feel the tension - marjumn

Marjorie let her head fall into her hands, a long sigh escaping her lips.

"If you're looking for me to ask what's wrong, don't hold your breath." Autumn muttered, thin fingers hitting the keyboard quickly. Marjorie looked up at her Deputy, scoffing at Autumn's regular attitude.

"Since you've shown so much concern. I may as well tell you." Marjorie leaned back in her chair, taking a sip of her tea before speaking. "Reece wants me to go to self defence classes. With the number of times parents have gone off on one in here, he just wants me to be safe." Autumn turned her head slightly.

"And? What's the problem with that? He'll pay, I'm sure." Marjorie chuckled wryly.

"It's nothing to do with money. I just don't —I don't feel comfortable doing that. I've never done anything like that before. I'll look like a bloody idiot compared to the other people there!" Marjorie slapped her hand against the desk. "I'd be so mortified."

"Marjorie. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but isn't the point of these classes to teach beginners? I highly doubt they'll have you face off with a black belt." Autumn turned her head back to her computer, bored of the older woman's complaints.

"You don't get it, Autumn. You're good at that stuff. Jesus, I've seen you assault enough parents to know that you could run the class if you wanted to." Autumn's lips quirked slightly, her eyebrow raising.

"What did I say, Marjorie?" Marjorie rolled her eyes.

"It's not assault." Autumn nodded. Marjorie sighed and muttered under her breath. "It is, though."

"Anyway, just go. It can't hurt. Well. It shouldn't hurt too much." Marjorie returned her gaze to her computer, ignoring Autumn's smirk at her comment.

——

"Darling, I just don't think I'd enjoy it." Pause. "Look, I'll sort something out. I'll watch some Youtube videos." Marjorie glanced at the office door, Autumn pushing it closed quietly behind her. She gestured behind herself, Marjorie dismissing the offer for Autumn to leave the room.

Autumn chuckled, beginning to pack her things into her bag to head home. Marjorie sighed, holding the phone against her ear with her shoulder as she did the same.

"I don't know, some muscular man, I'm sure. Oh shut up. You wish. Okay. Okay." Autumn waved to get Marjorie's attention, beckoning her closer. Marjorie crossed the room, allowing Autumn to take the phone from her.

"Big brother. I'll teach Marjorie some self defence. At least if I teach her, she'll know just where to strike." Marjorie chuckled, mouthing an "are you sure?" to which Autumn rolled her eyes and nodded. "Yes. Make yourself busy for a few hours, Marjorie can come to mine for the evening. Okay. Yes. Bye." Autumn hung up the call, leaving Marjorie staring open mouthed.

"I-" Marjorie started.

"Oh do give it a rest Marjorie. You can call him later. Anyway, come on. I need to get out of here and get a bit of wine in my system." Autumn picked up her bag, holding the door open for Marjorie and ensuring not to stare for too long as the older woman walked ahead of her.

——

Autumn had stopped off at the shops before heading home, telling Marjorie to meet her at her house at around 6:30. She got her usual bottle of red and checked her phone on the way out. Marjorie had messaged letting her know she was on the way. Winter had also text, asking if another date was on the cards. Autumn scoffed, shoving her phone into her pocket and heading home.

Marjorie waited in her car outside Autumn's house, fingers tapping against the steering wheel. Her phone pinged, Reece's name popping up.

Good luck, babe.