Touching Shadows

Role reversal

AUDREY

Monday afternoon. I was packing up my desk, ready to head home. I had plans to catch up with a friend from college for dinner, and had a few things to get done before that.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and turned towards the door. I jumped when I saw Cohen leaning against the door frame.

"Jesus Christ! What are you doing?"

He smirked and raised an eyebrow at me. He hadn't said a word yet, and I wanted to smack that stupid look off his face.

"Just thought I'd come and check out the teacher who thinks she is cut out for a week in the bush."

He looked me up and down, and clearly decided I wasn't going to last a day, let alone a week.

"You think I can't take it? I'm not too precious to deal with a little weather and some creepy crawlies?"

"I'm looking forward to seeing you try."

This is the first time I've seen him since the library incident, and then what followed in the privacy of my own bedroom and imagination.

He never comes in the the staff room, and the recreation centre and gym is on the opposite side of the campus to the health and social science buildings. He's making himself a name for being a loner. Much to Jems disgust.

I find myself looking at him a little too long. My imagination really didn't do him justice. I blush when I realise he is watching me watch him.

"Well, Miss Jeans. I'll leave you with whatever thoughts have been running through that head of yours just now."

He turns to leave.

"By the way, you could have just told me you wanted to spend more time together. Although 40 kids are going to get in the way of a good time!"

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Jemima was over at my place, going through my wardrobe. There were clothes all over my queen-sized bed and my bedroom floor.

"At least you get to go shopping. That's the only upside I can find in the whole silly camping trip shenanigans you've signed up for... Oh! And you can gather more intel on Cohen Thompson for me, of course!"

Jem had lost her mind when I told her he was coming. Although not by choice. Apparently it's in the physical education contract that the P.E teacher has to come.

We were making our way through a bottle of wine, while Jem demolished my wardrobe and I made a list of things I would need to buy for a week in the wilderness.

"7 days away... so make sure you have plenty of changes of clothes. And some sexy underwear... Oh, and your most revealing bikini!"

I rolled my eyes at her. It would probably be terrible weather and I would wear the same thing for the whole week. It was a week with no shower access, and a glamorised hole in the ground to do our business. Not exactly the best location to get dressed up.

"Jem, I'm going to be in the middle of nowhere surrounded by 15 and 16 year olds. Who am I trying to impress?"

"You never know! There might be a handsome huntsman out there, waiting for a fair maiden to come and sweep him off his feet."

"Mmhmm. Very likely."

"Just humour me Audrey Eloise Jeans! Look, we have plenty to work with!"

She held up my new lingerie I'd splurged on to make me feel good post-breakup.