4. chapter 4

chapter 4

Telke

So... I stare at Winnie's back as she walks off in the direction of the storage room, which is usually locked, and the only key is with the receptionist. There's no reason for Winnie to go there, other than keeping her distance from me. Maybe I've talked too much, and she doesn't like that.

I sigh and stare at my computer screen again. Maybe I'm doing it wrong again.

Somehow, this sucks so much that... I don't even know what else I should be doing to make things better for both of us.

Maybe... Maybe she isn't interested in being friends just yet.

I take a breath, trying to calm myself. I should focus on—

The bell that marks the end of a session rings, which means that it is almost time for my lesson to start. At least I've gotten out of my suit and ready for some action. My heart pounds again and blood runs through my body in a good way. I can't wait to be with the kids.

I rub my hands together while gathering everything I need. I get the clipboard with the attendance sheet and my water bottle and head over to the door. If Winnie wants some space and time to herself, it's fine. I don't understand the burning urge inside me, but I'm certain that I give great hugs and I kind of want to hug her and pull her into my arms. That's such a wild thought when I haven't even gotten to know her that well. I've never felt that way with others, but maybe there's a reason for that.

Maybe?

I head down the corridor, waving to a few on the floatball team who are getting ready for their lesson in another room. Students here pick their own lesson plan to a certain extent, so in the time between sessions, beings shift around and get ready. I like this. It almost feels like we're all on the sports ground. We all move with a purpose, even though we don't move in the same direction and aren't all doing the same thing.

The day may not start the right way, but I can figure it out.

Arriving at the sports ground, a few students are already there. They are chatting among themselves when there are still a few minutes until the lesson begins. For this class, they are new to the school, and this is the first day of their first school year here, so I hope to make sure everyone enjoys themselves and gets to know each other. These few that are chatting seem to be getting along already, so that's good.

It doesn't take long before the bell rings again. I blow a whistle and gather everyone around me. "Good morning, class. I'm Mr. Stek and we'll be spending this year together."

A few are already eyeing the two baskets that are set up at the two ends of the sports ground. I like it when they can't wait to get started.

I say, "Now, we'll form groups of two. Each group will get a ball from the rack. Come back after you've done that."

The kids are busy looking for their next best friend. Nothing gets beings talking to each other than playing sports together.

After they divide into groups, I get them to pass the ball to each other and get warmed up for the ball game we'll be playing. There are a pretty equal number of boys and girls in this class, so it is going to make it fair to let them compete in teams.

I demonstrate throwing a ball for them, then get them to do it on their own.

Even though I should focus on the students, part of my mind is still with Winnie. What's she doing now?

Maybe after I left, she went back to her seat. Or maybe she is in the library by now.

I blow the whistle, so I get the attention of the students and myself. "Okay, now, we are going to return the balls and... It's time for a match!"

I get the kids into teams and have them compete to get the balls into the basket at the opposite sides of the field. The baskets are set on the floor, so no one will have a problem getting the ball in. "Remember, stay safe and have fun. No kicking the ball and the right to the carry is gone when you get tapped on the shoulder by the other team. Are we all clear?"

They nod and get into position. One from each team goes to the center of the field and I toss the ball into the air to start the game.

I take a step back as they fight for the ball. It's not that bad to be the coach when I can sit back and watch them. I just have to make sure everyone stays safe, and no rules are broken.

Maybe I'd spot some with good potential to join the floatball team. This simple ball game is quite different, but sports are sports and reaction time goes the same way.

Floatball is my favorite sport. There are goal frames in mid-air. Team members will hit the float ball with a bat as they ride small flying ships through the field, trying to score points. It's fun when the flying ships can crash into each other and are designed to be bumping around.

Kot'olls could have even more advantages if we were allowed more than one bat, but sadly, not really.

I blow the whistle when two kids are getting onto the floor to fight for the ball. I pick them up on the shoulders, splitting them up, and lift the ball into the air so no one can fight for it. "Time to split up and restart."

One kid sneers at the other. "Come on, that's cheating."

The other laughs. "What? Tossing the ball past you between the legs?"

I watched their moves, so it is clear. "It's not cheating as long as no rules are broken. Time for more strategies."

Soon, the game starts again. It looks like everyone's having fun. Kids are running around, chasing the ball, throwing them at times.

I shout. "Hey, no horns, be careful of those."

A kid with horns bows over to pick up a ball from the ground, so... I guess the horns are handy to make sure he has enough room to pick the ball up with no one wanting to come at him from ahead.

Another kid sneaks her tentacle hand from the side and smacks the ball out of the boy's hand. I resist a chuckle, letting a smile hang around on my face. The kids are so fun to watch. Once they grow older, we will have to split them between males and females for the sports classes. Otherwise... No females will want to get rammed into by beings my size. Or even males from smaller species.

But for now, everyone can play along together.

I watch them as I also plan what to do with them next lesson. But at the same time, I still can't stop thinking about Winnie. Is she tall enough for the shelves in the library? I know there are step-ups and ladders for beings there, but...

I check my watch. It is almost time for the end of the lesson. Maybe this means I can look for her soon. Very soon.