Eric and Frieda at their usual spot for freshman lunch; pleasantly surprised that chicken burgers were being served for lunch. After having enchiladas on Monday and Chili yesterday; there was a running joke that the school would be serving three bean salad. Enjoying their repast; Frieda and Eric were surprised to see John Shaffer join them at their table.
“I’m sorry is this seat taken?"
“No,” Eric answering; “It’s available."
“Thanks,” John smiling as he sits his tray down and begins eating; “interesting night last night.”
“It was,” Eric responding; “I was surprised you were part of the catering staff.”
“You weren’t surprised to see me spook Mr. Knight with my seven foot werewolf fursona,” John asking?
“It put a smile on my face, “Frieda giggling; “Despite my father’s imposing stature, seeing a large werewolf barreling down on you would give anyone pause for concern.”
John laughs; “The benefits of being a lone wolf I guess.”
“You’re not in a pack,” Eric asking?
“With my situation,” John knowing Eric and Frieda heard his story while prepping for the gathering last night; “I just don’t have the time.”
“If you want,” Eric putting down his chicken burger; “I can give you my brother’s number. He is a werewolf and is in a pack with his friends.”
“If I have the time what with my after school job,” John accepting the phone number and putting it in his phone; But if I may ask a question for Frieda, what can you tell me of the Bolton Twins?”
“They took a shine to you last night,” Frieda smiling?
“Oh yeah,” John grinning; “hell even your father let me enjoy their company before midnight. Have to admit, they were very willing.”
“I knew I heard a howl,” Eric laughing; “you and Spencer wouldn't believe me, after we woke up.”
“Yeah that was me,” John smiling; “Sorry, but Kaley presenting herself, it awoke something primal in me.”
“So you mounted and knotted the grey furred were-panthress,” Frieda chuckling; “you don’t need to give us the details.”
“I pushed her over the edge in passion,” John smiling; “her sister Jesse had to help her walk away.”
Both Eric and Frieda laugh, knowing that John had some fun, made them both happy. Yet seeing Principal Andrews approach them, Eric and Frieda’s joyful mirth was replaced with concern.
“Eric, Frieda,” Principal Andrews looking at the two; “could you please come with me? Neither of you are in trouble, but I do have some news that concerns you.”
“Okay,” Eric finishing his lunch; “see you around John.”
See yah,” John answers; “oh and congratulations on becoming a were-panther.”
“Thanks,” Eric getting up with Frieda following.
Following the principal to the office; Eric and Frieda pass by several students looking at their phones intently. Not knowing that the news of Julie Stovall’s acquittal via a technicality just showed up on social media; both were-panthers were confused when they were greeted by an average height woman that they immediately identified as a were-otter thank to their keen sense of smell.
“I apologize for interrupting your lunch. My name iz Rachael Gaudet. Were-otter representative of the elder council.”
“Your accent is French,” Eric speaking; “but not French Canadian.”
“You have a good ear,” Rachael answers; “I’m originally from a town in France called Strasbourg. But my family fled when the Nazis annexed it and the rest of the Alsace province. But that is not why I’m here.”
“Then what are you here for mademoiselle Gaudet;” Frieda asking.
“Ach, manners!” Rachael smiles; “so refreshing with zee youth these days.”
“German as well,” Eric asking?
“I’m fluent in both languages,” Rachael answering; “but the reason why I’m here is to inform you that Judge Flagg threw out Julie’s charges on a sixth amendment technicality.” Rachael presenting scrolls for both Frieda and Eric, “also your presence will be requested at the elder council.”
“When,” Frieda breaking the seal on her scroll and reading it.
“I have yet to hear back from Tachibana,” Rachael answering; “but an emergency session is being formed for tonight.”
“I can tell you this right now,” Frieda finished reading her scroll; “my uncle being on the council will not be able to attend. He has a medical test schedule for tonight.”
“That is unfortunate,” Rachael sighing; “this session has to have all members present.”
“Am I allowed to show this to my parents,” Eric pointing to his scroll; “or is this a for your eyes only thing?”
“You may show them,” Rachael answering; “they will need to know and make arraignments for you to be present.”
“I’ll talk to my uncle,” Frieda putting her scroll away; “he is planning on picking us up after school today.”
“Then he’ll inform you of the time of the session you both need to be present for,” Rachael answering.
“Now that this has been dealt with,” Principal Andrews speaking up; “I’m sure Eric and Frieda would like to leave and head back to class.”