Chapter 48
James
Isabelle leaves for school this morning on a high.
Jen’s voice was so loud over the phone; I could hear every word that was said.
I don’t understand why they’ve gone to so much trouble for me to begin with.
The investigation would have run its course and blown over, but this has thankfully developed into an amazing drive for justice for so many women.
Not that I’m complaining. I’m just… perplexed, but grateful.
The pride I feel for Isabelle and Jen, and the unwavering support from them, evokes feelings in me that are something so new and beautiful.
Their compassion and love shroud me like a soft velvet cloak, wrapped around me, keeping me warm and safe on a harsh winter’s day.
The image of Isabelle with a happy bounce in her step, a broad, bright grin, talking animatedly as she fills me in on everything, is something I will forever hold in my very soul. I never want her to feel anything but that pure joy.
Alexandra Ravensbrook
To be someone who can help do that for her is an honour and a beloved duty I’ll uphold for as long as I live. And I adore every second of it.
After showering, I change into a comfortable but still smart Henley shirt and trousers.
Rebecca sends me a message saying she’s calling around shortly.
Nerves start to build at the thought of my career disappearing, ripped away on a false allegation.
It would have been so much easier if I had voluntarily left and given it up.
Pacing around the house, I straighten the odd cushion or chair, but the place is sparse.
No photo frames, no ornaments, no memories from holidays spent with the woman I love.
But that’s going to change. The house feels more like a home with Isabelle here.
After this, though, will she go back to spending more time at her own place?
I don’t want her to. I love falling asleep in her arms, even just sitting together and watching TV while she marks her class’s work or vice versa.
Both of us are quiet and concentrating, but at least we’re together.
Thinking back to our piano lessons, I smile. I could never have imagined where we’d be now. Then, an idea strikes. I know what I need to do, and right after Rebecca leaves, no matter what she ends up saying, I have calls to make.
The doorbell rings, and I get up from the dining table, where I’ve already been making calls, too impatient to
Yes, Miss
wait. Rebecca stands at the door, looking every inch the professional, but with a smile so cheeky I can’t help but grin back.
We stand there for a moment before she simply says, “James, I’m not selling double glazing. Are you going to let me in or not?”
Laughing loudly, I have to say I love her bluntness.
“Shit, sorry, Rebecca. Come on in. I’ve got the kettle on.
” Wrapping my arms around her, I need some way to show my appreciation for the support she gave Isabelle in her Machiavellian scheme to rid the school of Daniel and for always standing by me. I owe this woman so much.
We sit at the dining table, the pot of tea steaming as it brews. Clearing my notes aside, I notice Rebecca reaching into her bag and pulling out a thick envelope. My heart sinks. This must be my severance paperwork.
My heart races in fear, and I drop into my seat.
Looking up, Rebecca takes me in and rolls her eyes.
“Don’t be a drama king, James. You and I both know you didn’t do anything wrong, and so does the council now.
You’re all clear and can come back in tomorrow.
” The way she says this so matter-of-factly makes me question what the papers are.
A moment of indignation suddenly washes over me as I realise what she just said. “I am not a drama king!” I
Alexandra Ravensbrook
scoff, even though she has a point. I did love being in plays and musicals.
“Then why look like the apocalypse is about to start? Anyway, neither here nor there. You’re Head of Performing Arts for a reason.” She picks up the pot as I sit there speechless, not knowing where to go with this now.
“So, it’s all done then? Finished?” Relief washes over me, along with the realisation of how much I really do love my job. Leaving would have been a huge mistake I’d regret for the rest of my life, but it felt so right at the time; it really did.
“It is. Now, onto more important topics.” She pulls papers from the thick envelope. “This is an application form for the deputy head position that’s opening up shortly. I would’ve emailed it, but… Well, it’s not available online yet, and I wanted to ensure you filled it in correctly.”
Confused, I take my cup and sip, buying myself some time to wonder what’s happening. The deputy head position has been vacant for years, so why advertise it now?
“Oh dear, you look perplexed. You’ll need help, I see.”
“Rebecca, I can fill out an application, but… deputy head? And for the love of God, don’t say it’s the position below you, because I know that. But it’s been empty for
Yes, Miss
years. What’s happening?” I lean forward, taking the papers and shuffling through them. A standard application form stares back at me, offering no further answers.
“James,” she starts, her voice softening as she sits back in her seat, her steaming cup in hand.
She blows over the hot tea, trying to cool it.
“I’ve made the decision to retire after the next school year.
So, over the next eighteen months, I want a deputy in place that I can train up, so to speak.
Make sure they do the job properly before I walk away. ”
My heart stutters. “Rebecca, you’re not old enough to retire. You have so much more to give.”
“And I’d like to give it to my family, James. May you one day, hopefully, find out what that’s like.” She’s referring to one of our conversations during my divorce, where I’d all but sobbed in her office about my desire for children in the future.
I nod slowly. It makes sense. Why work yourself into the ground and forfeit your energy for a job that’ll replace you when you could spend happy, functional years enjoying your family?
“James…” Rebecca continues, pulling me from my daydreams of a pregnant Isabelle, full of our child. “It’s an easy step up from deputy head to head teacher, one I’d be honoured to help you through. You’re a wonderful teacher. The staff respect you, and the students listen to you, which
Alexandra Ravensbrook
is frankly some kind of voodoo witchcraft you must be doing!” She laughs, and she looks like a weight’s been lifted.
“Thank you, Rebecca. I honestly can’t express how much this effort and guidance mean to me…” I trail off, my eyes dropping to the papers again.
“What makes you think you aren’t worth the effort, James?
Because frankly, that’s bullshit. You’re worth every second of it.
And don’t think we don’t see you. We see you.
We see how much you care. And we want to keep that close to us.
The workplace is a family too, you know?
” She tilts her head so her eyes meet mine.
She puts her hand on mine and gives it a gentle squeeze.
“The job isn’t guaranteed since we’ll have other applicants, but if you apply and let me correct your answers before the closing date, it’s as good as yours. Let me know.” With that, she stands and walks from the table. “I’ll see myself out! I need to let Isabelle know the outcome, so be prepared!”