AN: It would be really nice to know what some people think about this...
During my short walk though the place I seemed to have alarmed many. I had been called back to Roger's office immediately.
"Near you can't sleep in a random little girl's bed!"
"I know that Roger."
I knew things like that were frowned upon.
"You need to apologize."
"I have already apologized."
"How did that go?"
"My apology was not successful."
"Near, why do you think that is?"
How had my apology failed? After I said I was sorry she still felt the need to contact authorities. I thought about it for about a minute when Roger interrupted.
"I'm going to call for a children and staff gathering to formally introduce you to everyone, understand?"
"Yes."
He made the announcement and we walked into the small dinning hall. The children and some staff members slowly came in sitting next to familiars and friends all looking at me. I was being to feel very aware of myself and straightened up looking at Roger who held a stern look on his face. As the room filled up I played with my hair looked at each child carefully. Somewhere in this crowd were two more potential successors. They were ten and thirteen years so I didn't need to look at the older children.
Zac said he had a girlfriend meaning she must be in this room. There were only three girls that seemed to be in his age group. I was about to start analyzing them when Roger cleared his throat.
"Something has caused everyone to be alarmed. It was most likely this young man. His name is Near and he is my apprentice. Do not try to mess with him. If you do you will answer to me. You cannot outsmart him. He is smarter than all of you. He was once a child here. If there are any problems with any staff member or child find him and he will deal with it. Does everyone understand?"
A group "yes" was heard.
"Good, now Near has something to say to Anna, come here Anna."
Anna must be the girl in my old bedroom. She stood and slowly walked up to Roger. Everyone including Roger looked at me. I looked at Roger.
"Apologize again." He whispered.
"I am sorry." I apologized again. She looked scared.
"For what Near?" Roger continued.
"For going into Anna's room without her consent."
Was all of this talking really necessary?
"Do you accept Near's apology?"
"Yes." She looked at me and smiled.
Maybe it was necessary to say what you are sorry for the apology to be successful and have positive results.
Roger clapped his hands together.
"You are all dismissed. Near follow me." He led me to a bedroom with a small bed, dresser, and a closet. The bed had my some of my things thrown over it.
"This is your new room. Your other belongings should be here soon."
"The desk Zac ordered was put in an old office that is now yours."
I even had an office ready for me to work in.
"I'll show it to you."
My office was located on a floor with many different classrooms and other offices.
He took a key out of his pocket and opened the door. The door had a "Near" sign on it. The room had dark blue walls and carpet. I had a big silver metal desk, a large file cabinet, and a comfortable looking office chair I could spin around in. There was a book on my desk. I looked at Roger.
"That book has all of the disciplinary techniques and each child has a file. Use it when solving their little problems." He gave me the key. "Office hours are over at six. Since today's your first day you don't have be in your office today. Just do whatever you want until dinner." He walked away. I sat at my desk and read the disciplinary manual until I was interrupted by a knock at my door.