Prelude To Descent [Sean]

[Dr. Sean Neville]

“You’ll get used to it,” Sean assured him. “After all, you went through this as a student, and it’s easier for faculty. We get to go home at night and we don’t have growth spurts.” Those were two of the many perks to being Hammel staff, as opposed to a Hammel student. Having done both for many years, the telepath believed that he spoke with authority on the subject.

“And the students will get used to you. So it will work out.” If not, he and Yvette and the security staff were available to intervene was needed. That was to be avoided if possible, but they existed as a line of defense.

At the question regarding procedure, the telepath nodded in confirmation. “Those are them. I’d recommend getting a stack of them, so that you don’t need to go back out to the reception desk.” That was what he did, and it served him well. Although, admittedly, as he wasn’t a teacher, he had different needs. He also wasn’t afraid to walk into Yvette’s office to initiate a conversation.

Sean responded to the younger man’s laugh with a smile. “Well, if it will help you get back into the swing of things, I can’t dissuade you.” That was as much protest as he would put forth regarding obligations and baked goods. If Devon brought him more than one muffin, then he would share with other people, and thus everyone could benefit from his skills.

The telepath took the offered hand with his very large one. “You’re welcome, Devon. And there’s no offense taken. For your sake, I hope that you don’t have to see me for a similar reason ever again.” At the very least, the students would be used to him next term, and so there would be none of the new teacher effect at work. After a firm handshake, he relaxed his grip. “However, you’re welcome to stop by whenever you want, just to chat or to check in.”

[Devon Wentsworth]

Devon nodded and gave a soft smile. He remembered his time at Kocher well; he would do well to take what he remembered from there and apply it to his teaching at Hammel. He knew the tricks, he knew the pranks and the chaos that could be ensued. He also knew just how efficient some of the staff had been at managing said mischief. He needed to take that efficiency and apply it to himself, remember the tricks the teachers themselves had come up with to try to prevent the bedlam so seemingly inherent in this type of place. Thankfully, he had a month now to come up with a plan.

Nodding yet again as Sean spoke of the students getting used to him, Devon knew that it was true. “Yeah, I know. As I said, some of the ones I've taught so far have been great. I just need to adapt to the not-so-keen ones.” He was the brand shiny new teacher; and not just a new teacher, but a fairly young and foreign new teacher. Of course boundaries were going to be tested. He had survived his initial trial by fire, however barely, and he now had some time to regather himself and start the next school year rejuvenated and with a proper tactic.

“Thanks, I'll grab a bunch once I leave here.” Devon vaguely remembered the reception area and would indeed pick up a stack of the forms, keeping some in the art classroom and some at home so there was always at least one handy if he needed it. Perhaps, once he was more firmly embedded into the school, he might even be able to gentle push for some of the equipment to be updated and modernised. All in due time, though. Baby steps.

Devon smiled at the psychiatrist. “You wont be able to dissuade me. I'm very stubborn when I've got my mind on something.” Devon knew he wasn't exactly the greatest chef who'd ever lived, but he'd never had any complaints about the things he'd baked and if he could bring a little joy into someone else's day, even if only for a moment, then it was a job well done.

His hand felt tiny within Sean's grasp but it was a strangely reassuring and comforting feeling. He returned the shake, his own grasp not quite as firm but friendly and honest. “Thanks Sean, I might just take you up on that.” Devon picked up the empty water bottle, ready to dispose of it in the trash, and stood. “I won't keep you any longer. Thanks again for your time, I honestly do appreciate it. If I don't see you before, I hope you have a great summer break.”

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean had the utmost confidence that Devon would find a way to navigate the other, more problematic students. He had a month to regroup, de-stress, study academic files, and plan, before he returned after the summer break. At that point, he could start fresh with the new classes, brush off the past incidents with good humor (and appropriate wariness) and concern himself with artistic expression and grading schemes. “You’ll adapt,” the psychiatrist repeated, because he was sure that Devon would.

As for the forms, he remarked, “If there aren’t enough in the box, you can ask Kendall to make more. They’re very good about stocking all of the supplies, and Kendall is always very friendly.” Sean was very fond of the Hammel receptionist.

Stubbornness was a common trait among Hammel students and faculty alike. Even the ones who were possessed of milder manners (like Sean himself) had stubborn streaks, albeit ones that didn’t see the light of day quite as often. With a small smile, the psychiatrist said, “You’ll fit right in, then, with that stubborn streak.”

Admittedly, he was excited by the prospect of muffins.

“You’re quite welcome.” Sean brought his arm back to his side, before he pushed off from the chair, rising to his feet because the younger man had stood. “And I hope that you have a good break too. Vermont is lovely in July.”

He intended to spend as much time with Josh and Bailey as possible, while also getting in some time on the lake. To take advantage of the good weather while it lasted.