm taking you to a new home"
"What?"
Mr Corper tightened his grip as the walked towards the staff carpark, opposite to where Alan was supposed to be heading
"What are you doing? Stop this! Let me go!" said Alan tugging
Mr Corper pulled against him, "Alan I warn you, if you keep going you're only going to make this difficult for yourself"
"Let me go!" cried Alan
Suddenly he saw Jeff walked from his car towards the school, looking for him.
"Dad! Dad help! Please! Dad!" Alan yelled, only to have a hand placed over his mouth
He didn't stop yelling, but he was muffled. Jeff couldn't hear him, as he was pulled further away by Mr Corper
"This is my last warning Alan!" said Mr Corper
Alan didn't stop struggling, now twisting his whole body in an attempt to get free. He suddenly felt something strike his back, causing him to fall limply, winded. Mr Corper held him, not letting him fall, "Nice and easy now Alan" placing a square of folded cloth over his mouth and nose. Alan realised it was soaked in chloroform but it was too late. He tried weakly to struggle but in vain as the drug made him grow even weaker. He saw his Dad walking away as he lost consciousness.
Reviews please!