As the department head, I was in charge of running a weekly department meeting on Thursdays. After our early morning all faculty meeting, we broke up into departments. I had a bulleted list of topics that the headmaster wanted me to touch up upon, but I mainly was going to use this meeting to get to know my department. The Arts Department was divided into a few smaller departments—visual arts, performing arts, and music. I had met Blaine and a few other faculty members from the music department, but I hadn’t met any of the people in my branch.

“Hello, I’m Kurt Hummel. I graduated from NYU, and I’m the new department head. I also teach Theatre Arts, give acting lessons, and am going to start a new Improv Club. I’m living in Westborough Cottage, but my office is in The Arts Center, right off of the lobby. Feel free to come and find me if you need anything, okay?” I began. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was doing, but I figured that as long as I faked it well enough no one would care.

There were nine faculty members in the performing arts department. There were two dancing instructors, two directing teachers, a stagecraft instructor, and three guys that worked in costuming and props. One of the dancing instructors was Polish and barely spoke any English. Her name was Brittany Pierce and she seemed like a sweet woman, but some of the things she said made no sense. She asked me if I was part dolphin in the middle of the meeting, and I had no idea how to respond to that. The only other guy that stuck out was named Collin and in costuming. He was dressed fabulously, in Marc Jacobs newest line. I had a feeling that we would hit it off.

I was almost done reviewing the School Board’s newest policies on bullying when I was interrupted. The door banged open and a man sauntered in. He was dressed impeccably and had the most annoying smirk on his face. I looked down at the pile of papers in my hands. “Um, and you are?” I asked.

“Sebastian Smyth. Acting teacher, ex-Broadway star, singer extraordinaire, among other things,” He said, with a smirk, “And, who exactly are you?”

“I’m the department head, and I would appreciate it if you could arrive on time to department meetings in the future. Okay, where were we—”

“You’re the guy they hired to replace Shuester?” He said, incredulously. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I was beginning to get pissed. There was something about Sebastian’s perfectly coifed hair and cocky grin that made me want to claw his eyes out. “Okay, if you’re done I’d like to wrap up this meeting before first period starts.” I said, effectively shutting him up. I tried to ignore the smirks and snorts coming from his direction, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. I almost exploded after the meeting when he came up to me.

“So, you obviously need some help. I can tell you’ve got no idea what you’re doing, so why don’t you sit the next meeting out, and I’ll take over. You can watch and take notes. I’m also willing to mentor you; I’m sure the classroom is just one of the many areas you need tutelage in.” He said suggestively. I couldn’t help the blush that spread across my checks or the torrent of words that came out.

“Look, Mr. Smyth, I understand that you don’t respect me because I’m new, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m your superior.” I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself before I said something that I would regret. “I expect to see you at each meeting on time, and I expect you to treat me with the respect that my position deserves. Now, I think you should go to your first class, I have something to discuss with Headmaster Douglass.” I said, and whipped around on my heel and left the room. I didn’t actually have anything to tell the headmaster, but I was so furious I knew I needed to leave before things got out of hand. Who did he think he was?

At lunch I sat with Blaine, Puck, and Brittany at what had become our table. There were a few elderly Spanish teachers, who were draped on Puck, as usual. “How’s your day been, Kurt?” Puck asked me in between bites of his burger. “You look like someone just stabbed a puppy in front of you.”
“Thank you for that beautiful mental picture, Noah,” Blaine said, “But you’re right, Kurt, you look exhausted. Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine, I just… Well, I lead my first department meeting today.” I explained, “And it seems I’ve already made enemies.”

“Let me guess, you mean that slutbag, Sebastian,” Puck groaned, “That guy is such a dick, and that’s coming from me. Did you know that he asked Blaine to—”

“Noah!” Blaine yelped, “I thought we agreed that we don’t mention that! Besides, at least he doesn’t get drunk at alumni events and strip to Cher.”

“That was one time!” Puck grumbled, “And you know I looked sexy doing it.” The women next to him erupted into a fit of giggles and scooted closer to him. “But, that’s not the real problem. Sebastian’s just miffed because he thinks he deserved to be promoted to department head.”

“That makes sense. I mean, it is strange that they hired someone new instead of someone who has been here a while.” Blaine said, “Not that I don’t think you can handle it, Kurt. I believe in you,” he said with a grin.

“Sebastian isn’t a very good dolphin. He licked my ear once.” Brittany said. I blinked and nodded, which seemed to be the only appropriate response to anything the bizarre woman ever said.