Alexandra Ravensbrook
I take a seat next to Isabelle. “Good morning, Isabelle,” I say, trying to keep my tone light and informal and not give away anything that may suggest anything other than professional behaviour.
“Good morning, James,” she replies. “Sleep well? You’re looking a little rough around the edges there,” she jokes. I glare at her, a look of disbelief on my face.
Rebecca raises her voice. “Everybody! A little hush, please! We’ve had the opportunity for some extra funding for department events. I'd like you all to have a think about an activity or event you would like to run and get back to me by the end of the day, please. It’s a tight deadline. I’m going to need costings too, albeit ballpark figures only, please.” And with that, she sweeps out of the room.
We all sit there, a little shell-shocked by the promise of money for our departments. It would be great to put on a show for the students and families. We haven't done that for a while. I turn to face Isabelle, her eyes looking around at everyone else’s faces, confused at the commotion and chatter that has sparked up.
“James, what did she mean?” she asks, still watching as teachers from each department start huddling together, chatting animatedly.
Yes, Miss
“Let’s walk across, and we’ll chat on the way.” I stand and offer her my hand. As we leave the staff room, a deep voice pipes up.
“You two have a busy night, then?” Daniel says, loud enough that everyone can hear. Several heads turn to look at him and then at us. My blood runs cold. This is not how or when we want colleagues to know about us. I take a deep breath and square my shoulders, Isabelle slowly stepping a step away from me.
“Yes, Daniel, we did. It was nice catching up and seeing how Isabelle is settling in,” I smooth out, trying to avert any gossip. A few of the teachers that had been staring start to lose interest.
“Ah, settling in, eh? Is that what you call it? Wining and dining her. Seems a bit desperate to go after an ex-student, James. Didn’t think you’d ever sink that low.” He turns to focus on Isabelle, and my fists clench. “Or are you just trying to make sure you settle in nicely, Isabelle?” he retorts, sneering at Isabelle.
A few gasps and giggles are heard throughout the room. I want to punch that fucking smirk off his shitty face. I know the moment I raise a hand to him in front of people, he will win. But one day, I know it will end up happening. And I think he knows it too.
The anger festers inside me, making my insides clench and churn. I stalk over to him, my face inches from his, his
Alexandra Ravensbrook
stale coffee breath reeking. Daniel doesn’t seem so mouthy anymore. In fact, being this up close to him, I realise just how small and pathetic he really is.
I look down at him into his eyes and spit out through gritted teeth, “I think we all know who has had involvement with students, Daniel. Allegedly, of course. But don’t you ever fucking talk about Isabelle like that again, you disgusting piece of shit!” I step back as everyone watches in stunned silence. I turn and stalk out of the room, Isabelle following close behind.
I cross the square and over to Rebecca’s office. “James, where are you going?” Isabelle shouts behind me, running to catch up.
“I’m cutting him off at the pass. That bastard doesn’t get any further with this shit,” I hiss.
Isabelle grabs my arm, spinning me around. Her hands grip my biceps as she looks up at me. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing? What will Rebecca say?” she asks gently, her grip loosening on my arms.
“I am sure. I’m just letting her know what he said. It’s about time we started lodging things about him. There’s a reason he’s moved schools every few years, and I, for one, won’t be sad when he moves on again.” My voice softens, some of the anger dissipating now. The touch of her hands grounds me. “But I’m not having him talk about you like
Yes, Miss
that, whether we’re together or not. I’m not having him tarnish your reputation here just because he is bitter.”
Her hands drop from my arms, and she straightens up, standing tall. “Well then, let’s get that fucker back,” she says and takes off walking ahead of me to Rebecca’s office.
Rebecca is finishing up on a call as we knock on her door and open it. She waves us in and points to the seats across from her desk, rolling her eyes at us and signalling to the phone as she appeases the other party on the call. Hanging up, she sighs and sits back in her seat, a genuine smile crossing her lips.
“James, Isabelle, I’ve only just left you all. How can I help?”
“It’s Daniel, Rebecca—” I start, my anger spilling out. Isabelle puts her hand on my forearm, her grip stronger than I would have expected, cutting me off before I can get started. Her fingertips dig in slightly, catching me off guard and making me remember what was said and done this morning. She whips her hand away from me and places it in her lap, her professional mask slipping back in place.
“Rebecca, Daniel made some comments in the staff room that were far beyond professional.” Isabelle’s calm voice brings my attention back to her face. “And we’d like to lodge a complaint about him with you. There have also been other instances where I’ve heard comments that
Alexandra Ravensbrook
were homophobic, misogynistic, and downright disgusting,” Isabelle states, clearly and calmly. How she isn’t showing any anger at this is a testament to her maturity and strength.
Rebecca sighs and looks out of her window across the yard to the staff room. “Okay, I expected as much but thought it might have happened a little sooner, so I have that to be thankful for at least. I’m sorry to hear you’ve had to suffer this so soon into starting your career here with us, Isabelle. Can you tell me what’s happened?”
