Open Hang On Tight

[Cyndi Kingsley]

Professor Kingsley had been staring down into her mug of tea for so long that she didn't even notice the house elf who had come by and used his own form of magic to reheat the cooled beverage and leave her a slice of pie. If she had, she'd probably have cried some more, this time from gratitude. The woman sat twisting her ring finger, worrying at the skin as she used to the ring that she'd once worn there. She'd had such a terrible argument with her son, when she'd only meant to find out why he hadn't come home. It had been a great shock to everyone, and the woman had missed her second son terribly during the vacation. What would have already been an awkward holiday, the first with her and Cameron no longer a married couple had been made worse having to explain to their family that he'd chosen to remain at school. Jacob had let her know why and more, his words ringing in her ears. Of course, she'd expected her children to be angry but to hear that he hated her, even if those were words borne from hormones, had stung like nothing before. Normally, she'd have spoken to Cameron about this, he would have been the first person she would turn to. But though she did think he deserved to know about this eventually, Jacob had said some choice words about him as well, it wouldn't be now. Hearing a noise, the woman started and then slowly lifted her tea to her lips, steadying herself as she took several slow sips. She reached for the fork and pie, pulling both closer and taking a bite.

 

[Aspen Faye]

Aspen was amazed that she had managed to survive her first semester of teaching. She never thought that she'd be a Professor, it was never something that had been on her radar. But after her fiance died, she was glad to have had an excuse to be out of the house all the time, and this was the perfect one. She hadn't gone home since, and didn't think she ever wanted to. But Aspen found that she actually enjoying teaching. The kids she taught all had such an interest in animals, and it was amazing to show them all of the creatures that existed, and how to care and look after all of them. This was definitely the best choice she had made.
Choosing to always stay at the castle also meant that she never had to cook. If she ever had any thoughts about leaving teaching, this would be a top contender for keeping her around. Whenever she felt hungry, she could just nip on over to the kitchens. Which was where the CoMC Professor found herself today, stepping carefully over the step into the kitchens, and putting down the kitten that she had been carrying around with her, so it could explore too. Her eyes fell on who was once her Professor, but Aspen definitely saw her as a friend; although she saw everyone as a friend. "Oooh, yes pie, great idea." Aspen commented, grabbing a fork and sitting opposite the table, keen to share it.

 

[Cyndi Kingsley]

The pie was divine as was all of the food the house elves made. Cyndi would have enjoyed it immensely, if not for her own thoughts which were jumbling everything including her stomach. So when another professor dropped into the chair across the table, Cyndi was all too happy to relinquish the dessert. She gave a faint smile as she pushed the pie closer to her young colleague. "Have at it" she stated quietly, her eyes scanning the room and spotting the kitten as it moved and explored. Her eyes lit up slightly, a look of amusement on her face as she watched it. In time, she moved her gaze back to her colleague, Aspen, the smile dimming. Normal conversation would dictate asking about each other's holidays but it was the last conversation she wanted to have. "What's your kitten's name?" she finally settled on.