51 Enforcing the Rules (2/2)
”Well... To begin, we want to ask you some questions about the past of the Chersonese High School.”
a teacher said.
”Go on.” I said.
”When you were a student in Chersonese High... How strict were the teachers?”
It certainly wasn't a good question to ask someone who remembered nothing about his high school years. But, for the sake of not causing more interest, I couldn't tell this to them. I had to give a regular answer, so I tried to make things up.
”I... Of course they enforced the rules, but they weren't so strict. Most of them were very nice people.” I answered.
”I see... Do you remember your graduation?” I was asked.
I could make something up for the previous question, but it was not that easy for this one.
”Not really.” I said.
”Huh? Really?” Ege said. I was scared of saying something wrong and accidentally making people more curious about the subject.
”Well, I had gotten sick that day, so I couldn't really pay attention to those stuff.” I said.
”That's most unfortunate.” Sinem replied.
”Do you know what happened to your friends after they have graduated? Are you still in contact with them?” Ege asked.
”No.” I said.
”No one?”
”No one.”
”Do you remember doing any activities in the building after school hours?”
This was a very specific question. Just when I was about to answer, Mr. Kenan coughed loudly. I took the hint. When I looked at him, he shook his head.
”No.” I answered. ”Why are you questioning me?” I finally had the courage to ask.
”Well... Sorry about it, but we have reasons. Please forgive us, you will understand with time.” Ege replied.
”Let's get to the main subject.” Sinem suggested.
”Oh, of course.” Ege said and began talking. ”There is a very important and specific rule in this school which has been enforced since before you were a student here.”
”Which is?”
”After the final lesson of the day ends, no one stays in the building, and people need to get out as soon as possible. So, as the teachers; we, including you, won't let any students do activities after school hours.”
”And... Why exactly is that?” I asked.
”That... is the part we are uncomfortable with telling you right now. We will tell you though, eventually. But, until that time, please forgive us for it.” Ege said.
Sinem coughed lightly, visibly trying to imply something to Ege.
”Oh, and...” Ege continued. ”Only the teachers know about this. You can not tell this to any of the students. Again, that's for reasons we can't explain right now; but please believe me when I say that it is a matter of life and death.”
I looked around without saying anything.
”Is that understood? Do you have any questions?” asked Ege. I looked at Mr. Kenan. He shook his head again.
”I understand, even though I'm not satisfied with the explanation.” I said.
”It is okay, then. I apologise for the awkward atmosphere we've created.” Ege said. The crowd around me started to disperse. Mr. Kenan approached me.
”Find me after the final lesson, in front of the main exit.” he whispered.