Chapter Eleven
Clara
Clara opened her office door on the final morning before the Easter break, stopping short at the sight of her desk. A large chocolate egg in very fancy packaging was sitting right in the middle. She laughed under her breath, shaking her head as she set down her bag.
Before she could start checking for a note, a knock sounded at the door. She looked around to see Tanya, the rather harassed looking secretary.
‘I let a pupil in with that earlier,’ Tanya said. ‘There’s a Mrs Denby here to see you.’
‘Thank you, my lovely.’ She came to the door and peered around. ‘Aw, hi.’ A smiled spread over her face when she saw Isabella Denby clutching a massive bunch of flowers that almost completely hid her from view. Behind her, Mrs Denby stood with a watery-eyed smile.
‘Goodness, look at those.’ Clara beamed.
‘They’re for you.’ Isabella smiled, her cheeks turning pink. ‘Thank you for helping me this term… with everything.’
‘Oh, you’re so welcome, and really, you’ve done all the hard work.’ Clara took the flowers from her, feeling just as dwarfed as Isabella. ‘I was just there to support you.’
Isabella’s mum stepped forward, dabbing her eyes, and pulled Clara into a side hug. ‘You’ve no idea what it means to us,’ she murmured. ‘You’ve been amazing. All of you have.’
‘Well, I’m still here next term, even when you’re on your exam leave, don’t hesitate if you need anything.’
Giving her a little pat on the shoulder, Clara watched as Isabella and her mum walked up the corridor towards the stairs. This – these moments – were why she loved the job. All the stress of the term was worth it really when she saw how much it meant to people.
Clara spent the morning chatting to some sixth years and a couple of younger students who were leaving, either to work or to continue their studies elsewhere.
She also caught up with a blushing Eve Miller – a fourth year, who’d started during the Christmas term and had needed some help to settle after a family bereavement and a house move – who turned out to be behind the giant Easter egg on Clara’s desk.
‘Thank you so much,’ Clara said to her.
‘It’s ok. You helped me loads when I first came here and I didn’t know anyone. And I wouldn’t have gone for the part in the Christmas show if you hadn’t pushed me.’
‘I’m so glad you did. You made an excellent Ghost of Christmas Past.’
Eve blushed again.
‘How are you feeling about the exams?’
With a shrug, Eve said, ‘Ok, I guess. My dad says just to do my best.’
Clara gave her a gentle pat on the arm. ‘That’s exactly what you have to do. And make sure you also take some time for yourself during the holidays. Studying is fine but be kind to yourself.’
When the final bell rang later in the day, sounds of jubilation echoed around the school.
Lissa was leading a small group of sixth years who had just completed their last day through the main corridor in an impromptu conga through lines of laughing students and teachers.
Clara joined in chuckling and clapping as the dancing line passed by.
Tears welled as she watched them celebrating their last day of school, hoping they would all have bright futures whatever they chose to do next.
Once the conga line had made its way outside, Clara joined Gil, Adele and some other teachers at the exit to wish the other pupils happy holidays.
‘Bye, Max.’ Clara waved to Max Lyndell as he passed.
‘Bye.’ He tossed her a filthy look that contained the whisper of a smile, then his eyes flicked to Adele and he smirked.
‘That’s one person I won’t miss,’ Adele muttered in Clara’s ear, still waving to other pupils.
‘Right, let’s chill.’ Gil’s voice was so loud, Clara drew back. He closed the doors after the final stragglers and they all headed to the staffroom.
‘Holidays.’ Adele threw her arms up and made jazz hands. ‘We made it.’
‘Thank goodness.’ Clara hugged her, and they laughed.
Some people were already inside chatting, and others were still coming in.
Brenna slung her bag over her shoulder and came over to Clara and Adele. ‘I’m not sticking around. I’ve got to pick up Leo, and for once I’m determined not to be late.’
‘I hope you have a lovely holiday.’ Clara reached up and hugged her.
‘You too.’
Eddie and Kerr were just coming in as she left.
‘See you.’ Kerr gave her a little salute.
‘Have a good one,’ Eddie said.
Kerr ran his fingers through his dark hair and faked sleeping by resting his head on Eddie’s shoulder. ‘I can’t wait to get out of here, but I still need to tidy my room,’ he groaned.
Eddie chuckled and patted him on the back. ‘I told you to do it during the week, but you didn’t listen.’
‘Argh.’ Kerr made a growling sound. ‘I know. I just couldn’t be bothered.’
‘And you still can’t.’ Eddie caught Clara’s eye, and they laughed.
Lissa stumbled in behind Kerr and Eddie and threw herself dramatically across a row of seats. ‘It’s finally the holidays. Thank the lord.’ She placed the back of her hand to her forehead, pretending to faint, and let out an exaggerated groan.
The entire room burst into laughter.
‘You’re sacked,’ Gil said, smirking.
‘Yay!’ Lissa threw up her arms and cheered.
‘Like you’d survive without the drama.’ Gil peered over, grinning at her.
‘I’m sure I could create more wherever I go.’ Lissa closed her eyes and stretched like she was sunbathing.
The door opened again, and Sam and Isaac came in, both looking over at Lissa and exchanging a glance.
‘Hello, stranger.’ Clara approached and gave Isaac a hug. ‘Look who’s in the staffroom. I feel like this is a sighting of an endangered species.’
‘I would lend you my binoculars so you can see him clearer,’ Sam said, ‘but my good pair broke the last time I moved, and I’ve never replaced them.’
‘Stop it.’ Isaac chuckled, shifting a little. ‘You know me… I like my own company. At least that way I always have someone intelligent to talk to.’ He gave them a cheeky grin, and Clara clapped his upper arms.
She turned to Sam, wrapping her arms around him briefly. He let out one of his uncertain little laughs and patted her on the back momentarily. It was quick, but something about the firmness of his chest caught her attention. Brushing away the thought, she moved on before her brain could linger.
‘So, what’s on the agenda for the holidays, Isaac?’
Isaac gave a noncommittal shrug. ‘Ah, you know. A bit of this, bit of that. Maybe do a bit of fishing. That kind of thing.’
‘Nice,’ she replied with a grin, realising he was giving nothing away – as always.
Mirren and Polly came in, squeezing past Isaac and Sam, who were still near the door.
‘Sorry, ladies.’ Sam moved out of the way.
‘Happy holidays, everyone!’ Mirren sang out, waving a hand in the air.
‘We made it,’ Polly added.
‘We did.’ Clara went to hug them both.
‘I didn’t,’ Kerr said, coming over. ‘I have to go back and tidy my room. It’s a tip.’
‘Yeah, I noticed that on the way past,’ Polly said. ‘Why didn’t you get the kids to do it this morning?’
Kerr shrugged.
‘Because he’s an idiot.’ Eddie patted his back.
‘Yeah, but you’re worse.’ Kerr smirked at him. ‘Because you’ve just agreed to help me tidy it.’
‘Touché.’ Eddie raised an eyebrow.
‘Well, I better get started.’ Kerr saluted them. ‘Happy holidays, everyone.’
‘Have a good one, you nutter.’ Mirren gave him a quick hug.
‘Aw,’ Kerr said. ‘Are we doing hugs?’ He bent in and gave wide, somewhat fake hugs to Polly, then Clara.
His familiar scent, that mix of something woodsy and clean, wrapped around her, and for a heartbeat, that old flutter returned.
All those days she’d spent stealing glances at him, wondering what it would be like to have him close, came rushing back.
But then, just as quickly, he laughed and pulled back. ‘I’ll avoid man hugging you two,’ he said to Sam and Isaac. ‘I reserve all my man hugs for Eddie.’
‘Lucky me.’ Eddie pulled a long-suffering face as Kerr put his arm around his neck.
‘Happy holidays, everyone.’ Kerr gave a casual wave to the rest of the room as he and Eddie left.
Something warm brushed past her, and she turned to see Sam. He stepped a little closer. ‘You still ok for tomorrow?’
‘More than.’ She gave him a bright smile and moved out of Lissa’s earshot. ‘I’m taking Skye to my sister’s later, so I’m all set for the morning.’
Sam nodded. ‘Sounds good.’
The familiar sense of ease that she associated with Sam settled around her again. ‘I can’t wait.’
After dinner, Clara pulled into Harriet’s drive, Skye standing on the back seat, tail wagging in pure doggy delight. As soon as Clara opened the door and unclipped her harness, Skye leapt out, bounding up to Harriet, who was waiting just outside of her house in Perth.
‘Hello.’ Harriet bent down to greet Skye, who was already smothering her with licks. Clara waved to Molly, who was peeking around the door already in her PJs, her brown hair out of its usual ponytails and hanging around her shoulders.
‘Auntie Clara.’ Molly almost tripped over Skye as she ran to Clara.
‘Hello, Miss Molly.’ Clara scooped her up and twirled her around. ‘Are you going to look after Skye for me?’
‘Yeah.’ Molly held out her hand, and Clara high-fived it.
‘Come in.’ Harriet stepped inside.
‘Just let me grab the bag with all Skye’s things.’ Clara put Molly down and got the bag from the boot. ‘But I can’t stay for long. I want to get a good sleep. We’re leaving early tomorrow. That’s why I wanted to drop her off tonight.’
‘But you haven’t even told me properly what it’s all about?’ Harriet went into the kitchen and flicked the kettle on. ‘I didn’t think you were going away this year.’
Clara cleared her throat, watching Molly playing with Skye. ‘I’m helping out a friend. And it’s a chance to go somewhere.’
‘Uh-huh.’ Harriet folded her arms. ‘Which friend is this? You have so many I can’t keep up.’
‘Sam.’
Harriet raised an eyebrow. ‘Is that a woman or a man?’
Clara looked away and smiled. Of course, her sister would speculate. ‘A man.’
‘Interesting.’ Harriet raised an eyebrow. ‘Tall, dark, and handsome?’
Clara gave a little shrug. ‘I guess so.’
‘Really?’
‘Actually, yeah.’
‘Age?’
Clara shook her head. ‘I’m not sure. Forties.’
Harriet moved closer, checking Molly was busy with Skye. ‘Is this a naughty excursion?’
Clara rolled her eyes, trying to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks. ‘No. He’s just a really lovely guy who doesn’t want to go to a wedding on his own. I’m going along as moral support, that’s all.’
‘And is he trustworthy?’
‘Very. He’s really nice.’
‘Well, that’s a great start.’ Harriet gave her a little hug. ‘Friends first, then move on.’
Clara shook her head. ‘Maybe… I don’t know.’
‘If he’s in his forties, does he have kids or anything?’
‘Yes. He has two teenage boys.’
Harriet’s eyes brightened. ‘But that’s just what you need. If he already has kids, then, well…’ She looked earnestly at Clara. ‘Your “issues” won’t be a problem for him.’
‘It’s too early to think like that.’
Harriet gave her a pat on the arm. ‘Well, if you get the chance for something more, take it. If he’s a nice guy, why waste the opportunity?’
‘Because we’re colleagues and friends. I don’t want to make things awkward.’
‘Ah, yes. True.’
Clara reminded Harriet of Skye’s routine. When she was done, she crouched down to kiss Skye on the head. ‘Aw, I’ll miss you, my baby. You be good for Auntie Harriet and Molly? I’ll be back before you know it.’
Skye gave her a big doggy smile, then trotted happily after Molly. Clara watched her go.
‘She’ll be fine,’ Harriet said. ‘We’ll spoil her even more than you do. Now, you go and enjoy yourself.’
Clara nodded. Yes. That was exactly what she was going to do. A little fizz of nervous excitement bubbled in her tummy – she was on the verge of an adventure.