She really needed a break from all the usual frustrations of the first day of term. She could use a little time to get out of the classroom. “That sounds wonderful,” Ophelia answered. “Let me just get my purse. And I’m sorry, dear, I didn’t get your name.”
She turned to look at the plump blonde standing a little nervously behind her. For a new teacher, she seemed to already fit in well with the atmosphere, Ophelia thought. Much like herself, the young teacher was also pretty bottom heavy, carrying her weight in her belly and bottom. Though, this one had a little ways to go before she reached Ophelia's size. She was also a little on the tall side as well, making her seem thinner. Ophelia, on the other hand, was starting to take on a more spherical shape due to being a tad short. Her thighs had started to thicken, and she had the hint of a double chin forming. Her chest had gone up two sizes as well over the summer. And Ophelia had always had round, rosy cheeks, but they were starting to look rounder. She tried to bring her attention back to the new teacher. The woman pushed up her glasses and answered pleasantly, “April Reese. I teach Government and Ancient History just down the hall. I’ve heard of you Miss Sevalle. Your students really speak kindly of you.”
Teachers often said that when they had no idea where to take a conversation with another teacher. She knew her students did not hate her, at least not like some of the ones she was hearing the girls talk about. That Ms. Knight sounded like a piece of work. But, she also knew she probably was not the talk of the town, so to speak, among the girls. But what did she know, she thought with a shrug. “Oh, well that’s sweet,” Ophelia said, now following April, “but I think they just like me because I don’t give out to strenuous of homework.”
April laughed, and Ophelia smiled back. Though she was kind enough, Ophelia did not see herself as much of a social butterfly. Oh sure, she had a few friends here or there. She was particularly close to Candace Scott, Ms. Polluck’s secretary, whom she considered the closest thing to a “girlfriend.” The two would often have coffee together on the weekends and gossip a bit, but it was more like Candace would gossip and she would listen. And of course, Eri Flatterly was particularly friendly with everyone, but she did like to visit with Ophelia for more than a few minutes to tell her about her family, or how she would spend the breaks off, or things like that. Ophelia had offered to drive her cart. “So, the cafeteria, right?” Ophelia asked.
“No thanks, if that’s alright with you,” April said. “I heard of this place just in town that has amazing Italian street food. Sometimes it’s just nice to have something different than the same old in the cafeteria, you know?”
Ophelia had already started driving. “True, but Buttercombe is known for having excellent food; better than your ordinary cafeteria anyway.”
April hummed. “I suppose so. I can tell those girls really do love it. Seems like the staff does, too.”
She did not know whether or not to take that as a barbed comment. The girl seemed too sweet to really know how that came off. Course, this girl was one to talk. By holiday break, whatever was left of that figure would be obliterated, she thought. But then, the same fate or worse would befall her by then, too.
They had found the bistro rather easily and were chatting as they waited for their server. Ophelia felt a little embarrassed when the tiny, but chic wooden chair gave a rather noticeable creak when she sat. They were just old chairs, she told herself. Bound to happen to anyone. She found it odd having to be the one to initiate conversation. Usually, it was the other way around with her. “I hope you’ve gotten to know most of the staff and other teachers,” she said. “They really are a helpful and friendly bunch, almost like a family.”
“So I’ve heard,” April replied. “Ms. Polluck’s already arranging a welcome party for the new faculty and staff. I think it’s just adorable.”
Ah yes, the welcoming of the new faculty, Ophelia reminisced. Seemed like yesterday when she was still fresh out of school and welcomed with wide open arms to Buttercombe. There was quite a large crop of new teachers this year, she remembered. God knows what sort of plans for the menu Ms. Polluck was cooking up. “So, how have you been enjoying your classes? Students behaving?” Ophelia asked.
“Oh yes,” April said with a nod, “they’re doing well enough. We’ve only gone over the basics really. I’m still going through the notes left behind by the former teacher. I’ll have the Government classes well covered. I was a Political Science major, you know. But I can’t make heads or tails out of their notes on the Ancient History courses. Seems like such an odd schedule they set up. Very out of order, and the textbook doesn’t line up with it.”
“Oh, I’d be more than happy to help if I can,” Ophelia offered. “Astrology uses a little ancient history here and there and my boyfr- I mean…well ex, teaches Classics at the local university. I might remember enough.”
She was already regretting haven spoken at all. Great, Ophelia, she thought, might as well just throw the confetti for your own pity party. April had caught her little slip and placed a reassuring hand over hers. “I’m so sorry to hear that,” she said. “It’s really hard to get used to it at first. If you need anything…”
Ophelia smiled a little. This woman did seem genuinely concerned about her, even though they had only met. In a way, she wanted to tell her about it. Just having someone to talk to would help her sort out her feelings and maybe even understand herself where things went wrong. On the other hand, this was practically a complete stranger. She did not want to just spill her life drama out for all to see. Besides, she really just wanted to forget about the whole thing. She sighed, wondering how to respond.
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