Page 41 of Tis the Season to be Bullied

Trinity

Reuben enters Father Gabriel’s apartment with a large, covered tray in his burly arms. At first he stares at something only he can see, but as soon as he notices me, it’s like I’m the only person left in the entire world.

I’ve never had someone look at me like this before.

It’s unnerving.

And provocative.

Every nerve ending in my body switches on.

That look must only last a second, but it feels like an eternity that Reuben and I lock eyes. Then he drops his gaze, and it’s as if I’ve ceased to exist.

“Thank you, child,” Gabriel says as Reuben sets down the tray between us.

Reuben lifts the lid and goes to put it down on the counter in the dinette area. “Do you need anything else, Father?” he asks in his deep, melodic voice.

Gabriel waves at him. “That’ll be all for now, child. Come back later to collect the dishes.”

Reuben turns to leave, and Gabriel stands to dish up food from the set of small dishes on the tray. I’m watching Reuben’s back so I don’t notice at first Gabriel is dishing up for me.

“You’re looking a little thin, Trinity,” Gabriel says. “Though I’m sure the past month has played havoc with your appetite.”

“What?” I look down at my plate. There isn’t room for another pea. “Wow…that’s a lot of food.”

“Your mother used to lose weight whenever she was upset. I can’t remember how many pies I brought to your house, hoping to get her appetite started.”

I don’t remember any pies.

Reuben’s walking even slower than before, as if he’s listening to our conversation. It makes me want to yell at Gabriel to shut up. I don’t want Reuben to know anything about me. He made it clear he thinks I’m up to no good. He’ll use anything he can against me.

Even my dead parents.

“My first class was a success,” I rattle out.

It was the first thing I could think of, and the worst choice of words. Today was the furthest from a success. Hopefully Gabriel isn’t exactly going to interview Jasper about my teaching skills any time soon.

“Is that so?” Gabriel returns to his seat as Reuben slips out the door.

It’s as if the provost had already forgotten Reuben was here. I’m not surprised; despite his size Reuben makes less noise than a cat, especially on these carpets. Is he one of the kids that have been at Saint Amos for so long he’s just another gear in the machine?

“Well, it’s still early days, of course, but I really do think teaching is something I’d like to do.”

Gabriel takes a sip of his wine. Where my plate is practically splitting under the weight of all the food he piled on it, there’soceans of white china between his servings. I’ve never seen a chicken breast look so lonely before.

“You should attempt a full class during summer break.”

I almost drop my fork. “Yeah. I’ll look into that.” I gulp at my soda and try to think of something to change the subject again.

My only intention is to score brownie points. But if I’m not careful, I’ll have agreed to run a summer class for half the school before dinner is over.

“Does the school host anything fun during summer break?” I ask before shoving a fork full of food into my mouth.

Gabriel shakes his head, and then frowns up at me. He tuts quietly. “That’s right. I must have forgotten to mention it. Saint Amos is closing over summer break. First time in almost five years, actually.”

Closing?

Closing!

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