Susan walked down the hallways of the school, her lecture notes for today in her arms. As she passed by the women's restroom, she looked down and glanced at her watch, 6:25, she thought to herself why she thought she was going to be late this morning; after all, classes don't start until 9:00 in the morning. As she turned the corner towards her classroom, a familiar voice made her stop in her tracks.

“In a rush today, darling?”

Susan turned around to see Alfred Smith, a fellow teacher and her ex-boyfriend, standing several feet behind her.

“Not in a rush to see you!” she said huffily. “I thought you understood that we are broken up.”

“It was just a joke, Susan,” Alfred replied while laughing. “Just a joke.”

“Of course,” said a flustered Susan. “A joke.”

“Something wrong?” asked Alfred

“No, I'm fine. I was just wondering about a student,” replied Susan. “Do you know Tina Fryman?”

“Yes, she's in my third hour,” Alfred replied. “Why?”

Susan bit her lip, “I just feel as if she's hiding something.”

“Why do you say that?” replied a confused Alfred.

“Well, she's very bright; brightest out of all my students, in fact,” began Susan “But she's also very odd. The other day, I suggested calling her parents to let them know that she's at the top of my class. But she insisted that I didn't.”

“Well did you?”                                                                       

“No. But I did ask her why I shouldn't call them.”

“And?”

“She told me her father doesn't like unwanted phone calls from strangers. He gets very angry, she told me.”

“Well, what about her mother?”

“Told me she doesn't have one anymore.”

“Quite sad.”

“I know.”

“Well, if you'll excuse me, madam, I must be off. Things to do before class begins.” And with that Alfred turned around and walked away.

Susan turned around and resumed her walk back to her classroom. As she did, she couldn't help but wonder what Tina was hiding. It was probably nothing, but she never could be completely satisfied until she had a concrete answer. Soon, she had reached her classroom and had unlocked the door. She walked over to her desk and put her lecture notes down. She sighed and looked out the window. It was still dark out. She decided to read a novel until class began. She walked over to the class bookshelf, picked an interesting looking novel, walked over to her desk, sat down, and began to read the novel.

She was deeply engrossed in the story when she noticed someone was standing in front of her, “Tina!” she exclaimed as she put the book down. “How long of you been standing there?”

“Five minutes, ma'am,” Tina replied.

“I'm so sorry,” Susan replied as she put her hand to her cheek. “I didn't see you. Er, what time is it?”

“7:25, ma'am,” she replied.

“7:25?” replied a confused Susan. “Why on Earth are you here this early? Class doesn't start until nine.”

“I know that ma'am, but I wanted to talk to you,” Tina replied.

“Oh, about what?” asked Susan.

“It's about my grade,” answered Tina.

“Well, what about it?” asked Susan.

“I checked my grade right after school yesterday, and I had a 100. But when I checked it this morning, it was only a 98. What happened to those two points, ma'am?” replied Tina.

“Nothing, you just made a minor mistake on your last quiz,” Susan replied. “Incredibly minor. Trust me, don't worry about it.”

“I know that, but my father was wondering and he asked me to ask,” replied Tina.

“You've mentioned your father before,” Susan began to ask. “I'm wondering, is everything alright at home? The way you described him to me made him sound quite mean.”

“Yes, everything is alright,” Tina began to reply. “My father is a good man. He just doesn't like strangers getting into his business.”

“Are you sure? If there's something going on Tina, you can tell me. You can tell any of your teachers, you know.”

Tina began to head towards the door, “E-everything's fine, ma'am. Really! It's fine!”

“Okay, whatever you say,” Susan said solemnly.

“See you later, ma'am,” Tina said as she walked out of the classroom.

That settles it, Susan thought to herself, I'm going to stop by Tina's house after school today to see what is really going on with her father.

Later, Susan was teaching her final class for the day, “Remember, the ship that the Japanese signed the surrender formally ending World War II was the USS Maine and it was signed on Sep-,” she was interrupted by the ringing of the final bell for the day. “Oh, don't forget that we may have a pop quiz on this tomorrow!”

“Miss, it can't be a pop quiz if you tell us about it,” one of her students called out as they packed their bag.

“I suppose you're right,” she replied as she began to organize her papers on her desk. “See you all tomorrow, I suppose.” Once the last student left the classroom, she walked over to the door, and locked it. Susan then sat for a moment and wondered if she really should check up on Tina's house. She decided to call Alfred and see if he would want to come with her, better to be with someone than alone, after all.

She took out her cellphone and called Alfred. She told him her “plan” and asked if he'd come with her. While Alfred did hesitate at first, he did ultimately end up deciding to go with her and told her to meet him at his car with Tina's address.

“Took you long enough,” Alfred started to say as he saw Susan come from the corner. “I was starting to grow a beard waiting for you.”

“I couldn't find my pen,” explained Susan. “So I had to look for one.”

“Whatever, do you have her address?”

“Yes, here it is,” she said as she handed Alfred a slip of paper.

“Well, shall we go?” Alfred asked as he unlocked his car.

“I guess we should,” Susan said as she walked to the passenger side door. “But what if her father gets violent?”

“Don't worry, Suzie,” Alfred said reassuringly as he got into the car. “I always carry a knife with me.”

“Oh, you still carry that,” Susan said somewhat disgustedly as she buckled herself into the car. “Let's just hurry and get this over with.”

“Hey, you were the one who wanted to do this,” Alfred replied smugly.

“I know that, but I'm starting to have doubts,” Susan said. “Let's just go before I completely change my mind.”

“Alright,” Alfred said as he started the car. “Let me just enter her address into my GPS here.”

“GPS? When did you get that?” Susan asked. “You didn't have that when we were dating.”

“Got it last month,” explained Alfred. “Ah, here we are, she lives seven and a quarter miles away from the school.” He pulled the car out of his parking spot and out of the school parking lot and onto the road and began to drive toward Tina's house.

“Do you think teachers have the right to interfere in students lives, if they feel the student is hiding something?” Susan asked as they turned onto Main Street.

“I think we should just do what's best for the youth. They are our future after all,” answered Alfred.

“I guess you're right,” Susan said as she looked out the window. “Oh, Bernie's is having a sale this week. Must remember to go there tomorrow.”

“And here we are,” Alfred said as he pulled the car over onto the swale and parked it.

Susan got out of the car and looked around, “I don't think we're in the right place. There are no buildings here.”

“This is the address you gave me,” replied Alfred. “Or at least, it should be the address.”

“Looks like this was all for naught, I guess,” said a dejected Susan. “Well, mind dropping me off at home?”

“I don't think it was,” replied Alfred. “Look at that.”

Susan looked. Alfred was pointing at a pathway that led up to a small building on a hill. “Do you think?”

“Most likely is.”

“Well, shall we go visit?”

“Ladies first.”

“Such a gentleman.”

“Do you think she'll be home?” asked Alfred as they walked up the hill.

“I hope so,” replied Susan. “Otherwise I just climbed up this hill for nothing.”

Soon the two of them had reached the front door of the building on the top of the hill. Susan took out her hand and knocked three times on the door and then the two of them waited. After about a minute, the door opened and Tina Fryman stood there surprised.

“Mister Smith, Miss Chapman! What on Earth are you doing here?” the surprised girl asked her teachers.

“What does it look like,” Susan began her reply. “We're here to see you.”

Tina was taken aback, “See me? What do you mean?”

“What? A teacher isn't allowed to pop by her students' houses once in a while?” Susan said smiling.

“No, it's just my father,” Tina began to reply.

“Tina! What's going on out there!” an unknown voice began to yell from inside the house.

“Nothing father!” Tina called back. “Get out of here you two. My father doesn't like strangers that much.”

“We came all this way,” said Susan stubbornly. “We're not leaving until we get to talk to your father.”

“Tina, I'm coming over there,” her father's voice came from inside the house.

“Oh, if you must stay, I won't stop you,” said an exasperated Tina. “Just remember what I told you about my father.”

“Don't you worry Susan,” Alfred said slyly. “If he tries anything, I have a weapon.”

“Don't remind me,” Susan replied disgustedly. “Just don't do anything rash, okay?” As she said this, a man entered the doorway behind Tina and tapped her on the shoulder.

“Get out of the way please,” the man told her.

“Sorry father,” Tina replied as she moved out of the way. “Mister Smith, Miss Chapman; meet my father.”

“The pleasure's all mine,” Tina's father began to say as he put his hand out for a handshake. “Now, pardon my asking, but who are you two?”

“Sorry, we're two of her teachers,” Susan answered as she shook Tina's father's hand. “We just thought we should come and see how Tina is doing.”

“She's doing fine,” replied Tina's father. He sighed. “Why don't you come inside?”

“Oh, no. We couldn't,” Susan replied. “We shouldn't intrude.”

“Intrude? Oh, you've come all this way,” replied Tina's father smiling. “It's the least I can do.” He turned and walked back into the house. As he did, Susan got a good look at him. She realized that he was still wearing pajamas and slippers this late in the afternoon. However, she thought nothing of it.

She turned to Alfred and smiled. “Well?”

“Ladies first,” he simply replied.

“Still a gentleman,” she jokingly replied as she stepped into the house. “Tina, mind showing me wherever your father went?”

“No ma'am,” Tina said. “This way please.” And Tina began to walk towards the back of the house as Susan and Alfred followed her.

“Your father doesn't seem that bad,” Susan said. “Why were you so worried?”

Tina stopped, “Well, he is really nice and friendly. It's just he's not too trusting of strangers.”

“In this day and age, I don't blame him,” Alfred piped in.

Tina continued walking towards a room almost to the back of the house, “In here please.” As the two teachers stepped into the room, they noticed Tina's father crouching over a stove cooking something and that he had tossed on a robe over his pajamas.

“Sit down, sit down,” he said motioning towards the table. “It'll be ready in a few minutes.”

“Are you making us lunch?” Susan asked. “There is no need to do this Mr. Fryman.”

“Professor,” he called back. “And trust me, it's my pleasure.”

“Oh, alright,” Susan said as she walked over to the table and sat down. “Tina didn't tell me you were a professor.”

“Well, it's not much importance, is it?” Professor Fryman laughed. “Hope you like grilled cheese.”

“Pardon, what kind of cheese is it?” Alfred asked. “I'm allergic to cheddar.”

“Swiss, my friend,” he replied. “And I think you guys will like it. Tina, mind getting all of us some drinks?”

“No father,” she said as she walked towards the refrigerator. “What do you guys want?”

“I'll take a Coke,” Alfred said. “If you have it.”

“Ditto for me,” added Susan. “If you don't, I'll just have ice water.”

“You know what I want,” Professor Fryman said.

“And I'll have some fruit punch,” Tina said as she got the last of the drinks out of the fridge and closed the door with her foot. She put the drinks on the table and walked over to the cabinet and got glasses and poured the drinks into them.

“Thank you dear,” Susan said smiling.

Alfred simply nodded when Tina put his drink in front of him.

“And they are ready,” Professor Fryman said with a smile as he brought the freshly made grilled cheese sandwiches over to the table.

Susan sniffed the air in front of her, “They sure do smell good.” She reached over and grabbed one from the pan.

“Yes, yes,” nodded the Professor, obviously proud of himself. “I consider it my specialty, if you will.”

“Well,” said Alfred as he grabbed another one of the sandwiches. “They certainly do smell good; I just hope they taste good too.” As he started to put the sandwich into his mouth he stopped. “Erm, there's only one sandwich left.”

“Er, yes,” explained Professor Fryman. “I'm not too hungry right now, so I think I'm going to eat later. Of course, don't let me stop you.”

“Father, you're always like this,” prodded Tina as she grabbed her sandwich. “Either way, you guys are lucky. My father here is amazing at making sandwiches.” She took a large bite and began to chew loudly.

Both Susan and Alfred decided to take their first bite at the same time. As soon as they did, an expression of ecstasy spread over their faces as the freshness of the sandwiches engulfed their bodies.

“Pardon my French; but, that is the greatest damn sandwich I have ever eaten on this Earth!” exclaimed Alfred whilst taking another bite.

“Tina, you were right,” began Susan. “This sandwich is incredible. Best sandwich I have ever had.” She took another bite.

Suddenly, Alfred dropped his sandwich onto his plate. “Oh no,” he said, grabbing his head in pain.

“What's wrong?” asked Susan as she put her sandwich down.

“I feel like I'm going to pass ou-,” he started to say before he slumped headfirst onto the table.

“Tina, help me prop him up! We need to make sure he's still brea-,” Susan exclaimed before she passed out also.

“Father!” exclaimed Tina. “You've poisoned them!”

Professor Fryman cast a cursory glance at the two bodies, “No I didn't dear. Simply drugged them.”

“Drugged them?” exclaimed an astonished Tina. “Why on Earth would you do that? I thought you were taking a liking to them!”

“I am!” responded her father, obviously taken aback. “I think they are both wonderful people and I can see why you're so smart. But that is precisely why I had to drug them. They might find out our secret.”

“So what if they find out?” asked Tina. “They wouldn't tell anyone! I trust them. And anyways, wouldn't drugging them make them report us to the authorities more than just letting them have their sandwiches and then leaving?”

“No, it won't,” explained her father.

“Why not?” asked an impatient Tina.

“Simple,” he explained. “We take them home and they think they fell asleep after coming home and think this whole thing was some sort of bad dream.”

“I won't,” Tina said somewhat stubbornly.

“You won't what?” her father asked confusedly.

“I won't help you bring them home,” she began to explain. “I want to tell them.”

“Tell them? Are you mad!” he exclaimed. “Do you know what will happen if we tell them?”

“Look, I know that they're good people and they will not rat out on us,” she said calmly. “And weren't you the one who said 'I want some more people to join us on this thing'?”

Her father began to pace about the room to think, “Okay, I think I have a solution. We tell the two of them our secret and we allow them to come with us for one day. If I deem them trustworthy enough, I will allow them to keep our secret, if not I'll simply wipe their minds of all of the stuff we told them or that they saw. Deal?”

She thought for a moment, “Deal.”

As she said this, the two bodies behind them began to move. Her father cast a glance as if to say Remember our deal and she cast him one back.

Alfred was the first one to come to, “Christ almighty, what happened?” He was rubbing his forehead vigorously. He stopped and began to look at Tina and her father suspiciously; as he did, he helped Susan up to her feet.

“Oh, Tina, Professor Fryman, what hap-,” Susan began to ask before Alfred put his hand over her mouth.

“Quiet,” whispered Alfred. “Let's talk privately for a moment.”

“Alright,” Susan whispered back. The two of them then proceeded to turn their backs to their two hosts and began to converse amongst themselves. After a few minutes, they turned around and walked towards Tina and Professor Fryman.

“Tina, Professor Fryman,” began Alfred. “I have several questions to ask you. First off, why in the Hell did you drug us?! Secondly, prior to completely losing consciousness, I overheard the Professor here mentioning a secret you two have. I want to know what that secret is or else I will report you two to the police.” Tina and her father looked at each other for a moment.

“If we tell you,” began Tina. “Do you guarantee that you won't tell a single soul our secret?”

“I guess so,” said Alfred.

“And you Miss?” continued Tina.

“Whatever your secret is,” said Susan. “It's safe with me.”

“Alright,” Tina said sighing. “The truth is that my father and I are not from this planet.”