This is a rough draft. It has undergone little editing and no re-writes. Enjoy as this story comes together. 

Gary Allerton had never been a tall man. Unlike other men of his stature he never found this to be a shameful detail. Between his height, heritage, and love of model ships, he felt that every reason for someone to underestimate him was to his advantage. Furthermore, he enjoyed blending into crowds and the minimal differential when he went dancing.

All this and more ran through his head as he stood in the entrance hall of Huber Prep. The familiar sounds of hurried feet and rushed conversations as dozens of students flew past him. None of them spared him a glance. Unable to contain himself, he grinned like an old fool. It was coming. The calm after the storm.

One by one, every door in the hall drifted to a close on hydraulic arms and Mr. Allerton was left in near complete silence. He took a deep breath.

He loved Huber Prep. Even as a boy, he would sit and observe his fellows, dreaming about what their story was. He’d never ask, of course. It was for his own mental deviation. Granted, back then, Huber wasn’t quite as accepting of his… underestimated traits as he would have liked.

Now, with only a small garden of grays atop his head, he still enjoyed pondering what the average student’s life was like. He peered wearily into a nearby math class. An Indian boy with glasses and well-kept hair was ravenously taking notes while most of his peers were already losing interest. Was he a budding mathematician or was he like this all the time? Had he found a young woman, or man as the case may be, to enjoy his leisure time with? Was he funny? Did he get along with his parents? Were his… underestimated traits used against him?

A light tap on his shoulder gave him a start.

“Dr. Edden!” he choked in surprise. “Mustn’t tempt fate, this old ticker being what it is.”

“Sorry, but I had to catch you. I saw you through my classroom window and had to step out for a moment.”

“You left them alone? Brave as ever I see.”

“I left them with chapter to read and discuss in groups. They’re expecting a quiz when I return. Should keep them busy.”

Allerton laughed. “Well I’m happy you caught me. You’re actually the person I’m here to see.”

Dr. Edden smiled and gestured down the hall. Allerton smiled and together they began a slow procession.

“I like to sit on my porch early in the mornings and listen to the wind. Most mornings, I see young Miss Haynes sprinting off into the city. I assume that is your doing?” Mr. Allerton said.

“It might be your doing,” Dr. Edden smiled.

They walked past several classrooms.

“She reminds me so much of the past,” Allerton continued. “Not just her activities but everything about her. Though I suppose that’s wrong. It’s not that the past is, well, passed. It’s that she is descended from people like myself. Intellect, compassion, respect. All stemming from a self-awareness and desire to improve. To be improved upon.”

Allerton fell silent. Then, after nearly a full lap around the halls, he spoke again.

“I want to do more.”

Dr. Edden stopped so suddenly that Mr. Allerton nearly tripped over his own feet.

“I have an idea. But I have to get back to my class. Do you mind hanging around until after the last bell?”

“Oh, not at all, Doctor.”

Dr. Edden smiled again. “You know you can call me Yuorla.”

“I’m well aware, Doctor.

–––––

Mr. Allerton remained at the school through the next few periods. Visited the cafeteria and purchases himself a light sandwich and then waited a few more periods. A busier man might have been annoyed to wait at the school all day for Dr. Edden’s return but patience and people watching kept him thoroughly entertained. Besides, the heat made returning to his deck seem completely uninviting. Who was he to deny himself the air conditioning.

In the middle of the last period of the day, Mr. Allerton saw something peculiar. A tall boy with a seemingly similar heritage to his own, wandered onto the school grounds with a backpack. This would not have been unusual for a school, but he wasn’t wearing the required uniform and, Mr. Allerton reminded himself, it was the end of the school day.

Curious, Mr. Allerton watched him from the entrance hall. The boy crossed the courtyard to the oldest tree and sat beneath it. From his slightly stained backpack he produced a book a proceeded to bury his nose in its pages.

Nothing nefarious, Mr. Allerton thought. Just a friend of a student waiting for the final bell. But, shouldn’t he be in his own school? Perhaps he truly is a student and… is… hmm.

Mr. Allerton could think of no decent reason. How odd. The best he had was that the boy was homeless and simply liked that spot for reading. But then, why arrive now during the hottest time of the day? Also, if he frequented this spot, surely, he knew that students would soon burst from every door to hurry home.

Mr. Allerton grew perplexed. Curiosity placed his hand on the door to the courtyard, but nerves reigned him back. He shouldn’t bother the boy. Whatever he’s doing it’s clearly not to harm anyone.

Before he knew it, he was through the door and crossing the courtyard. The boy only looked up when a pair of shoes entered his peripherals. His eyes grew wide and he glanced around before meeting Allerton’s gaze. Clearly startled, he leapt to his feet with a speed and power that caused Allerton to take a step back.

“I’m sorry! You surprised me.”

Mr. Allerton stared up at the boy.

“What are you reading?”

“I– Oh.” The boy glanced at his book. “Err, it’s not my usual choice. It’s about a town where it’s illegal to dance.”

“You’re pretty far through it for a book you don’t like.”

“Ah. Well. It’s interesting at least. Besides, if I don’t finish it, my boos won’t give me a new one.”

Mr. Allerton tried to hide the surprised on his face.

“Do you… work at Ksiazki Books?”

It was the boy’s turn to be surprised.

“Yeah. Yes, part time.”

Interesting, Mr. Allerton thought. Eryk never minds the simple-minded, let alone the nefarious.

“Why did you decide to you read here? Are you a student?”

“I’m actually waiting for someone… and I this is quietest spot I’ve found.”

“Are waiting on a friend?”

“Err. Sort of. Do you know Dr. Edden?”

Dr. Edden? Allerton’s mind reeled. Very interesting, indeed.

“As it happens, I do. I’m waiting for her as well.”

At that moment, a ping from inside the school building indicated the end of last period. The wavering voice of the Dean of Student Affairs warbled through the old brick walls. A second ping was heard followed but the rumble of hundreds of students rising from their chairs.

“I have to track down Dr. Edden,” Mr. Allerton said. “would you join me?”

“I can’t. I have to change and meet her here. That’s our deal.”

“Fair. Run well.”

Mr. Allerton turned on his heel and hurried into the school, leaving the boy in what he hoped was mild amazement. It wasn’t until he was halfway to Dr. Edden’s office that he realized he never got the boy’s name. Ah well, he thought, there will be time for that later.