2016 – Day 48

Start writing a story that...

Step 1: takes place: in a classroom

Step 2: add a scene that takes place: in a basement

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Delia watched as the students filed out of the classroom, messenger bags and backpacks slung nonchalantly from their shoulders. She considered what it was about some 20-year-olds that made them comfortable in their own skin while she was still out of sorts in hers at 55. Stupidity, she thought.

When they had all nearly gone, she packed up her own bag and followed the students out the door into the hallway. Odors of sweat, perfume, and sunscreen emanated from each direction. She moved with the crowds down the stairs and out onto the street.

Beyerton College sat amid the bustle of the city's north side. For three stops along the train, you would see mostly students and a few professors or other college employees. Travel any further in either direction and the school crowds are replaced by regular city residents or workers traveling in from the suburbs.

Delia had an hour before her next class, so she made her way to the Beyerton Pub, a small sandwich shop on campus that served beer. Tucked in the basement of an old hotel, the pub welcomed professors and students over 21. Delia pushed open the door and waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting inside. It was too early for the lunchtime rush, so she was seated right away. After placing an order for a sandwich and beer, Delia looked around at the other diners.

There were only about a dozen other people in the room. Delia recognized a few staff from the admissions office to her left and a couple of students sitting in the far corner. The sound system was playing something moody and guitar-filled, and Delia was grateful when her beer finally arrived.

She was halfway through it when the door opened and Jim, a student from her last class, entered the pub. She watched as he looked around, spotted her, and approached her table.

"Hey, Professor Wallis," he said. "I didn't know you came here, too."

"I do. Sometimes."

"You're having a beer? Man, that's awesome. Four more months till I can buy one. Officially." He smiled and laughed at himself. His long bangs swung in his eyes and he tucked them behind his ear.

The waitress appeared and placed Delia's sandwich before her.

"Will there be anything else?" she asked.

"No, I'm all set," Delia said.

"How about you?" she said to Jim. "Can I get you anything?"

"Oh, yeah. A Wallace Burger and a coke, please."

"Are you sitting here?" she asked.

"No, I..." Delia began.

"Yes, thanks!" Jim pulled out a chair and sat down across from Delia.

"Hope you don't mind, Professor Wallis," he said, smiling. "I wanted to ask you a few things."