Wednesday, October 29th 2018

Ms. McManus seemed to consider this for a bit.

"Well, I can honestly say that the school has found places for people who aren't strictly there for academic reasons anymore. Oftentimes to brush up on their powers."

"And I can also say that there's a spot in my discretionary budget for a modest stipend I can allot to a teaching aide. Nothing extravagant, but I could likely convince them to include room and board..."

Stephanie's face brightened considerably--not that it was even that dour in the first place. "Oh my gosh, that would be.... that would be amazing!" she beamed. "I don't really need anything, I....I just want a place to stay and the occasional few bucks to replace favorite pieces of clothing that I manage to shred."

She paused for a moment, part of what Sam said just hitting her. "Teaching aide? Do....do you think I'm good enough to do that?" she asked.

"There's not much to it. You'd mostly be helping me grade journals and quizzes."

"As for clothing destruction, I think I could lobby for something a tad nicer than your old training jumpsuit."

"And if you have a chat with Doctor Morse, I particularly think we'll have some leeway in making the design something a bit more fetching than stock black."

"I'd love to, Ms. McManus," Stephanie smiled.

"I don't think I remember a Dr. Morse.... is he new this year?"

"He is, and he's the present head of the teams."

"So I should talk to him if I'm interested in that as well..." she more stated than asked.

"You've always done so much for me. I can't even begin to thank you," she smiled, tearing up slightly. "I'll be the best damn TA you've ever had."

"I wouldn't have offered if I didn't feel you would." She smiled.

"Besides which, the younger students could use someone to communicate with that's a bit closer to their age. I'm sure you'll do wonderfully with them."

"I like the sound of that," she smiled.

"Where do you think TAs sleep? We're not quite students, not quite teachers?"

"Likely, they'll be looking to see if a single can't be found for you."

"That would be nice," she smiled.

"Who do we need to talk to to make sure this is all kosher? I don't want to get you in trouble for helping me out so much."

"I have a free period a bit later. I'll get the ball rolling for you."

Stephanie smiled again, "Gosh. I can't believe all of this. I was expecting to hear a 'well, good luck, you've done well so far, but you'll have to head off on your own now' from the school, and .... this is amazing. I guess all the praying worked out.... thank you. Thank you so much," she smiled, happy tears in her eyes as she stood and hugged Sam.

Ms. McManus returned a warm hug of her own.

"Don't worry, Stephanie. We're not abandoning anyone if I can help it."

Stephanie sniffled and smiled, with a bit of a blush on her face from the tears.

"I should really probably let you get to your next class--I'm sorry I dropped in unannounced. Maybe we could grab a bite to eat sometime soon, and talk about what you want me to help with....and...well I'll be honest, I really wouldn't mind more help talking to her" she said.

Almost in response, her eyes shifted to yellow momentarily.