Dignitas, Pietas, Virtus, Gravitas

“I did have one up until a couple of years ago.” Luca mentioned. “Unfortunately, due to some… Poor life choices, you could say, I was fired, so, when you’re not doing anything for too long, you’re willing to take about whatever people put in front of you.”

“Oh....apologies.” Atticus stated. “I didn’t mean to bring that up.” 

“Oh right.” A smile turn onto Colton’s face. “Well, I hope that you have fun.”

“Thanks Colton.” Atticus smiled. “Have a good break.” He replied before leaving.

“That is something I’ll gladly do,” he told her with a sharp nod and an easy smile. “I studied marketing, so, my area would pretty much be the study of markets, how to establish strong brands, understand how consumers are behaving, what’s trending,” he trailed off, listing some of the things he used to do in his field.

“Marketing huh?” Atticus commented. “So then, why didn’t you pursue a career in marketing if you don’t mind my asking?”

“Oh, what is that?” Colton asked tilting his head to the side. 

“Just a little family get together.” Atticus nodded. “You know how busy things can get at this time of year.”

“It would be really bad if you told me I had to lecture it,” Luca responded, bringing his shoulders up and down in a shrug. “If I just have to sit around and do my thing while others teach… That’s perfectly doable.” He clarified. It wasn’t something that he minded – just sitting there. It was the idea of being in front of all that many people that convinced him he would end up saying something completely stupid and that would be what he would be remembered by for the rest of the time. “I see what you mean… I suppose that in my field we ended up having a little bit of both. People who had a lot of knowledge based on how many years they had been working on the profession, and ones that could do wonders, just because they knew how to take advantage of whatever might be trending or whatnot.” Luca explained.

“Don’t worry.” Atticus replied letting out a small laugh. “Leave the teaching to me. I won’t be requiring you to do any teaching-- just help out with paperwork.” He reassured him. “And what exactly would you consider your field?” Atticus asked a little unsure.

Colton pressed his lips together. “Just wanted to finish off a could of things.” There was a light smile on his face. “I’m planning on heading to the Christmas party for the staff, are you going?”

“I might pop in for a short while to wish everyone a happy holiday.” Atticus nodded in confirmation. “However, I do have another celebration that I need to attend so I don’t think I’ll be staying for too long.”

“And, like I said, paperwork is something I can definitely do,” he said with a sharp nod. “Not to mention that if you put me in a classroom in front of a number of people in their early twenties or something like that, the odds that I would just end up teaching them something completely random are huge,” Luca stated with a chuckle. “Yeah… It’s like I was telling you, people seem to need to have some sort of ‘calling’ in order to be able to pull something like that out. I bet that most of the times you’re able to do all of this in a somewhat automatic mode already, right? Like… You don’t even think about what you’re doing anymore…?”

“Would this be a bad time to tell you that I’m expecting a class here in about 10 minutes then?” Atticus replied holding back a laugh though he was being dead serious. It wasn’t like Luca had to teach anything however since they were at the high school and Atticus was just taking over for a sick teacher for the day which meant that he didn’t really have to teach either. Just tell the students what work had been set by their usual teacher. “I suppose you could say that. Being just 26 however I have colleagues who are far more automated at all the teaching procedures than I am though. I’m still learning.” He admitted honestly as he got up, beginning to write on the whiteboard at the front, though he definitely had a grasp on the basics of teaching and lecturing since he’d been at the job for a little while now. 

“I used to deal with bigger stacks of paper when I was working my last job, so, it really shouldn’t be that much of a hassle,” he said with a few shakes of his head, taking a seat by the desk that had been indicated and starting to sort through the papers he had in hands. “As far as teaching is concerned,” he trailed off. “I’m afraid I wouldn’t be any good at it,” he shook his head. “It seems to me like it’s one of those professions you need to have some kind of calling in order to be able to pull off and, I’m pretty sure I don’t have it.” Luca said with a negative of his head. “I better just stick with bureaucratic functions. I don’t feel like I would have all that much patience to deal with students either. How is it that you do it?” he asked out of curiosity.

With a laugh, Atticus shook his head. “Don’t worry about it Luca. I won’t be requiring you to help teach classes. Just help out of the paperwork.” The young professor smiled. “I suppose it’s just something that you need to have a passion for. I understand that it’s not for everyone, standing in front of classrooms of students or in my case in a lecture hall of students.” He nodded though he knew that in small town Ecrin, the lectures he took weren’t nearly as huge as a lot of other places.

Even though Colton had eaten all the crackers, he could still feel the stretch in his stomach. “Right. Yes. I do like those crackers. I’m surprised that you haven’t left for the holiday. Don’t you have any plans?”

“No, I’m off for the holidays as well.” Atticus nodded. “I was just finishing off a couple of things so I don’t have to worry about it in the new year.” He explained shoving is hands in his pockets. “And yourself? I would’ve thought I was one of the last few stragglers to close office.”

“I’m sorry about that… I just thought that,” Luca trailed off for a moment. “I thought that since it sounded like something somewhat urgent, I should come around as soon as I possibly could,” the man apologized. “Honestly, any job is already a good job,” he was quick to provide. “I haven’t been doing anything consistent in a while, so, I’m willing to jump at whatever opportunities I might have. Maybe one of them will give me the opportunity to grow and show what I’m capable of doing.” His sentence was punctuated by a shrug of his shoulders. “You don’t have to worry about something like that,” he said with a shake of his head. And, your pile will be sorted out in no time, I promise. Would it be alright if I used this chair?” he wondered, gesturing to the empty seat.

“Well it is somewhat.” The young professor admitted with a shrug. “With the Christmas rush and closing up of the school and university for the holidays there are a few things that need to be completed before then and with only one pair of hands, I do struggle a little to keep on top of things at this time of year.” Atticus admitted. “I would say I recommend teaching as a career however, you do need to go through a few years of studying before you get qualified and can get your teaching certificate.” Atticus nodded. “But who knows-- maybe you might find this interesting. And please-- go ahead. Feel free to use the desk at the front as well.” Atticus nodded indicating to which one he meant. 

“I actually thought it could be a great approach. I mean, a lot of people around here aren’t exactly from around here, and… They might actually like getting to know a little bit more about the places where they live, even if it’s through themed bathroom stalls or cabins at a nightclub,” she mentioned, smiling a little at the thought. “Anyway, that’s why we’re in need of an expert on the matter. Someone that will be able to give us what we might need and some insight on what might be best for the club, you know?”

“Point taken. I myself aren’t originally from Ecrin.” Atticus nodded approvingly and even though he was born in Rome, he had indeed spent most of his life living in the small town. However, his interest in history and his previous education had certainly meant that he knew a fair deal about Ecrin’s rich history. “I wouldn’t exactly call myself an expert but I’m sure I could definitely muster enough to help you ensure the information you collect is accurate.” He smiled. “And of course, I’d love to check out the decor once you’re done.” Atticus flashed a smile.

Serena blushed a little, wondering if she was being a burden, but she was only doing what she had been told to do so she licked her lips and tried talking again, not wanting to show her nervousness. “I believe you haven’t been notified yet because I’m still waiting for the University board to fill in some papers for me to make this official. And I think they wanted to make sure I could watch your classes, otherwise they’d have to send a letter to the school and ask if any teacher there would accept me.” She hoped she was making sense. “In January, probably by the end of it. I just came to talk to you now, otherwise, in case you say no, we’ll have to ask the school and that might take longer.” She sighed and looked down once more. “I just want to get this over with. I want to graduate by next year.”

As Serena talked, Atticus nodded listening to her speaking. “I see. Well, you are definitely most welcome to join my classes.” He replied finally with a smile knowing that he was completely open to the idea. “It doesn’t seem like very long ago when I was in your shoes. I’m sure sitting in on some classes and seeing how things operate would be a welcome change.” He told her with a smile. “Not long to go now, huh? What age are you hoping to get a position in? High school?”