Touching Shadows

Hit me when I'm down

AUDREY

It was Friday afternoon, and I was so looking forward to the weekend. My first week of term was a rough one alright. Simon, Asher and Mariah had been in and out of the principals office all week, and this afternoon I had to sit in on a 'mediation session' with the three of them and their parents.

I'm all for young women getting in touch with their sexuality. But when it leads to a full blown punch-up mid lesson after Asher and Simon found out that Mariah was getting in touch with her sexuality with them both simultaneously, I'm less enthusiastic. I didn't think being a teacher would involve sitting down and discussing inappropriate sexual conduct with 3 students, their parents, the school councillor and the principal.

And when it wasn't drama with students, it was incessant whining from Jemima, who was still banging on about the mysterious Cohen Thompson. Apparently none of her "sources", otherwise known as Martina the librarian and Ros in the office, have any new information on him. No one she's spoken to has seen him. She was yet to interrogate the students themselves, but I wouldn't put it past her.

I head towards the library to pick up some books on my way out to the car. In between my weekend plans, I have to fit in some dreaded class prep. So much for time off.

I push open the library door and am immediately greeted by a smiling Martina.

"Audrey! How are you, love?"

"Well thanks, Martina. How are you? How was your first week back?"

"The time off over the school break did me wonders. It only took me 3 days to undo all my relaxation and recovery though! I've been in bed before 9pm every night since school started. I feel like I'm ready for another 6 weeks off!"

She threw her hands up, then ran them over her face, as if trying to smooth out her new wrinkles.

"I know what you mean! My week hasn't exactly been smooth sailing either".

Martina nodded knowingly.

"I did see the commotion between those two strapping young boys yesterday. It was through a window, but I heard enough to understand what it was all about. I remember when boys used to fight over me like that!"

I laughed and shook my head.

"Never a dull moment!"

"How is that handsome young man of yours going?"

The handsome young man was my boyfriend, Jacob.

"He's good, thank you. Although I haven't seen him all week."

"Well, absence makes the heart grow fonder, love. Anyway...What can I do for you?"

"I just came to pick up some social science books for the weekend. They should be in the reserved area."

Martina nodded, then disappeared into the back room. She returned a few minutes later with an arm full of textbooks.

"Now, I hope you aren't spending your whole weekend with your nose in the books?"

"No, although I have to fit some school work in somewhere over the weekend. I'm spending some time with Jacob, so there will be some down-time in there as well!"

"Oh yes!' Her eyes sparkled as she scanned out my textbooks. "Nothing like a handsome boy to keep your mind away from work!"

I blush as Martina winks at me. Jacob has been studying constantly, and I've honestly been feeling a little abandoned. I'm looking forward to actually getting him to myself.

"Anyway Martina, I best let you get home to Harold. Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for the help!"

Martina waved as I walked out of the library and headed towards my car, arms precariously balancing a pile of thick, hardcover books.