Falling Stars (Shooting Stars 5)

"And so you will. Rose. I am looking forward

to working with you all," Mr. Marlowe said. "So are we," Howard quickly followed. Laura Fairchild came walking quickly down the

corridor from the rear of the house, her tall, thin heels

pinging like steel raindrops over the floor.

"Oh, Mr. Marlowe." she said. "Madame

Senetsky was asking after you. The rest of the staff

has been meeting with her in her office. She sent me

for you. Girls, boys," she continued turning toward us.

"'follow me into the dining room for your seating." "See you in a while then," Mr. Marlowe said,

and hurried down the corridor toward Madame

Senetsky's office.

"She won't spank him for being late, will she?"

Steven quipped. Ms. Fairchild ignored him and led us

into the dining room.

"You'll sit across from your teachers." she

began. "Ice here." she said, holding the back of the

chair at the near end of the long table. "Steven. Rose.

Honey. Howard. and Cinnamon," she continued down

the table.

She nodded at the empty chairs.

"These will be your permanent seats at this

table.."

"Permanent seats? What is this, grade school?"

Steven asked.

"Maybe that is how our teachers will recognize

us," Cinnamon wondered aloud.

"No." Ms. Fairchild said. "You'll be properly

introduced when they arrive. Please be seated. Do any

of you have any questions about dinner table

etiquette? Which fork to use when. anything?" She