The X-Project

Sarah goes looking for Scott but finds Sam instead

Sam sat in his office. People often wondered where he got all this work he always seemed to do from. In truth, some of it wasn't work at all and the rest was from reading and evaluating new books and methods to use. Not everyone learned the same way and History was much more dynamic than people gave it credit for. He also harbored some small aspiration of being published and laying claim to some significant, life changing work. That didn't happen in his field much, though and he knew that. Mostly he was indulging fantasy between working and he kept it hidden.

A soft knock sounded on his door followed by an even softer voice.

"Excuse me. I'm looking for Mr. Summer's office and I think I took a wrong turn or something," Sarah said. Another failed excursion in the monstrous home. At least she'd found an office which hopefully meant she wasn't too far off from her intended destination.

The history teacher turned in his chair to face the new student. "He's just a couple doors down but I doubt he's in right now. Scott does other things in the summer as well; I think I'm the only one that indulges in school work this much over the summer." He offered a big friendly smile. "You're Sarah, right? I'm Sam, the history teacher."

"Oh," she said with a slightly crestfallen look down the hall. She'd have to catch up with him later, then. "Um, yeah. I'm Sarah Vale. It's nice to meet you... Sam." The name was awkward in her mouth; addressing teachers without their honorific wasn't something the brunette was accustomed to.

"Is there anything I can help you with? I'm sure Scott will be around later. I can even have him call you down once he gets in." Being helpful was always one of the things Sam tried his hardest to be. Especially for new students, the new way of life could be very overwhelming.

"No, it's okay," Sarah replied, waving off his help with the hand that supported the chunky watch he sister had given her. "I can send him an email later. I just had a few questions about some stuff is all. I, um, I'm sorry I interrupted your work." The apology was given with a slight nod to the books scattered about.

"You're no interruption. I'm in here mostly for the students. I'm glad to help." Sam stayed turned in his chair, facing Sarah, showing that he wasn't in any real rush to get back to what he was doing. He had all summer to do just the little bit of work he needed to get done and he'd do the reading with our without being in the office.

The young technopath offered a half smile and shifted her weight from one foot to the other, not quite sure what to do with herself. He wasn't dismissing her and she hadn't come looking for him which made for an awkward moment or two of Sarah just standing there, casting a glance around the office while chewing on her bottom lip. "Um, thanks. I'll keep that in mind if I have any problems."

"Well, if you need anything else, feel free to let me know." Sam was awkward with new students sometimes. He was too much of a big puppy dog to be a strong authority figure like students expected. Fortunately the mansion had a more casual atmosphere that favored his kind of approach once the students were used to it.

"Thanks, again," she repeated as she looked around the office again. History wasn't her favorite subject - she preferred the future - but it wasn't her worst, either. "I will."