One of a Kind

Chapter 11: Double Trouble

After Rachele, their 3rd child, was born they decided that they wouldn't have any more children. They loved being parents and the children agreed they were loving and reasonably carefree. They were free to do what they wanted, within reason, and everyone liked it this way. But fate had other ideas for them...

Jennifer was beginning to worry. Her period was late and despite her irregularity, this was a new record. She was downstairs making breakfast and the children's lunches for school when Alex came down, she buttered the toast that had just popped out off the toaster and laid it down in front of him. She drained her cup of coffee and watched the clock, as it ticked over to half past seven she went upstairs and went into the darkness of Charlotte's bedroom. 'The sun will come out tomorrow' she sang as she opened her curtains and wiped the hair from her daughters forehead, she continued to hum her morning tune as she got out the uniform and laid it on her daughters bed. 'Come on!' she said cheerily and pulled the covers down from over Charlotte's head. 'Don't make me come up again' Jennifer called as she left the room, 'okay' came the reply.

She went upstairs, and got dressed in her purple shirt, her jeans, slipped on her heels so she was ready to go to work. Charlotte ambled down the stairs carrying her new rucksack for school. Jennifer was excited; it was the open day for the new year sevens and Charlotte was one of them. Jennifer was the head of year sevens, as the rest of the staff agreed that she was probably the most approachable if you were new and didn't know anyone or any teachers. Charlotte climbed into the back of her mum'a sleek black car and she was quite excited about finally seeing where her mum worked in action; she had seen it lots before but when no one was about. As they approached the gates she stared to feel apprehensive, 'I'm scared mum' she said quietly shrinking down in the seat. 'Don't be' Jennifer replied 'there's nothing to be worried about'. At 9am the bell rang, Jennifer put her coat on and went outside where she saw Lynn patrolling the court with the year sevens in. 'Mrs Evergreen!' She called out as she walked through the gates of the court; a group of year sevens sitting by the gate sat open mouthed at her heels as she went past. 'Mrs Roberts!' Lynn called back and wrapped her huge arms around Jennifer's tiny frame, squashing her in her trademark bear hug. Jennifer shook her head at her when she escaped Lynn's grip and they stood watching the new ones creep around alone or making awkward conversation. 'Shall I save them?' Jennifer asked and Lynn nodded slowly 'Mmm' she agreed. So Jennifer took a risky move and stood on top of a rickety wooden table and, cupping her hands round her mouth, called them over. 'Good morning girls' she said 'my name is Mrs Roberts and I'm going to be your head of year' Charlotte smiled up at her mum as she continued 'I don't think you've found out your forms yet, have you?' A few girls shook their heads, including Charlotte, whilst the others looked around in confusion.

Lynn pulled a wedge of paper out of her bag as Jennifer tried to elegantly climb down from the bench, she managed it and Lynn handed her the paper. 'Okay' she began 'I'm going to call out your names and what form you're going to be in'.

Jennifer let out a sigh of relief as the bell for lunchtime rang. She trudged to the staff room and plunked down in a chair, massaging her pulsating temples. 'God, you look like you're having fun Jen' Lynn commented as she came in, 'I feel like death' she groaned back, she stood up quickly and hurried to the staff toilet. She was a pale shade of green when she came back and Lynn looked at her despairingly, 'do you want to go home Jennifer?' she asked anxiously, Jennifer shook her head weakly in protest but Lynn insisted 'you can't stay honey you're the colour of a cabbage' Jennifer laughed at the silly remark but soon regretted it as the nausea came flooding back. Lynn steadied her as she stood up but the world went upside down and she collapsed to the floor, Lynn knelt down and picked her up and ordered Lee, a science teacher, to get her bag for her.

'I feel alright, honestly' she protested as Alex pulled the beeping thermometer out of her mouth, 'your temperature is sky high babe, your obviously not fine by anyone's standards; especially not mine.' He smiled and planted a kiss on her forehead as she closed her eyes. She slept for hours and got up around dinner time, but turned down Alex's offer of food. 'Euh' she groaned and pulled a face, 'I really am not in the mood for eating at the moment'. She turned on her heels and sat on the sofa, to be more sociable, and after they finished eating, they joined her there.