“He says he didn’t mean to frighten the girl, he was just presenting what he carved” then added “I will speak with her, although I must say she’s a little bitch”

“Finally, we’re on the same page” Bette chuckled Jodie didn’t catch what she’d said

“What was that?”

“I said how will you get her on the same page?”

“By having the two get together to discuss what message he was trying to send out, and what she found so offensive about it” she defended “he doesn’t condone violence” she shrugged before adding “it’s just that a gun is what came to mind when he carved into that bar of soap”

“He must be truly gifted for you to defend him like this” Bette nodded in understanding

“I want all of my students to be able to express themselves, but I understand that there are different types of students attending this school, even in this program” Jodie shook her head “I believe that people experience many things when looking at a piece, but fear should never be one of them” Bette agreed with a nod

“You have my full support, and I commend you for how you’re handling the situation.  I’m just happy this isn’t going to the board”

“Fuck those assholes” Jodie admonished “no offense”

“None taken” Bette chuckled “And you’re right.  When it comes to board members, I’m not a fan either, but they have a lot of clout” she exhaled.

“It’s the students who we should put first not the board.  The students are paying for the education” Jodie interrupted her

“Right again, students should always come first” then added “I’ll tell you what” not sure of whether this was a good idea to voice to someone she hardly knew “I’ll keep the board in check if you keep the students in check” they looked at each other “Do we have a deal?” still unsure of whether she could trust Jodie or not.

Jodie thought about it, then rose from her seat and offered her hand for the dean to take.  The handshake was the first agreement the two women shared, and were extremely happy over their progress as colleagues.