If Only

Chapter 5

Alison POV

The next day after school my mind was a little scattered.

I didn't have work but I didn't want to go home. I felt if I set foot in there after yesterday, the walls would close in on me and I would be trapped forever.

I had quickly brushed off Ross's and Amy's attempts to talk to me about what was wrong as we exited at the last bell. They knew about my mother but I didn't like talking about it much. With what they knew I assume they guessed it was something to do with her.

After school I opted for one of my favourite coffee shops not far from the bookstore. Though I wasn't working, the familiar cityscape was comforting.

I was wrapped up in a knitted jumper, jeans and flat boots. My coat was slung on the back of my chair.

I had pages scattered all over my table. It's organised chaos. I have given myself a few minutes reprieve from information bombardment to enjoy my tea and look out the window.

The large thick cup was sturdy in my hands. My sleeves were pulled up to my palms while I tried to convince the cup to transfer its warmth to me.

The view out the window was pretty in this cafe. There was lots of seating and trees along the street. The leafy trees protected the pedestrians from the sometimes intense London summer heat and also painted the streets in a beautiful autumn colour pallet this time of year.

"We just seem to keep bumping into each other today".

I nearly jumped out of my skin. I thankfully managed to not spill any tea as I laid it back down on the table with a clink.

I took a deep breath and looked up to see the woman who the universe was determined to torture me with.

I took a deep breath to steady myself.

Why me god? Why can't I just get one day of peace?

She was wearing a tight polo neck with jeans and knee high heeled boots. She had a bag over her shoulder and a cup in her hand. Her hair was back in her stylish bun. As usual her face was serious, sculpted cheekbones, perfectly arched eyebrows, flawless creamy skin, soft full lips and thick lashes.

Her expression turned incredulous at my reaction. "Are you always this jumpy?".

I asked instead. "What can I do for you Ms Bradley?".

She shifted her feet "do you mind if I join you?".

I was surprised but found I very much wanted her to sit down. Without thinking too much about it I answered. "No I don't mind, one minute let me clear some of those".

I quickly swiped some of the papers off the table to clear her side. She sat down in a fluid moment and stared at me with emotionless stormy eyes. She did not look happy or sad but certainly serious.

I shifted awkwardly in my seat. "Ahh so how are you?" I said hesitantly.

She completely ignored my question. "Alison, I can tell you have been avoiding me and I wanted to apologise to you. The other day when I snapped at you and threw you out of class -it was completely unfair on you".

To say I was taken aback was an understatement. I had seen her make people cry, I had seen her chew people up and spit them out without a second thought. Now the fearsome Ms Bradley was apologising to me?

I furrowed my eyebrows "I have to admit this was not what I was expecting".

She tilted her head slightly "why?".

"Well you're pretty direct Miss. I didn't think you would be the apology type". She said nothing to that and after a minute I added "but I appreciate it all the same".