The ball bounced off of the Vinyl with a ping and fell to the floor. Tlaloc got up to pick it up, but Ms Caligo got up and said, "that's enough." She walked over to the ball and scooped it up. Then, moving back to the desk, she said, "that was a good first class everyone. Before the final bell for school rings, I'd like to make a few notes for the speakers in the class."
She turned around, facing the circle again and said, "good job any and all who spoke today. I know that speaking isn't everyone's strong suit--scary for many in fact--but getting out of your comfort zone is an important part of growing as a person." Her tone was strong and loud, demanding attention, but also kind and understanding. The air of a teacher.
"First, I'd like to address our first speaker and silent observer, Vinyl. You have kept rather silent after the beginning, but you started things off and that's something I can appreciate. Still, I'd prefer if you would keep up with the discussion--jump in once in a while, even if it's not what you'd normally do. Same with you Krys.
"Next, KBot, thank you for maintaining communication with the class for this long. You seem to look at everyone from your own elite pedestal and, for most of this class, I was waiting until you disregarded everyone and stopped paying attention. But you didn't and whether that's because some people caught your eye or true diligence... welcome to Communications.
"Nyron, you have a little to learn about people. If you don't want to talk about something, don't bring it up. Speaking is just as much about what you say as what you don't say. I know I should have let that topic drop, but I feel that the class can benefit from understanding this concept and I hope you can forgive me.
"On the flip side, you have to be willing to give to get. Parzival, you keep too much to yourself and need to be willing to accept people into your thoughts. Your world ends with the people you let in and if you can't show others yourself, you can't truly see others. Understanding people has long since been a reason for communication and I hope you can learn this through the class.
"And for people to be able to be let in," she marched from the front of the room straight up to Rhin, then, quickly tearing off his headphones, yelled "you need to be able to hear them! I have nothing against music Rhin Ardongale, but if you're going to listen to it in class, at least have a discussion about their lyrics and meaning. Otherwise, if I see earbuds or headphones on, well..." she had a fun glint in her eye as she grinned at him.
Letting the threat hang in the air, she walked back to the front of the room and turned attention back to the class. "I wanted to see what the group would do with minimal input from me. I'd try to avoid a direct conflict that might have led to blows," she looked at Tlaloc, not callously, but she looked at him nonetheless, "or in the case of complete silence or direct communication. As things stand, the one who managed this situation best was Jennie.
"Two times, she changed the entire flow of the conversation; first with the two truths and a lie, second with manipulating the question going around the room to one more energized and thought provoking. Good questions lead to good thoughts and good thought lead to more interesting communication. I look forward to great things from you Ms. Meyjan."
"As for our latecomers," her eyes glanced over Ranae, Barrett and Kei respectively, "I would advise that you come in at the proper time for class--then you'd know why this phrase means something right now: 'those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.'" A few chuckles escaped the class, "as things stand, you have no idea why that applies. But to you Kei..."
She 'hem hem'ed then seemed to thing before saying, in perfect Jellyfish, "welcome to this class and I look forward to seeing you more often. Your inkling is incredibly adept for your age and species and your idea to communicate through drawings--yes I noticed that--was a clever move. Even though I'll understand you in Jelly, no one else will, so I'd recommend continuing your practice of the Inkling language."
Resuming her Inkling dialect she continued, "Ranae, a big part of communications is networking. I feel that I might know a few people that you might want to talk to to help your business; talk to me after class tomorrow and we'll get that sorted out."
Then, packing her things, she said, "finally, Barrett... welcome to Communications. Again. Try to pass this time."
Ms. Caligo said some final words about leaving the room as it was and how she would use it that way for her next period tomorrow. Everything collected, she walked to the door with her briefcase and materials perfectly collected just as the bell rang.
Then she tripped and fell through the doorway.
