Free School of Deaths by Christopher Mannino Page A

“Suzie, what happened didn’t surprise me. It’s a male world, and they’re not ready for you. You can’t let them get to you. Jason, Frank, and I—we’re your friends. You’re not alone. Don’t forget.”
    “Thanks, Billy.”
    “Bill,” shouted a voice across the hall. Billy walked away.
    Frank nodded, following Billy.
    “You ready?” asked Jason.
    “Yes.”
    They left the Hall. When she walked onto the staircase outside, a Death grabbed her arm from behind. He stood behind her, and Suzie couldn’t see his face.
    “I don’t care what Sindril says,” he growled. “You’re not wanted, bitch.”
    He let her go, and Suzie stumbled forward. Jason, walking in front of her, hadn’t even noticed. She continued, without bothering to turn around.
    “Susan, wait a minute,” called a low voice. She stood still but didn’t turn around. Jason stopped.
    “Susan,” a voice touched her back.
    “Back off,” she said, spinning around. She stared at Headmaster Sindril’s frowning face. He adjusted his monocle and scratched his beard.
    “I’m sorry, Headmaster,” she said, blushing. “I didn’t—”
    “It’s all right. I’m sure this is difficult for you. Let me walk you to your first class. You have Theory now?”
    “Yes, how did—?”
    “Susan, it’s my job to oversee the students here. I’m Headmaster of both Colleges, Junior and Senior. But we’ve never had a student like you.”
    “You mean a girl.”
    They walked downstairs, heading toward the enormous West Tower. The sky was bright now, and the sun shone behind them. Scattered clouds lingered around the tower. To her right, in a barren stone courtyard, sat the black cube of the Examination Room.
    “Susan, I’m a friend. If you ever need anything, come to my office in East Tower. I want you to feel comfortable here at the College.”
    “Thank you, sir.”
    “The year will be hard for you, of course. But if I can help in any way, let me know.”
    “Again, thank you.”
    They reached West Tower. Deaths glanced at her, but no one approached, probably fearful of Sindril.
    “Your class is on the third floor. We will meet again. Good luck.” He held out a hand, which Suzie shook. Sindril turned and walked away.
    “What was that about?” said Jason.
    “Let’s go to class.”
    They went to the third floor, following a crowd of young Deaths. Most of the boys ignored Suzie. First years, she supposed.
    The crowd filed into a long room with a vaulted ceiling. She sat next to Jason at one of the narrow desks and put her books in front of her.
    A short, chubby Death with long blond hair walked to the front of the room. He turned and stared directly at Suzie while he spoke.
    “Good morning lady and gentlemen. Welcome to your first class of the new term, and your first class at the College. I am Dr. James. I will learn your names later this week. Now we will start with work. Please take out your theory books.”
    Suzie pushed her other books aside, opening the cover of Michael Darkblade’s Theories on Deaths . A grim-faced skeleton holding a scythe stared from the cover page.
    “Michael Darkblade,” continued Dr. James, “was my teacher’s teacher. His theories are indisputable and will form the basis for this class.” He paused and walked to Suzie.
    “However, one of his theories seems appropriate to begin with, given our special guest. Please turn to page fifty-four.”
    Suzie flipped to the page, which was labeled “Sex in the World of Deaths.” A number of the boys giggled.
    “Silence,” said Dr. James. “This is no laughing matter. Do I have a volunteer to read the first section?”
    A few hands lifted into the air, including Jason’s. Suzie did not raise hers.
    “Susan Sarnio,” said Dr. James. “Why don’t you read for us?”
    This was going to be a bad class. Her teacher was singling her out on the first day. Billy had warned her older Deaths were more sexist than the others, but she hadn’t expected this from a