Chapter twenty-five
The morning had been a complete rush, and I was very nearly late for school; luckily, Thomas had brought me because, depending on public transport, it was unlikely that I would be able to keep to the timetable.
I only allowed my heart to slow down a little when the children were having fun doing an ensemble-related activity.
“Hi!”
I was startled when Holly entered the room and stopped next to me, looking at the children.
“What are you doing here? Did the principal ask you to say something to me?”
“Not the principal.”
“So what is it?”
“The driver brought the twins, but their father came to bring the teacher...”
“Keep it down!”
She giggled.
“Do you think the girls saw?” I was worried.
“They don't.”
“Whew!”
“But I saw... So he gave you more than just a present yesterday.”
“Forget about it.”
“You're kidding, right?”
“No.”
“I can't forget. You have to tell me what's going on in detail, or I'll die of curiosity.”
“I'm not going to say anything.”
“That's very unfair!” He twitched his lips like one of my pupils when he was getting into a tantrum.
“I don't want anyone commenting on it.”
“Commenting on what? That you're dating Thomas Lennox?”
“Shi!” I waved my hand to silence her. “I don't want anyone to hear this, not even the principal, and especially not the children.”
“As far as I know, it's not forbidden to date a student's father.”
“But it may be inappropriate.”
“So that's it! You're dating.”
“No!” I answered too quickly. “I mean, I don't know. It's complicated, Holly. I just don't want to hurt the girls with this story.” I crossed my arms as I looked at them. They were busy doing the activity and had no idea where the conversation with my coworker was going.
“You don't want to hurt them or yourself?”
“The three of us...”
“I wish I was dating that man.” She shook herself as if she was feeling hot.
“Holly.”
“Tell me if he's at least a good kisser.”
I remembered the kiss, the grip, the sex... God! I couldn't get wet at that time of day and in a room full of children.
“This is not the time for that kind of talk.”
“But...”
“Holly?” The principal appeared in the doorway, calling for the staff member.
“Yes, ma'am.” He pulled himself together and took on a more serious expression.
“Come here; I need your help.”
“Of course.” She walked past me and leaned over to comment quietly. “Our conversation isn't over.”
Of course, I wasn't going to go into details about my relationship with Thomas because even I didn't understand if there was anything between us after that night. Everything was cloudy and confusing. After what he had already done, I was too afraid of getting hurt, and at the same time, it was inevitable not to want him.
I did my best for the children, trying to focus on the lesson and the activities I had proposed for them during the day, but I couldn't stop thinking about him for a single moment. It was as if he had taken root in my mind, and I hoped it was just that.