Unpleasant

Zoza managed to open the door to the faculty office without dropping the box she was carrying. Since it was her first day at this job she still hadn't had the time to decorate and supply her office, she decided to bring only the most vital stuff for the first day until she eventually get everything she needed, of course some people might consider a fully equipped make up wasn't an important object of a teacher's everyday life but what did they know?

The office was practically empty as only a few teachers were there, she figured that most of them had class by that time and those who didn't simply haven't showed up yet. Zoza sighed as she tried to remember where her desk supposed to be, the headmistress told her the number and described it's location but the new teacher had trouble recalling, it wasn't as if she was paying much attention to her. Clothed with a long grey trench coat with fur collar over her black dress suit and a pair of clearly expensive red heels Zoza was certain she was going to stick out from the crowd, too bad there wasn't yet one.

With a little effort she found her desk. She immediately placed the heavy box as it was expected it made a rather loud noise to the quiet room, Zoza apparently unfazed from it began unpacking her stuff while humming the melody of katioucha. The make up kit being the first she got out followed by the teacher's books and a perfume bottle.

What the hell? Zoza thought as she turned to meet the source of the voice she heard while unpacking, she wasn't surprised when it was clear it was coming from the man next to her he looked more like a delinquent than a teacher. Considering how prestigious the school was this man either had to be very good at his job or very important to someone since the headmistress hadn't kicked him out. Zoza didn't want to have anything to do with this unpleasant man but powerful friends are the key to success.

The necromancer swallowed her pride and replied with a smile "Tell them what? If we can indulge our vices in the faculty office where we're safe from the students then what's the point of having one?" Zoza sat on her chair before continuing. "I'm Zoza Kren, the new home economics teacher. Care to share a smoke with me?"

"No need, Paragon. I should have one somewhere" Zoza replied as she searched the depths of her box, it didn't take long before she pulled a silver lighter out "So what class are you teaching?" The woman asked as she lighted her cigar. They were stronger than the ones she was used to but she managed not to cough as she inhaled the smoke.

"Also do you have any advice for a newcomer like myself? Which students should I watch out for and what kind of sandwich I must avoid at the cafeteria?"

Touche. Any doubts Zoza might have about Paragon's value of social graces disappeared in an instant. She would have a lot of work to do if she wanted to have a peaceful year with that kind of co workers. "My dear, I'm surprised you even care enough to ask." She replied before taking another drag. "I could tell you that I'm here because I love teaching and interacting with children... although it's obvious you already guessed this is a lie, haven't you mr. Paragon?"

Zoza grinned as she unbuttoned her coat letting it slide off her sleeveless business suit. "Perhaps if you wished to know more you should invite me for lunch. Wine and blue cheese always makes me more talkative."

"Isn't it obvious?" Zoza responded she made sure to look surprised "You said it yourself, this place is a hellhole and you're bored. My arrival is probably the most exciting thing that happened this week. I have no delusions, I could walk out never to return and you wouldn't even think twice about it. Even so..." She took one final drag before she placed her cigar on the ashtray. "You will go to lunch with me because there's nothing better to do. Who knows you might end up having fun... you remember what that is, right?"

"Well since I'm new in town I hardly know any decent places." Zoza replied before she picked one of the books she had left on her desk. "So I have a proposal for you. We're going to carry our work and once done we're meeting at the main gate. I'm not peculiar about my food so anything will do... though as you can see I'm dressed for something fancy"

"2 PM at the frond gate. Don't be late, it's rude. Also attempt to smile, I don't want students and co workers to think I'm dragging you around, they will think me as bossy and we can't have, can we?" The woman added as she left her chair and headed to the door.

"One last thing. If I don't return to the office be a dear and bring me my coat, catching a cold on the first day of work would be pathetic, wouldn't you agree? Anyway see you later." Zoza waved at Paragon while walking through the door without even looking at him. Interesting fellow, perhaps a bit of a grump and certainly not pleasant. Still he somehow seemed interesting, only time would tell if her instinct was correct though.