‘Of course.’
‘I told her you would be, but she was a little anxious about it.’
‘Understandable under the circumstances. The poor girl won’t know what she’s about.’ Sam edged closer, moving from the doorway to let more pupils go in, and Clara caught a waft of something fresh and intriguing. She’d noticed it before on him, much like she’d noticed Kerr’s fragrance, but Sam’s wasn’t as ‘loud’. When he’d hugged her yesterday, it had been so integral to him that she’d felt almost drugged by it. Very masculine, but subtle.
‘That’s a lovely cologne you wear.’ She shifted her head to catch some more. ‘I really like it.’
He let out a slight laugh on a breath. ‘Thanks.’
‘I, um… Yes, I also said to Isabella that if she needs to leave the class at any point, just to let you know she was going, and it would be fine.’
‘Sure, that’s not a problem. Is she starting this tomorrow?’
‘Yes.’
‘That’s fine. I think I have her class second period, so I’ll have a word with her when she comes in and make sure she’s happy about everything.’
‘Thank you.’ Clara gave his arm a little rub. ‘I’m sure she’ll appreciate that. Now, I’ll leave you to it.’
‘Ok.’ The word came out almost as a whisper, and his lips tugged into a smile as he turned to face his class.
Clara watched him for a moment before turning back and making her way downstairs.
Chapter Four
Sam
‘Happy humpday.’ One of Sam’s fourth-year students made a crude gesture as he entered the class with his friends.
Sam rolled his eyes. ‘Let’s call it Wednesday while we’re in class and aim for a little self-control.’
‘It’s not rude,’ the boy said.
‘Stop being a smart arse.’ His friend nudged him.
One of those things anyway, Sam thought with a rueful smile, hoping that when the inspectors arrived in a couple of weeks, they’d make allowances for pupils like that. Sam didn’t mind a bit of banter in his class, but he was all too aware of how subjective inspections were, and if he got an inspector who liked quiet and controlled environments, then they wouldn’t appreciate his classroom.
‘Hey, Mr Addison,’ two students said.
‘Morning. How are you?’
They chirped responses as they made their way to their tables.
‘Come on, stragglers,’ he called into the corridor, giving his hands a little clap. As he did, he spotted Clara and Isabella approaching.
Isabella was just fifteen but already taller than Clara. Clara was smiling at her so warmly she seemed to radiate light in the otherwise grey corridor.
‘Isabella.’ Sam smiled as they reached him. ‘Good to see you back.’
‘Thanks.’ She glanced at him briefly.
‘Are you ok to go in?’ Clara asked, resting her hand on Isabella’s back.
‘I think so.’
‘You’re a brave girl,’ Sam said. ‘Don’t feel like you have to push yourself. Just do what feels ok.’
Clara gave him a quick smile and leaned in. ‘I’ll leave her with you.’ She smiled at Isabella. ‘If you need to come out, then head down to my office. I’ll be there, and there’s a quiet place you can wait for your mum.’
