I haven't done reviewer replies in a while...so I thought, why not:)
aan: thanks!
Inda: Not A? just kidding...
Xanthia Nightshade: I like pulling readers in. Or kidnapping them...either way...:p
Straberryz: Well, I put Van in business clothes today!
crossfire: Many things are to be revealed later. I like a little confusion to set into my readers when they read the first chapter.
cassie89: thanks!
dancegoddess: Age difference is explained here. I looked over the first chapter and didn't really see confusion when concerning age difference..it's discussed once. Um...oh, well, I'm pretty clear on it with this chapter.
Chocolate-Covered-Coffee-Beans: Oh, 'intriguing' will soon take on a whole 'nother meaning...
pure hope: umm...thanks for the enthusiasm:)
firewindgurl: thank you!
but I guess I really didn't have to do any real thinking with those first reviews...XD...so I'll continue to live up to the label that Cev is Ms. Lazybones!
Just kidding. Read on!
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A Recollection of Forbidden Love
Chapter Two: Professor Fanel
Author: Cev
Editor:LoveWitch
Clack
Clack
Clack
Clack
Clack. Stop. Turn head. Loosen Tie.
"Boy…it sure is warm in here." His voice echoed throughout the empty halls. Halls that were nothing like the place he grew up in. High School revisited. Only this time, slightly different.
And it was hot. Unusually so, but it was October 3rd, a Monday, and the sharp Fanelian cold outside the huge, intricate wooden doors of Escaflowne Academy had prompted the janitors to make sure not one appendage would ever need extra heat inside the extensive hallways of the intimidating school. It made a tie even more inconvenient than usual.
"Stupid Armani suit…stupid Folken for making me wear it…"
Van continued navigating his way to the second level, passing over a bridge-like enclosure that allowed him a good view of the campus fields and courtyards below in this particular wing. It was a beautiful place, reminding him very much of some of the finer, much older, castle-like homes in Palas. He managed a small, nervous smile. Escaflowne Academy was as old as technological history itself. Its walls knew nothing of kings or dark ages, but it did know of painters, of philosophers and scientists and a Duke that had too much money to spend. It's marble floors, Corinthian columns, richly painted ceilings, finely carved, rich dark wood were all so extravagant-even the legs of a simple cafeteria table were a piece of art. The lavishness of it all reminded Van very much of the University he had just come from.
Only the finest were eligible at Escaflowne. Only the most talented, most intelligent, most quick-witted and thorough people were allowed beyond that beautiful quadrangle. Unless, of course, daddy had lots and lots of money.
How did I get this job in the first place? Fanel asked himself silently, dreading that thought of reaching his new classroom. Right. Folken. Gaddess. Millerna. Dryden. If it wasn't for them, and the Fanel family name, which instantly served up an extensive social and political network, Van would be jobless. Not good for a recently graduated English major. Not good for the Valedictorian of Palas University, literally the best and most exclusive college in all of Gaea.
But really just not good.
Van never wanted to be a teacher. It was never even on his 'considering' list. When he had told Folken that, he had merely laughed.
"So what did you plan to do with that English degree?"
Not this, brother, Van thought after recalling Folken's words.
He wanted out.
He had never wanted to be in Fanelia again. But here he was, at home. Living like he did when he was younger. At home.
How strange Fate is to have dealt him these cards.
He wanted out!
As that thought rumbled dangerously in Van's dark head, a sudden picture came to his mind.
His mother. His beautiful mother, now deathly pale, fighting with all of her might. She didn't smell so much as pine these days as she did bleach. Her skin was so cold and clammy now, and her blue two-dot tattoo on her forehead made her waxen skin stand out even more. No one understood that, like his family did. Well, perhaps the Kanzaki family was more empathetic than others could ever be.
Van's thought process lingered on the Kanzakis. Gaddess Kanzaki was the one who had initiated this whole thing, helped him so that had could become a professor here at Escaflowne for the time being. With the original senior English teacher having resigned for reasons Van didn't know of (and was scared to know of), the Escaflowne Education Board has rushed to get Van Fanel in the position, not wanting to leave any long periods of time to pass where the students where teacher-less while they were looking for a more experienced professor. Van was very irked after hearing this news, but like all good Fanels, he had thanked them kindly, bowed slightly, and turned from the meeting room without another word.
Thinking about Gaddess almost made his wander too much into that family. He pushed the picture of a small girl with cute cheeks, smiling up at him with a joyful green gaze below a cascade of honey blonde hair, out of his mind. No. Though he would have liked to really reminisce at that moment, there was far too much going on right now to think of her, his childhood friend. He sighed. It was hard not to think of her.
Van looked down to check his slip of paper.
Room 167
He had finally reached the hall where his classroom was. The numbers shined in a golden brass to the left of the door.
Room 167
Prof. V.S. Fanel
English
Van's eyes goggled. He wasn't a permanent teacher, and yet he got he own plaque for the room? Just how lavish was Escaflowne, anyway?
His eyes rested on his last name. Fanel.
Of course, that was the reason for the plaque, made in such short notice. Van sighed. Again. It wasn't that he hated his family. He loved them. All of them, very much. They were close and showed affection and all of that ruddy stuff, even though Gaou constantly badgered Van about 'Not living up to his full potential'. But…to be labeled so much by just one 5-letter name. It carried too much weight for him to handle at that moment. He loved his family, hated their name.
"Being a professor is much better than working for dad, I'm sure," Folken had said cynically, "I would know."
Van had snorted rather rudely in response.
"But it's a good job. You should consider it. I don't like it that you're…teaching. Maybe after being out there in the real world you'll realize some things. Probably come back to the firm."
Well, Van did love his family, but at times like this, and many times before, he certainly had a hard time liking them.
"Whatever, brother," Van whispered, "I might have used our name this time to get something done, but I'm not about to rely on you or father. After this is all over," He took the brass-leaf handle in his hand with a firm but desolate resolution, and thought of his mother, "I'm going to leave Fanelia for good."
The sadness in his soft voice was heard by no one, and Van had effectively erased all signs of misgivings about this place when the door opened. Sixteen pairs of wide, young eyes met his dark form as Van stepped through the entry. Black hair, smoothed back with gel, he knew it looked good, but was still uncomfortable. Van hated gel, hated anything in his hair. He was dressed in a black suit, the smallest gray lines of pinstripe brought out with a light gray shirt and a deep red tie. His red-wine eyes surveyed the small class with quick observation, and without saying anything, Van made his way to the small, cleared desk at the front of the room. It was only decorated by a streamlined green lamp, a cup of writing utensils, a stack of blank paper, and an empty black coffee mug. He smirked and placed his black suitcase on the top, piling the shoulder strap neatly on it.
To his surprise and twisted delight, the students were too confused to respond to any of his sequential, uninterrupted actions. Because Escaflowne was a private school, and elitist, the class was small, which he was grateful for, and the lack of response made his first impression easier. He did not want to be 'messed with' by a bunch of snobby, rich, annoying brats. Van supposed there were a few exceptions to the student body regarding stereotypes, after all, it wasn't like Van to stereotype people. But today being his first day, and still the anger of his situation biting at his nerves, Mr. Fanel was not feeling very giving at the moment.
With a grace that only came with practice, Van reached up to the chalk board behind him and wrote his name large and clear, his handwriting defined and without flourish.
Professor Fanel
"You may call me Mr. Fanel or Professor if you prefer, I don't care. But please let it be known: no title, no response."
The students looked a little taken aback by his demanding tone of voice. Though it wasn't too loud, it was firm and definite, with a kind of finality that reached each syllable. Van supposed that they would not know how to respond to such a statement, so he leaned forward and placed his hands on his desk, turning his solemn glare to a relaxed smile, "Well, good morning!"
Such a change, that only half of them managed a 'Good morning' back.
Van walked to the front of the desk and leaned back, half-sitting, half-standing. His composure seemed to have relaxed some of the other students.
"I'm guessing that you have already been informed of your previous teacher resigning-"
A small chuckle sounded from the back of the class.
Van raised a right eyebrow, pausing momentarily as some of the other students laughed as well, "And I'm to fill in until the school finds a more experienced professor to permanently take his place."
A red head girl at the front, who had not giggled or snorted or chuckled like many of the others, raised a hand in a poised, dignified manner.
Van was surprised, but looked toward her, "Yes?"
"How long will you be teaching us?"
"What's your name?" Van asked back, looking at her intently.
"Yukari Uchida, sir." She said without hesitation.
Van's eyes widened. Uchida? How did that name sound familiar? "Well, Miss Uchida," Van said, his deja vu not lasting but a few seconds, "I'm not entirely sure, but probably well into the New Year, maybe even the whole school year. Good teachers are hard to find."
Another student raised his hand, and Van nodded to him.
"If good teachers are hard to find, then how come you're here only a week after Mr. Caldwell left?"
Van shrugged, a master at the image of relaxation, when really he was completely nervous about this whole 'first impression' thing. Already someone was going to defy him. Hadn't Gaddess said something about how this year's senior class was something of a "loose cannon"?
"It was the perfect opportunity for both parties involved," He stated simply, leaving room for the imagination. Van smiled sarcastically and looked at the class, "Not to mention, the perfect opportunity for me to conduct a new teaching style."
Someone in the back snorted in a mocking way. Van rolled his eyes.
"What new teaching style?" A girl in the second row of desks asked.
Professor Fanel smiled again, this time brighter and more chipper than he had the whole morning before this first period, "It's called," He waited dramatically while some leaned forward with mild interest, "Homework every night."
A round of groans met his ears, and he chuckled slightly, returning to sit at the desk. He picked up a piece of chalk. "Read pages 462-490. Write on prompt number four, and have your short essay ready to be picked apart by next class period."
"An essay already! It's only October!" A small voice whined.
Van laughed good-naturedly, "I know as juniors you all were taught well on writing. One whole year to develop that skill should have made you into fine writers. I've met your past junior English teacher and she's a smart woman. I know you guys learned from her. However, that Professor Caldwell has seemed to let you slip. And for now I'll fix the damage, because you'll need to be ready to write essays explaining poetry and other forms of 'ambiguous' writing, as I'd like to call it."
"Poetry's dumb." A strong male voice affirmed from the back.
Van glowered a little, but recomposed, "Excuse me?"
"Po-e-try-is-dumb."
"Stand up, whoever said that." Tension immediately spread throughout the air, acting upon expansion and absorption to seep into every object, animate and inanimate alike.
A gleaming blonde head reared up above the students, and Van was met with steely, defiant blue eyes. The guy was tall as he, and a good-looking sort. His school uniform was a little haphazard, uncaring, if you will, and he winked at a girl next to him as he stood.
"Name." Van demanded coolly.
"Allen Schezar."
"Well, Schezar, Mr. Po-e-try-is-dumb," Van said with a slight mocking he knew was inappropriate, "What is not dumb to you, then?"
Allen paused a little, not expecting a question like that in response, "Umm…football?"
"So," Van said without a wince of hesitation in his voice, a strange confidence that extended his 22 years to eons, "Do you play football, Mr. Schezar?"
"Yes."
"Yes…?"
"Yessir." Allen grumbled, understanding the hitch in the professor's voice.
"And are you on the Varsity team, Mr. Schezar?"
"Yessir." Allen grumbled. Damn. And he looked so young and introverted; easy like Mr. Caldwell, who, though was not young, was definitely not assertive.
"Mr. Schezar, I might not exactly enjoy teaching, but I do intend to teach everyone here just as that is what I was hired for. Not merely for the job's sake but simply because it reflects on me as a person how well I do. Now, keeping that in mind, does it sound like I care about how much you get out of this class?"
"Yessir." Allen grumbled. The other students in the class, wary of Mr. Fanel's sudden change in demeanor, and who were definitely never used to seeing Allen being tamed with such ease, merely looked on.
"So therefore I would want you to learn, and learn important things, correct?"
"Yessir."
"As such, you'd have to learn them to achieve a reasonably good grade to continue with Varsity Football."
No reply, but the professor continued.
"And poetry being one of the things I want you to study, would that make it 'dumb', Mr. Schezar?"
"No."
Van gave him a stern look.
"No sir." The young man replied bitterly.
"You may take your seat." Van said with a friendly, very uncharacteristic smile.
No one said anything, and that made Van a little upset. Though this Allen guy had the gall to be so rude, he didn't want their first class with him to be a horrible experience.
"Well, I've told you guys my name and I suppose a little about me, so I'd like to know your names, age, and something interesting about you. Starting with you," Van motioned to a blonde girl sitting in the front row to his very left.
"Um, Mr. Fanel," Yukari interrupted, her hand eagerly raised, "You haven't told us your age or where you went to school, or anything!"
Van frowned a bit; did he really want them to know how young he was? He quirked a small smile at her, and noticed that all of the girls in the class were nodding in excitement.
He was, after all, really really hot. Sun-gold skin, unique eyes, very dark hair, and a wonderfully-expensive dark suit that looked wonderfully handsome on the Professor's tall, built frame: Van was the youngest-looking, most handsome person on the Escaflowne staff so far.
But this was something Van never thought of. He sighed and smiled, "I'm not sure if I should answer part of that question, Miss Uchida. Because I wouldn't want anyone to think that I'm an easy target like this Mr. Caldwell seemed to be."
Most of the class laughed. He was a funny teacher! And they were excited about such a mysterious but likable (and obviously going to be a hard) professor.
"Why?" A brown-haired guy asked.
"Because I'm only 22."
Some people were wide-mouthed, and, to Van's distaste, some of the girls blushed tomato red. He almost wished he never had told them, but the cat was out of the bag now.
"B-but that means you're only about 4 years older than most of us!"
"How can you be a professor here so young?"
Van quieted the many questions his admittance of age had triggered by motioning his palms down in want of silence. He noticed Schezar in the back looked absolutely appalled. To have been degraded by someone who was only four years older than he!
"I skipped a few grades in school and ended up going to college earlier than I planned. So I finished way earlier than most ever thought was possible."
"Where did you go to college?" Someone asked.
"Palas University." Van said with a confident but easy smile. Eyes widened and people stopped talking. Van blushed.
"Wow! Not even Dr. Dornkirk could get into Palas!" Yukari said.
Van smiled uneasily and put his hands up; "It's probably the only reason they hired me. But that's not exactly true about the Headmaster. Dr. Dornkirk was traveling a lot and studying abroad, so he really didn't have time to lock down and stay in one place like Palas U. requires."
That still didn't release some of the wonder in some of his students, and Van's hope to just become a stern regular teacher was out the window.
But the bell interrupted their reverie, and everyone scrambled to leave the room, "Hey!" Van roared, stopping his class, "What am I, chopped liver?" Some of them chuckled. "To think a metal bell has become of more meaning than any human being that is a teacher," He lamented, receiving smiles.
Van smiled but said firmly, "Don't forget the homework, any of you. I don't give second chances!"
When they didn't move, he laughed, "Class dismissed!"
Perhaps he could make this fun...
End Chp 2.
Chp 3 currently in progress, set from Hitomi's view.
Please Review! Your wonderful comments are what keep me going!
Thanks,
Cev