Monday Morning
10:15 AM
Dave wasn't new anymore. Three week into lecturing at Westbrook University (WBU) and he'd already learned the curriculum: avoid Ms. Jones (School Dean) before coffee, never use the copier on Fridays and don't sit in the teacher's café unless you wanted to get conered about grade dispute.
The teacher's café is technically staff-only. It is quieter than the main café.
He was halfway through a terrible americano when someone cleared their throat.
"Excuse me? Are you Mr. Higgins?"
Dave looked up.
She was about 20, holding a coffee and a copy of ENG 101: Intro to Lit. Black dress, dark hair pulled back. Eyes red-rimmed, but dry. She looked like she hadn't slept.
"Yeah" he said, straightening. "Can I help you?"
"I'm Mabel Aston" she said "From your 8AM. I... I wasn't sure if I was allowed in here, but the front desk said you usually come here on break"
Students weren't supposed to be in here. That was rule four. Dave open his mouth to say it, then saw the file under her arm with Dean's Office stamped on it.
He gestured to the chair. "You've got two minutes before someone reports me"
She sat hands wrapped around the coffee like it was the only thing keeping her upright. "My mom emailed the dean about tutoring. My dad died a month ago and I missed three units. I can't fail this semester or I lose my scholarship."
Dave remembered the name from roll call
Aston Marbel. Always in second row. Never spoke unless called on.
"I saw the note on your file," Dave said "Handle with care."
Mabel flinched. "I hate that file"
He sighed. "Look, Mabel. I can't just agree to private tutoring. WBU has policies about fraternization. Even if it's academic."
"I know," she said fast. "My mom already talked to Ms. Jones. They said if you agree, and it's at my house and if you log it.... it's allowed. There's a form"
She slid a paper across the table. Request for Supplemental Academic Support. Already signed by Linda Aston and Ms. Jones. Only one line blank: instructor signature.