Eastern District School

Chapter 76 - Back on Site

It was clear to see why she trusted Rich so much. As she tried to reason with herself, she realised he always told her the truth that was sure, but he also always shone the light on things. He was always upbeat, happy and confident. Which clearly rubbed off on others around him. he always had a positive light about himself.

Benny and Steve were there to greet them at the front of the building, which seemed to be where most of the commotion was now that the extra section was being built. Along with their hard hats that they picked up from Jay, they walked about the foundation plans already underway. A smile pulled across her face then, as she remembered her plea to Rich regarding the discussion of where to put the lift shaft. It wasn't that she always got her own way, or at least not for reasons which might highlight a sense of being a spoilt brat. No it was rather that she really appreciated someone trusting her ideas. At the beginning of her career it hadn't always been the case, but not more and more were trusting her viewpoint and welcoming her ideas. She was also extremely relieved that Rich had not only trusted her instincts but also appreciated the history of this building, and the importance of preserving what ever they could.

"See, I knew you'd be happier working. You are one strange woman Rose Johnstone!" 

She turned to see Rich's famous grin and returned the favour. "I'll take that as a compliment? Let's just say...this is my natural habitat. Unlike my attire for yesterday. Although it was quite cool, definitely something you wouldn't catch me wearing again!" She realised she was mumbling and stopped herself, aware that Rich was probably staring at her ramblings. 

"Well you look just as beautiful either way!"

Perhaps the rambling was contagious, she thought, before she caught a glimpse of Rich out of the corner of her eye. 

Was he blushing?

"Either way...they do not go with these boots!" she said, in an almost obvious attempt of passing off his comment. Especially with their current audience. Although Steve seemed completely oblivious to any spoken remarks between the two of them, her friend Benny...was not. Nor was he stranger to the circumstances that were built between the two of them. For this reason, she was sure, was the frown that drew between his two eyebrows, although he did not actually speak straight away. There would be time to tell Benny about her week's long adventure...later.

It wasn't long before Benny and Steve had brought them up-to date, and Rich departed from them to them to make the phone calls he needed to, to help things move along for the week ahead.

"If I don't see you before, call me when you hear from your mother, and I'll come and find you." he told her under his breath, before he turned to go. 

Rose nodded whilst swallowing the lump that rose in her throat at the mere mention of her mother. She had momentarily forgotten the plans for that day, it was evident that Rich had not. Although she did not voice her fears that her mother would not infact call, but rather turn up when she wanted to. On her own terms. For a higher shock value. 

Rich paused a moment, perhaps waiting for Rose to say something further, but then after a few moments he turned and headed back towards the two huts. 

"Shall I get you a coffee, Rose?" Jay's voice suddenly rang out, breaking the silence between the workers. 

Rose quite literally shook her head for thoughts before speaking. "Oh, yes that'll be great thanks Jay!" She smiled at him, and waited for him to walk away. Instead he smiled back, looking unsettled somehow. 

"You okay Jay?" Her voice sounding distant as she faced him with confusion. 

He smiled back. Then after a few seconds the smile disappeared from his face. "Mug?" he asked, his hand slightly outstretched before him.