Jane walked over to Sarah and sat on the chair beside the president's desk. She started reporting our work in the library, her voice quiet and organized as she explained how many books we had shelved and what sections we had finished.
Sarah listened carefully, nodding now and then while making notes on her laptop. The room stayed quiet except for the soft click of her keyboard and the occasional rustle of papers from Rose.
I leaned back on the sofa, watching them. Rose glanced at me once or twice, her smile small but warm when our eyes met.
It was better than I thought. I didn't expect Mike to be so quiet and out of the way, just lounging in the corner like he belonged there. But no matter how I turned the situation over in my mind, it felt like the calm before the storm.
I stayed on the sofa for a while longer, helping Rose sort through the scattered papers on the coffee table. She leaned forward occasionally to point out something, her white hair falling softly over her shoulder, and every time our hands brushed while passing a sheet, she gave me that small, warm smile that made everything feel a little better.
Jane finished her report to Sarah and left the room, leaving the notes she had taken in the library on the desk.
Clack!
The door swung open suddenly, and a man stepped in wearing a white sports t-shirt and matching white sports pants. It was Mr. Sebastian, the head of the sports department at our school.
"I'm gonna borrow Mike for a bit," he said as he headed straight to Sarah's desk. He had that usual energetic walk, like he was always ready for practice.
"There's some old equipment we need to check."
Sarah stood up from her chair, glancing over at Mike who was still sprawled lazily on the corner sofa.
"Hey, Coach! What's the problem?" Mike got up slowly, stretching his arms like he had all the time in the world. He talked to Mr. Sebastian so casually, like they were just friends hanging out, not a student and teacher.
I wasn't sure what to think. It surprised me a little there was no respect in his tone, just that easy confidence.
Even Sarah looked taken aback for a second, her eyebrows raising before she smoothed her expression.
Mr. Sebastian didn't seem to mind at all. He just laughed and clapped Mike on the shoulder. "Nothing major, kid. Just need your eyes on a few things before we order new gear. Come on."
"I don't mind, sir. You can take him," Sarah said quickly from her desk, though her voice carried a hint of relief.
"Wait, Coach!" Mike called out as Mr. Sebastian turned to leave. "If it's a survey, we're gonna need someone to log everything properly."
"Hm... you're right," Mr. Sebastian paused at the door, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he scanned the room for a suitable person.
Mike's gaze slid over to us, me and Rose. I realized immediately where this was heading, and my stomach tightened.
In the council room, there weren't many options left. Sarah was the president and buried in work, so it was obvious she wouldn't go. Jane had just slipped out a minute ago, putting her out of the option.
That left only me and Rose as possibilities. I wouldn't let Rose go with Mike, not for anything. The thought made my skin crawl. That left no real choice but to step up myself.
"I think Rose is best for this," Before I could speak up, Mike said smoothly, his eyes lingering on her a second too long.
Sarah looked at me for a moment, her expression thoughtful as she considered the request. She glanced at the scattered papers on the coffee table in front of Rose and then back at Mr. Sebastian.
"Actually, Rose has quite a bit of work to finish here, maybe Alex can go instead. He's free right now." Sarah said, trying to find a way out.
Mr. Sebastian rubbed his chin, thinking it over. Mike leaned against the wall, arms crossed, that easy smirk on his face.
"Come on, Sarah. Alex can handle the papers here. Rose is perfect for this. She's the vice president who can be better than her, and Coach needs help now."
Sarah hesitated, her fingers tapping lightly on the desk. She looked at Rose, then at me, clearly not happy with the idea. But Mr. Sebastian was waiting, and the clock was ticking.
"Fine" she said at last, letting out a small sigh. "Rose, you go with them."
Rose gave me a quick nod, her eyes holding mine for a second longer than usual, worried maybe or just reassuring. She gathered her things quietly and stood up.
Mr. Sebastian headed for the door first, talking about the equipments. Mike pushed if the wall followed.
Rose walked past me, brushing my arm lightly as she went.
At the door, Mike paused. He turned back, looked right at me, and gave a slow, deliberate wink before he pulled the door shut behind them.
The click echoed in the quiet room.
Sarah glanced at the closed door for a moment after they left, her fingers tapping lightly on the desk as if she was second-guessing her decision. Then she turned to me, letting out a quiet sigh.
"Why did you agree to let Rose go with him?" I asked, keeping my voice low so the others wouldn't hear. My worry came through more than I wanted.
She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "I didn't really have a choice. Mr. Sebastian was standing right there, and the request came from the sports department. If I said no, it would look like I was playing favorites or not cooperating."
"Yeah, but Mike..." I nodded slowly, but my stomach was still tight.
"Mr. Sebastian will be there the whole time" she said, trying to sound reassuring. "He's the coach. Mike wouldn't try anything stupid with a teacher watching. I trust Rose."
I thought about it for a second. Rose was smart. Strong. She knew what Mike was like. And Sebastian was no pushover.
"Okay" I said finally. "I trust Rose."
Sarah gave a small smile, like she was glad I wasn't panicking. "Good. Now complete these papers work on the coffee table. We don't have time to waste worrying."
To be continued…
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