Echoes Down The Corridor

Telling Truths

A/N: 2nd part of the birthday chapters - should have the final part up within the next couple of days (although I've had to revise it a LOT - oh my dirty mind ;)

With the knowledge of what tonight is to bring, the rest of the day feels like eternity. My distraction is clearly visible, as Georgie suddenly asks "Abby, what the fudge is up with you? You were so excited this morning, and your mood's been strange since English. What's up?"

"Can't talk now, tell you at break." is my short reply. Break comes quickly, and Georgie all but drags me out of the lesson and outside. Her look alone demands answers - she has an unnerving glare she can command at any moment, which proves useful in many situations.

Making sure we're out of earshot, I speak quietly "Listen, you can't tell anyone about this, ever. Ok? Even though I'm now 16, she would still get into a LOT of trouble..." I feel myself rambling and becoming more incoherent with every syllable, so take a deep breath "I'm seeing someone. Except they're quite a bit older than me - it's Mrs Proctor, ok? We're dating, have been for a couple of months now, and I think we're going to take the next step tonight." I finish with a deep breath, waiting for Georgie's reaction. After staring at me blankly for what seemed like a century, she suddenly bursts out laughing before speaking again.

"No way, our English teacher? You're sleeping with our English teacher? That is fabulous - now I know how you got that A*," which earns her a scowl from me, causing her to laugh even harder, before continuing. "Just kidding, but that does explain a lot. Your sudden effort with English homework, then paying no attention to anything in the lessons, and the looks you two give each other, I have noticed; she keeps finding excuses to talk to you, and no wonder - she fancied a quickie with her girlfriend!" her amusement with the situation still very evident. "Well, get you Abby, she is kinda hot if you’re into the blonde, authoritative types - how old is she anyway, and how illegal is this? Could you get into trouble?" concern now fills her expressions.

"She's 32, and school may discipline me, but legally I'd be considered the victim. Now that I'm 16, the rules relax a little, so she'd probably only get done for abuse of authority - but that could get her sent to prison, and she'd lose her job over it - she's got kids..." tears now threaten to fall, I'd never considered how much she's putting at stake for me, I can't just be a fling if she's willing to risk her career and livelihood for our relationship. Georgie comforts me, offers to cover for me with my House Mother, and promises to meet me before I go with Sarah for her surprise.

***A few hours later***

I get to the meeting point at 5:20, and Georgie is already waiting for me. Shaking with nerves, excitement and anticipation, I reach up and give her a hug before she slips away, leaving me alone in the desolate park. We'd agreed on meeting in the park as it isn't a place many people frequent on a weekday, particularly in February, so we weren't likely to be spotted here. The crisp, early spring air filled my being; the remnants of autumn and winter left littered on the ground, frosty dead leaves crunched under my feet as I saw the buds of spring beginning to form on the trees above. It was a beautiful sight.

 Not nearly as pleasant as the one in the car in front of me. Sarah gestures for me to get in the passenger side, and I quickly slide into the car, eager to finish our journey to the surprise.