I Spy

Chapter 18

For the remainder or the week I was allowed off lessons to rest and to get my strength back.  Personally, I thought I didn’t need it at all, but everyone told me I had a lot of work to catch up with and so it was a blessing to have that time off.  So, throughout the week I got notes and assignments from teachers which Ant helped me get through in order to catch up with the rest of the Professionals. 

The week was great; I used it to not only catch up work but also to spend time with Ant and my dad.  And what overjoyed me was seeing Jamie slowly starting to get along with Mr Grey.  Several times I spotted him leaving his office with a smile on his face, going back to the happy Jamie I had known before we came back to Blackwood. 

My first encounter with Daniel after Jess’ death was on Thursday.  I had been thinking about her a lot and had even broken into sobs once when I was with Ant, forcing him to comfort me and calm me down until I was alright again.  I was walking to Ms Main’s classroom to hand something in when I spotted him walking with a guy I didn’t know. 

“Daniel!” I called.  He spun around and faced me, a huge smile spreading through his face. 

“Marley, welcome home,” he said.  We reached each other and he pulled me into a tight hug.  I hadn’t really thought about what his reaction would be when I saw him, but his happiness was certainly a surprise. 

“Are you alright?” I asked hesitantly, not wanting to stir up a bunch of emotions in him. 

“I’m getting there,” he said slowly, trying to hide the pain that had crossed his eyes.  I felt tears welling up in my eyes, but I refused to cry, for his sake. 

“I’m really sorry,” I managed to whisper.  He shook his head. 

“Don’t cry,” he said sternly.  “Those kinds of things happen in this business and we just have to move past them.  I’m fine, Marley, and you need to be fine, too.” 

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled again.  He smiled and gave me another hug. 

“Where are you off to?” he asked.  I held up the papers that were in my hand. 

“I’m just handing this in to Ms Main,” I told him. 

“Oh, okay,” he nodded.  “We must catch a meal together some time.” 

“Yeah, we must,” I smiled happily.  He nodded, said his goodbye, and walked away with the other guy by his side. 

Putting on my bravest face, I stepped into my classroom.  It was as bright and as colourful as I remembered, and sitting at her desk was a busy looking Ms Main. 

“Ma’am,” I said, stepping deeper into the room.  “I have my essay for you.” 

“Oh, Marley,” she said with a friendly smile.  “Thank you so much, just pop it down here.” 

“Sure,” I said, dropping it on top of a pile of papers.  “Thanks.” 

“Hold on a second,” she called, spinning her chair around to face me.  “Tell me about what happened while you were away.” 

For twenty minutes I sat with Ms Main and we talked.  I felt like I was with the aunty I never had, the way I felt so comfortable around her.  She was warm and friendly and was interested in everything I had to say.  When I left her room to go back to the library, I was in a much better mood. 

“Hey, what took you so long?” Ant asked as I sat back down at the table we were working at.  I shot him an apologetic smile. 

“Ms Main and I were talking,” I said.  He nodded and smiled one of his heart-stopping smiles.