A Year Full Of Surprises

A Year Full Of Surprises - Chapter Twelve.

Chapter Twelve…

The ride home was silent, but it wasn’t awkward. I knew we were both lost in thought about the events of the day. I can’t believe I accused Zack of trying to rape me, just to protect a teacher I had hated days ago. 

When we pulled up to my house, my mum was out. No surprises there. Mr. Armstrong cut the engine, which I was surprised about, normally he kept it running and then drove off when I had got out. “We need to talk about this whole thing.” He said. “We need to make sure our stories straight.” He informed me. 

I nodded, he was right. If we were both spouting off different versions of what happened there would definitely be holes in our story. “Do you want to come in?” I asked, hesitantly. I didn’t know how appropriate it was for me to invite a teacher into my house, but I also didn’t think a lot of what had happened recently was appropriate. 

He nodded. “Yeah, if your sure your mum won’t mind?” He checked. 

I laughed. “She probably wouldn’t mind, but she’s never here for me to ask anyway.” I replied, before hopping out of his car and digging around in my back for my house key. 

When I had let us in, I went and got us a drink. “So, what’s the story then?” I asked, knowing it would be what I had said in Mrs. Hippo’s office but maybe with some minor details added. 

“You need to remember exactly what you said in Mrs. Danks’ office today.” He told me. I nodded, I had known that already. “You need to make sure that you don’t contradict anything that you’ve already said.” 

We went over our story a few times, so we both knew we had it perfect. We had just finished when the front door opened. It was my mum, she eyed me and Mr. Armstrong on the couch with an eyebrow raised. “Hello Jessica. What is your teacher doing here?” She asked, looking at him. 

“Well, you know you told me I needed to study more, I got Mr. Armstrong to help me out with my maths work. That’s what we’re doing now.” I explained. 

She nodded. “That’s good. I’m glad you’re putting some effort into your schoolwork again.” She praised me. Then she looked curious again. “How come you haven’t got any maths books or pieces of paper?” She inquired. 

Damn. Think fast Jessica. “Mr. Armstrong said that if I could do the simpler problems in my head, then it would be easier for me to work out the harder ones on paper.” I lied. That sounded kind of believable. 

“That makes sense.” She agreed. “Well, don’t let me interrupt you.” She said, before walking up the stairs. 

“I can’t believe she bought that about working them out in your head.” Mr. Armstrong said, looking amused. 

I faked offence. “I thought that was pretty believable.” I countered, sticking my tongue out at him. 

He chuckled. “I should be going now anyway. Remember the story and see if you can come up with any ideas of how we can get Zack to drop the case in a week.” He reminded. 

I nodded. “Will do.” 

I walked him to the door and waved as he drove off. Now, how could I get Zack to drop the case? That was going to be a lot harder than memorising the story. 

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The next few days passed quickly, until it was the end of the week and I still had nothing. Nothing whatsoever. Zack was still going ahead with his accusations on Mr. Armstrong and I was, in turn, still accusing him of attempted rape. I almost groaned out loud as I slouched on my science stool.