WARNING:
Includes mentions of alcòhol, smoking, emotional distress.

After school, Ruby, Nalini and Jax were in the reception, sorting out permission slips for an upcoming art trip. They had been quite busy today. The school's most popular couple—Alex and Naomi, had another party yesterday, and apparently a fight had broken out. The drama infected the school ground, with some of the teachers being forced to step in when the drama disrupted lessons. It was up to the Reception Crew to call parents and get them to pick up their disruptive children.

"Ok so out of all ten permission slips, two did not include the fee", said Nalini.

"I've chased up the students who want to go but haven't returned their slips yet. They are all aware of the deadline being in three days time so we'll probably be getting a few more in soon", added Jax.

Ruby nodded. "Good. I'm just trying to get to the bottom of the school's online payment system. A few parents have reported an issue so I'm going to get in touch with the company and let them know."

"Should we ask someone from IT to take a look at it first?", suggested Nalini.

Ruby shook her head. "Already tried that. None of them know how to fix it. Marvin even said he didn't get paid enough to fix problems that big."

"Ah, good old Marv", joked Nalini. "I don't suppose he's found his will to live yet?"

Jax shook his head. "No, it's probably with that stick he's got shoved up his–"

Michael approached the group, prompting Ruby to quickly shove Jax so he would stop talking. Nalini smiled sweetly at Michael, but the older man seemed a little tense.

"How are you all doing?", asked Michael.

"Really good", smiled Nalini.

"Yeah, today's been a productive day", said Jax.

"Actually, do you have a minute to talk?", asked Ruby. "I have some suggestions about how we can improve efficiency among staff–"

"Oh, don't worry about that", said Michael. "Everything's good as it is. Actually, I came by to let you know that an inspector is coming today and tomorrow. They want to see your office first."

The Reception Crew stood there, stunned. Why would Michael spring this on them last minute?

Jax laughed. "Oh! You're pulling our legs, right?"

Michael shook his head. "No. Wish I was."

"When did you find out an inspector was coming?", asked Ruby. 

"Last week", replied Michael.

Ruby's eyes widened. "And you're only telling us now?"

"I'm sorry, I've been really busy. Look, the inspector should be here soon so just make sure all the records are up to date and everything's in order."

Michael left, leaving the Reception Crew to panic. Jax frantically rushed around, picking up files only to put them down in the same place again. Nalini just froze, her body paralysed by panic. Ruby's worry was much harder to see, but if you looked long enough, you could see her slightly clenched jaw.

Nalini gasped. "Oh my gosh!"

She rushed over to her computer, her fingers stabbing the letters on the keyboard. She stopped to look at the screen, her eyes widening once more.

"Oh no! I was supposed to sort out all of the meetings scheduled this month, and save the finished version. I must've forgottten!"

Nalini's breathing became erratic, and Jax hurried over to her. He wasn't quite sure how to help, so he just reached out and patted her back.

"Nalini, it's ok", said Ruby, snapping into action. She held her hands and knelt down so that she was in Nalini's eye line.

"I-I can't lose this job!"

"You're not going to lose your job, Nalini", said Ruby. "It's just one inspection."

"Yeah, but that's how these things start, don't they?", asked Jax. "And with how tense Michael's been, he might fire us just to prove to the inspector that he has control of the school."

Nalini's breathing sped up again, making Ruby glare at Jax. When he realised the negative impact his remark had, he nodded to himself and pressed his lips together, not wanting to make things worse.

"I-I need this job. My mum already thinks I'm a fool for being a receptionist, but I was finally winning her around. If I don't have this job, I don't know what I'll do. There's nothing else I want to do. Nowhere else I want to be!"

Ruby's face softened. She hated seeing Nalini so worried. And Jax. Sure, they may get things wrong and spill coffee over important documents, but it was clear to Ruby that this job meant absolutely everything to both of them.

"Listen, no one's losing their job", said Ruby. "We'll sort out the scheduling issue now."

"But it'll take hours!", said Nalini.

"Not if we work together. We'll stall the inspector for as long as we can", said Ruby.

"But how can we work on the files and stall the inspector?", asked Jax.

"Jax, go and find some teachers that are willing to help us. I just have to do something quickly, but when I get back Nalini and I will make a start on the meetings", explained Ruby.

With his task clearly laid out for him, Jax sprinting out of the reception, scanning the halls for teachers.

¤¤¤

It was the end of the school day, and Zee was in her mandatory maths tuition session. She had never been particularly good at maths, but her teacher was quite concerned about her marks, given that this was her final year of secondary school.
Her teacher—Mrs Warrick, was explaining trigonometry.

"So, explain trigonometry to me, in your own words", said Mrs Warrick.

Ruby knocked on the door, before poking her head through.

"Hello. I'm very sorry to disturb you, but I need to borrow Zalim for a few minutes", said Ruby.

Zee furrowed her eyebrows, unsure as to why one of the receptionist's would need her.

Wait.

Did something happen to her parents?

"Of course. Zee, we'll pick up where we left off when you get back", said Mrs Warrick.

Zee nodded and quickly followed Ruby out of the classroom. Ruby led her further down the hallway, until they were outside one of the empty classrooms.

"Ok, we need your help", said Ruby.

"My help?"

"A school inspector is here, and they'll be coming during school hours tomorrow as well. There is a group of students who drink alcohol with the older students that smoke, by the bike parking area and I need to know who they are so they can be dealt with before the inspector sees them", explained Ruby.

"What makes you think people drink there?"

"I've seen the empty bottles. I've caught a glimpse of the odd student there as well, but always when I'm busy and can't actually go and confront them", replied Ruby.

Zee nodded. "Impressive detective work, Ms Boateng. I still don't get why you need my help though."

Ruby crossed her arms. "Oh please, I'm not stupid, Zalim. Pretty much every teacher here knows that you're the school's gossip fountain. If anyone knows who the students are... it's you."

Zee didn't say a word. Instead, she studied Ruby's expression. There was no sign of her lying. She looked just as stern as she always did. She knew Zalim had the information she needed.

"I'm sorry. I'm not a snitch."

"It's not snitching. It's giving information that could potentially save the school from a bad review."

Zee never really felt an attachment to the school. It was just the school she had to attend when she moved here. All of her happiest memories, her most precious memories... they were in Moorside. They were with her big sister.

Aurelia was the only person from Marleyport she really cared about.

When it was clear Zee wasn't going to help, Ruby sighed.

"Ok then. I'll let you get back to your tuition session, but please... do the right thing."

As Ruby walked away, Aurelia left the toilets. She smiled when she saw Zee.

"Hey, Zimi!", grinned Aurelia. "After your maths tuition do you want to come over to mine? My sister's making her famous xiaolongbao. I'll tell her not to make the pork ones."

"Thanks, but I've got a lot of homework. Maybe another time?"

"Sure. But it feels like you're always busy now. I miss hanging out with you."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"Hey, what did Ms Boateng want?"

"Oh, nothing. She just wanted to know who drinks alcohol by the bike area, so she can punish them before some inspector comes tomorrow."

Aurelia's eyes widened. "What? You didn't tell her any names did you? Max drinks there."

"Max? Why'd you care about him? I thought you two broke up."

"Yeah, but that was because we put too much pressure on our relationship. I had just come out of a relationship with Atlas, remember?"

"Yeah, I remember. You broke up with Atlas to be with Max. Complete downgrade from Atlas, by the way."

"Hey! You don't know Max like I do."

"I know listening to him go on and on about video games makes me want to jump out of a window."

Aurelie rolled her eyes. "Give him a break, Zimi. Anyway, we've decided to give our relationship another go."

Before Zee could reply, she saw Atlas coming towards them, waving a textbook in the air. Zee liked Aurelie a lot, but she was much more interested in talking to Atlas than having this conversation right now.

Don't tell Atlas that.

"Hi!", greeted Atlas. "Sorry, hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"No, I'm going now anyway. Zee was just telling me that Ms Boateng needed the names of the guys that drink near the bikes. So she can stop them before a inspector comes or something. Don't worry, she's not snitching."

A look of confusion appeared on Atlas' face, and as Zee waved goodbye to Aurelia, she was secretly regretting letting her open her mouth. Because she knew what Atlas would do now.

"You're not going to help Ms Boateng?", asked Atlas.

"No. Why would I?"

"Because it won't look good for the school if the inspector sees students drinking."

"What's the worse that can happen? It's not like they'll close down the school."

"No, but still, people are already looking at the school badly because of Mr. More's accident. And come on Zee, it's me you're talking to. You can drop the act."

"What act?"

"You act like you don't care about anything, about anyone... but I know that's not true."

Zee's eyes narrowed and her lips pressed tightly together. As much as she had come to enjoy Atlas' company, she also didn't like that they were seemingly getting closer. Atlas' genuinely intuitive and kind-hearted nature meant that, naturally, Atlas noticed changes to a person's emotional state and wanted to help people. Zee didn't want people to know her. Not on a deep level.

"I think you're letting your imagination run wild", said Zee. "I'm not going to snitch and that's that."

"Hey, I never said anything about snitching. You could always just warn them that the teachers are cracking down on rule breakers and they'll stop", suggested Atlas.

Atlas' suggestion made sense. But it would mean confronting the students with what she knows. Zee didn't want them to know she was actively helping and looking out for them.

¤¤¤

In the staff room, Aahan and Paige were marking books again. Well, Aahan was marking books and Paige was just providing moral support. Paige had a very hands off teaching style. Eulan was there as well, but he seemed preoccupied with his own work.

"Wow... you've almost finished marking all those books", said Paige. "You're like a totally new man. Have you been chugging energy drinks or something?"

"I wish. Seriously, I'm in desperate need of some energy drinks or coffee right now. I guess I just realised how behind on marking I am", said Aahan.

"I'm glad most of my tests are practical and not written", said Paige. "I can't be bothered with all the faff."

"Remind me again why you became a teacher?", questioned Eulan. "Oh yeah, that's right. You needed something to do after your failed singing career."

"Oi!", yelled Paige. "Why are you being even more of an aŕse than usual?"

Sandra opened the door, surprising Aahan. Aahan had only ever seen her in the reception. Now, she was holding a vacuum cleaner and wearing the same outfit as the cleaning staff.

"Oh! Sorry. Didn't think anyone would be in here", said Sandra. "Is it alright if I hoover in here?"

"Sure. I didn't know you were working here now", replied Paige.

"Oh yeah, I've only just started. It's more of a trial run right now, I haven't actually got the job yet. Still, it gives me something to do."

"What is it with everyone wanting to spend time in this cr*p heap?", questioned Paige.

Shrugging off Paige's comment, Sandra looked at Aahan, giving him a warm smile.

"Hello!", greeted Sandra. "You're the new history supply teacher, right?"

Aahan nodded. "Aahan. I remember seeing you when I first started here. Um... sorry, I can't remember your name."

"Oh, that's alright, love", smiled Sandra. "I'm Sandra. It's so nice to meet you. How are you settling in?"

"Uh, it's been a bit of a rocky start, but all things considered it's been ok", replied Aahan.

Before Sandra could respond, Jax burst into the room. He almost bumped into the vacuum cleaner, but Sandra moved it out of the way just in the nick of time.

"Oh thank God! Please tell me you're all free", said Jax.

"What for?", asked Sandra.

"We've got an inspector coming any minute and there's still loads of things that need sorting in the office. We could really use a hand stalling the inspector", explained Jax.

"Sounds fun!", grinned Paige. "Well, a whole lot more fun than watching people mark books. I'm in."

"Me too", said Aahan, seeing this as the perfect opportunity to secure more votes for the teaching award.

"I'll help as well", said Sandra.

Jax smiled. "Thank you!", he exclaimed, before turning to Eulan. "Are you in?"

Eulan scoffed. "Do I look like I have time for games?"

"Well... you are a P.E teacher", said Jax, frowning when Eulan scowled at him.

As he was still relatively new, Jax hadn't formed very strong bonds with the teaching staff yet. He called a few of them friends, such as Paige, but he was closest to Nalini and Ruby. Eulan didn't go out of his way to be mean to Jax, but the stories Jax heard about him were enough to make him keep his distance.

Paige rolled her eyes. "Forget Scowler over there. The rest of us are in. What do you need us to do?"

With Aahan, Paige and Sandra clear on the plan, the adults took their positions. The inspector walked in, and Aahan immediately felt a chill across his body. He was tall—much taller than Michael, and he wore a long grey trench coat. Aahan was expecting someone in a suit, but it was entirely plausible that he was just wearing one underneath the coat.

Michael was right by his side, his usual confident demeanour reduced to that of a eager to please waffler.

"I mean this school is fantastic. Oh I know, how about we make you some tea? Our staff room has the most incredible tea bags that you'd–", rambled Michael, cutting himself off when the inspector held a hand up.

"I'd appreciate less of the chatter, please. I just want to get to your reception quickly."

Aahan and Paige shared a look. When they both nodded, Paige made her way over to Michael and the inspector.

"Michael–oh, hello! You must be the inspector", said Paige. "I have to say, I wasn't expecting them to send someone so dashing."

"Paige, please", said Michael. "We are in a professional setting."

The inspector nodded. "Quite right."

"Of course, I'm sorry. I just... well, I've always found your job fascinating."

"Really?", questioned the inspector.

Paige nodded. "Yes. Don't get me wrong, I love working here, but your job seems so rewarding. Like police officers, you're kind of here to make sure the 'school law' is being enforced. That's a very tough job."

"Well... actually, that's a rather good way to put it. I suppose we are, in a way, guardians of education."

Paige faked a smile. "Ah! Guardians of–I love
that! Um, I would really appreciate it if you could tell me more about the job. You know, in case I want to change my career much further down the line."

"I don't see why not. After the inspection though. Speaking of which, I really should be getting back to it", replied the inspector.

Paige felt her grip of the situation loosening. As the pair continued to walk down the hall, Paige looked to Aahan, who had just poked his head out of one of the classrooms. She gestured for him to look at the two men. He nodded, realising that it was his turn to step up.

"Principal Rogerson!", exclaimed Aahan, hurrying towards the pair.

"Aahan, Michael is just fine", said Michael.

"Right. Sorry. I uh, I have a really important question I need to ask you", said Aahan. "Oh, and I also need your help with something."

Michael looked at the inspector, then back at Aahan, giving him a look to show that this was clearly a bad time.

"Um... I'm a little busy with the inspector right now."

"Oh! I'm so sorry, but I really need you now. I need the opinion of someone with a lot of authority. There's no one better to help me than you", said Aahan.

Michael couldn't help but smile at this. A quick ego boost was just the thing he needed, even if Aahan wasn't being entirely sincere.

"Normally, I would definitely help you, but I need to show the inspector to reception s–"

"I'll do it!", exclaimed Paige, who was still waiting in the hallway. "It would give us the chance to talk more about your job as well, Inspector."

"Mr. Calamine", insisted the inspector. "And yes, that would be appropriate too. I will need to catch up with you at some point though Mr. Rogerson."

Michael nodded. "Of course."

As Paige walked away with the inspector, she turner back to look at Aahan. She smiled at him, before subtly winking. Aahan grinned back.

¤¤¤

That night, Zee was in her mother's bedroom. Her father was already fast asleep in his room. Every night, Zee massaged her mother's legs. It helped calm the pain and get her blood circulating properly, as she had deep vein thrombosis.

"Ah, thank you, beti. You are such a good girl, do you know that?"

Zee smiled softly, glad to be able to take away atleast some of her mother's pain. Zee was someone who liked to be in control of situations, and not being able to cure her parents completely ate away at her.

"That's enough now, you should get some sleep now."

Zee carely placed her mother's legs back on the bed, before pulling her trouser legs down again. She covered her mother's legs with the blanket.

"I could sleep with you if you want?"

Her mother smiled. "That would be nice. But you haven't asked to sleep in the same bed as me for a long time. Is everything ok?"

Zee nodded. "Yeah, everything's fine."

"Beti, you know you can tell me anything right?"

Zee sighed. "I've just got something on my mind. But I don't want to worry you with my problems."

"Don't be silly, I want to hear them."

"No Mum, it's fine."

"Zalim, muji batoe kyaa galat heh", said her mother.

"Ok fine, I'll tell you. I know something that could help someone out. I was worried about snitching, but a... friend, they told me that I could just warn them. I guess I'm just struggling with what to do."

"You mean, what the right thing to do is?"

Zee shook her head. "I know what the right thing to do is. I just... don't want to do it."

"Why not?"

Zee frowned. "Because... I don't want people to see me doing something nice."

Zee's mother stared at her with a blank expression. Then, she looked like Zee had just told her the sky was made of dust. Zee threw her arms in the air, embarrassed.

"See, I knew this was stupid!"

Her mother reached out and took Zee's hands in hers.

"Zalim, what is so wrong with people thinking you are nice?"

"I don't know! I just... nice people get walked all over. Nice is just a step away from letting people in and then..."

Her mother's face softened when she realised what her daughter was implying.

"I worry about you a lot. Your father and I both do. When your sister joined the army, it was so hard on us... but it was even harder on you. She was the one who brought you out of your shell and helped you make friends. Then, we moved here and... you had to leave all of that behind. With Nazrat in the army, you never really felt like you were able to make friends on your own, right?"

Zee didn't know her mother knew her so well. Even Zee didn't know that's how she truly felt. Well, no, that's not true. Deep down, she knew it. That's why she buried those feelings so deep. Never letting them out, not even to face them herself.

"It's ok, Zalim", said her mother. "It's ok to make friends. It's ok to put yourself out there. It's ok to be happy now, beti."

Zee's mother wiped the tears from her daughter's eyes—tears she didn't even know were flowing. She pulled Zee closer, gently kissing her daughter's forehead.

"Just do it at our own pace, darling. And about what you said before... it is so important to do the right thing. To help people."

Zee nodded. "I-I know, Mum."

After leaving her mother's room, Zee went to her bedroom. She grabbed her phone from her desk, an uneasy feeling in her stomach.

Zee
Hey

Zee
Tell Josh from your business studies class about the inspector and get him to warn the others

Atlas
Hi

Atlas
Oh ok I will. Didn't even know he drank there

Zee
You didn't hear it from me ok?

Atlas
Ok, if that's the way you want it

Zee
Thanks

Zee
Bye

Atlas
Zee?

Zee
Yh?

Atlas
You're awesome

Atlas
Good night

Despite knowing Atlas to be kind, Zee wasn't expecting his penultimate message. Admittedly, Zee wasn't sure she would've warned the students if it wasn't for Atlas. She didn't feel judged by him, so knew she could ask for his help without him making a big deal out of it.

The next morning, Zee headed to the reception. Nalini and Jax looked more stressed than usual, and Ruby looked angry. Not a furious kind of rage, but one that seemed like it had been simmering under the surface for a while.

"Ms Boateng?", called out Zee. "I just wanted to let you know that the thing we spoke about yesterday... it's sorted."

Ruby's eyes widened, and she froze. She put down the files in her hand and stood up from her chair, making her way to the desk.

"Are you serious?"

Zee nodded. "Yes. I can't promise that there won't be empty bottles there though, and you might want to look at a more long-term solution."

Ruby gave Zee the smallest smile. "Thank you. Rest assured, members of staff will be appointed to monitor the area moving forward."

That seemed like something Principal Rogerson should've come up with, but Zee wasn't too surprised that it was Ruby's suggestion. She always seemed like the most responsible member of staff.

As soon as Zee left, Ruby turned back to her colleagues, her smile brightening. Ruby's smile unsettled Nalini, mainly because Ruby rarely smiled, but Ruby's straightforward nature made Nalini believe that it was genuine good news, and not a prank.

"The rulebreaking drinkers have been dealt with", said Ruby. "I'll bring up a more permanent solution with Michael. And thanks to Paige, Sandra and Aahan stalling for us yesterday, we managed to get all the files sorted. The inspector said he was impressed, remember? So there's no need to worry. We're ok now."

Nalini breathed a sigh of relief, tears welling up in her eyes. She wasn't expected to feel so much emotion, but this job really meant the world to her. Jax and Ruby shared a look. Despite not saying a word, Ruby knew how grateful Jax was.

"Thank you so much, Ruby!", said Nalini. "I know it probably seemed like I was overreacting, but I really do love it here."

"I know", said Ruby. "And you weren't overreacting. You belong here. You both do."

Michael walked into the reception, a big smile on his face.

"Fantastic work, you–"

"How dare you?", interjected Ruby, whirling around to face Michael. She walked closer to him, her commanding presence making Michael temporarily forget how to move.

"I-I'm sorry?", questioned Michael.

"We are your colleagues", said Ruby. "You are supposed to treat us with respect, not work us to the bone and treat us like animals."

Michael just stared back at her, lost for words.

"You should have told us about the inspection the second you found out", she continued. "We do an awful lot for this school, and to Nalini and Jax, this job means everything. They have never failed you, and as their boss... you shouldn't have failed them."

This job meant a lot to Ruby too. She dedicated twelve years of her life to this place. She remembered the good years of her marriage to Michael. The stolen glances they shared in meetings. The countless coffee dates that consisted of ranting about their stressful jobs.

But she only really cared about Nalini and Jax now. This job just about kept food on the table for Jax and his baby, and Nalini's confidence really skyrocketed as a result of working here.

"I am... sorry that you feel that way."

Ruby clenched her jaw and her eyes widened. She searched her former lover's face for any sign of remorse. For the smallest chance that he'd give more than just a half-aršed apology. When he didn't elaborate, Ruby scoffed.

"I've supported you for years. Even after the divorce. But you're still the same big baby who refuses to grow up. Your flimsy leadership led to poor Rowan Sterling being humiliated when you should've stepped in the minute the students started teasing him."

"I never meant for that to ha–"

"But it did, Michael!"

Slowly, Nalini and Jax retreated into the office, the tension too intense to bear. Michael's expression hardened, and he stood up straighter, in an attempt to match Ruby's posture.

"I am your boss, Ruby. I suggest–no, I demand, that you treat me with respect."

Ruby stared into Michael's eyes. When it was clear he meant business, Ruby took one step back.

"When did things get so messed up between us, Michael?"

Michael's face softened. Instinctively, he reached for Ruby's hand, before remembering that they didn't have that kind of relationship anymore. He moved his hand away.

"Ruby, I'm–"

The phone rang, sending the conversation to a halt. Ruby turned to answer it, and after waiting for a few seconds, Michael left.

_______

Hi!

So, criticisms out of the way first. I really wish this chapter flowed better. And I wanted to include Sandra's contribution, which was tripping the inspector with her vacuum to stall for even longer, but I couldn't figure out how to write it without that section being too long. Also, I would've liked to write the inspection of the reception scene. Admittedly, this chapter was a tricky one for me to write. Like I've said before, the adults are harder to write for. I am glad that I wrote this though, because I feel like the other adult centred chapters will be easier to write now that you've gotten to know a bit more about their personalities and motivations.

Zee comes across as cold, and maybe even a little heartless, but it is chapters like this that show she is most definitely not heartless. She prefers to act that way, even trick herself into believing that she is like that, because it's easier to scare people away. That way, she doesn't have to get hurt when they 'inevitably' leave. What are your thoughts on this?

What are your thoughts on Atlas' bond with Zee? I think it's sweet that he brings out the real her. It's very in-line with who Atlas is as a person too. He brings out the best in people.

Also, Zee's moment with her mother🥺 I love them!

Michael and Ruby's tension will be explored further, and you'll see why things are sour between them at times. The Reception Crew really are the backbone of the school, and we'll see more of their united front.

What are your thoughts on this chapter?

Feedback—is there anything I can do to improve? Are there any areas you think I'm lacking? Please let me know, as the only way I can improve is if you give me your honest constructive feedback.

starryeyedturtle

DoodleYeet

LeMystical-Puffle

ejsandfarkleslovebot

Tornado-Jockey