Rachel came back to her class the next day, a big smile on her face. "Okay, kids! Time for class!" The kids looked up at her, their eyes wide. "What?"
"Miss Roth," one of them spoke up. "You're...happy!"
Rachel quirked up an eyebrow. "And?"
Mary giggled. "Did you have a nice talk with Dr. Logan?"
"Ooh!" all the other kids went. Rachel blushed.
"He's an old friend," she said, "and yes, I enjoyed talking with him. Now, classwork!"
"Yes, Miss Roth!"
Lessons progressed onward. The arithmatic lessons went well that day, although she had to take some extra time with little Theodore - who everyone called Teddy - as he was a bit more advanced than the other students, and taking extra time to teach him at his level seperately was better than having the other kids feel inadequate by comparison. Besides, it taught the other kids a good lesson: show where you can shine, and you get extra attention.
As class wound down, she decided to drop a surprise. She pulled out some forms. "Everyone, I want you to take these home to your parents. Tomorrow, we're going on a field trip to the animal park!" There were cheers. Miss Roth often did these surprise field trips, and they were always fun. With a smile, she said, "And if his schedule is free," she said in a tone that implied it better be, "Dr. Logan will be going with us to teach us about the animals we see." The cheers were deafening.
The students ran out happily, clutching the forms tightly. Rachel stepped out, locking the door.
"Another surprise field trip, Miss Roth?"
Rachel turned, smiling. "Yes, Principal Sheradan." Rachel liked the school's elderly principal. She was nice, kind, and understanding to the students...and had a mean right hook for anyone who thought to mistreat them.
Principal Sheradan smiled. "You know, you're really supposed to clear those with me ahead of time," she said, a sparkle in her eyes.
"I know, I know," Rachel said, shaking her head. "And if I actually planned them out ahead of time, I would."
"How do you get the people who run those places to let you show up with your students without notice?"
Rachel smiled. "Oh, I just use my 'femenine wiles'," she said, flexing one arm.
Sheradan laughed. "I can't imagine why so many of those in town who aren't parents are afraid of you."
"Probably because they're smart," Rachel said with a laugh.
They walked along together for a time. "So, Rachel, tell me about Dr. Logan. How well do you know him?"
Rachel had long ago stopped being surprised at how much Principal Sheradan seemed to know. "A long time ago, I knew him for several years. We were...quite close." She smiled. "I know for a fact that none of the kids will come to harm of any sort while he's around. He wouldn't tolerate it."
"Oh? A family man?"
"Of sorts. He adores children, since he hasn't really grown up himself."
"But how would he protect them? I've seen him, and he seems so...wirey."
"He's stronger than he looks. And he has 5 black belts."
"I'm impressed. Perhaps I can spar with him sometime."
"I think he'd like that," Rachel said, trying hard not to laugh at her mental image of the old Beast Boy being challenged to a sparring match by - what he'd see as - 'a harmless old lady.' Rachel knew better. Principal Sheradan was anything BUT harmless.
"And how is your situation with Eric?"
Rachel sighed. "He still won't take no for an answer, but he seemed to take my threat of a sexual harrasment claim against him pretty seriously."
"And so he should. That could get him fired." The Principal shook her head. "Well, I've kept you too long, and I'm sure you have plans tonight...such as making sure Dr. Logan clears his schedule for tomorrow."
Rachel laughed. "Yeah...probably should have checked with him ahead of time."
"Although, I do have to wonder..." Principal Sheradan turned her eyes on her. "If you came up with the trip on the spur of the moment, as you seem to...how did you have the permission slips ready ahead of time?"
"Um...I, uh..." Rachel started to panic. How could she explain this?
Principal Sheradan smirked. "I thought so. Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."
"...thanks." Rachel hurried off.
Principal Sheradan returned to her office, shuffling paperwork. "A rather clumsy alias," she said to herself, "but better than rejection, I suppose..." She lifted a picture out of her desk drawer of a little girl with purple hair and eyes. Sighing, she returned the picture to the hidden compartment and got back to work.
At his office, Garfield looked down at his schedule. "Hmm, let's see...huh! The animal's around here must be really healthy. No appointments tomorrow. Maybe I could spend some more time with Rae..." There was a knock at the door. Opening it, he smiled. "Speak of the devil! I was just thinking about you."
Rachel smirked. "Say, Gar, are you free tomorrow?"
"Actually, yes, surprisingly. But isn't it a school day, Rae?"
Rachel smiled. "It is. And I'm taking my class on a field trip to the animal park. I was hoping you could come along to teach the kids about the animals."
He grinned hugely. "I'd be happy to, Rae. I love kids, and teaching them about animals, with you? THat's like my dream day!"
She blushed. "Thanks. I'm glad I can count on you, like always."
He rested a hand on her shoulder. "You can count on me for anything, Rae. Whatever you need, just let me know, okay?"
She nodded, smiling. "Thanks."
"Would you like to come in? For tea or something?"
She thought for a time. "For something, I suppose. I'm actually kinda hungry. Are you still only eating tofu?"
He smiled, shaking his head. "Mostly I've shifted to vegetarian dishes made with vegetables. Tofu's great and all...but frying up a Portobella mushroom as a burger works better. And I think you'll love my eggplant parmesan." Putting his arm around her, he led her to the back of the office building, where his living area was, complete with bedroom and kitchenette.
"You live here?" She was surprised.
"You'd be amazed how many late night emergency calls I get, and not all of them are for animals, you know. Some people prefer to have me treat them, too. While my shingle says vet, I can do people medicine, too." He grinned. "This way, I'm always close to my supplies."
"You never cease to amaze, Gar," Rachel said with a smile.
Outside, someone watched, growling under his breath.