‘Hello, my favourite pair!’
Clara barely had time to react before Lissa barrelled into them, flinging her arms around both of them in a dramatic hug. Sam staggered a little.
‘Lissa.’ Clara laughed. ‘You’re going to suffocate us.’
‘Worth it.’ Lissa released them and stepped back, her eyes sparkling with unfiltered glee. ‘Did the two of you just get out the same car? Is there something I should know about?’
Clara looked up at Sam.
‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘We’re together.’
‘Oh my god!’ Lissa screamed and did a wild dance. ‘I knew it. You two are so made for each other.’
Sam shot Clara a glance, and they both burst out laughing.
‘We haven’t told anyone yet.’ Clara patted Lissa’s back as she seemed about to choke with glee.
‘Oh, you won’t have to.’ Lissa waved a hand. ‘Your faces say it all.’
‘Really?’ Sam looked a little shocked.
‘Oh for sure. Everyone will be thrilled. This will be the best thing that’s happened in the school since they replaced the dodgy kettle with the urn. Let’s shout it from the rooftops, girl.’
‘Er… let’s not,’ Clara said, though the corners of her mouth twitched at Lissa’s uncontainable excitement.
Sam raised an eyebrow. ‘Probably not our style.’
‘But it’s mine, baby.’ Lissa shot him a finger gun. ‘If you let me loose, I’ll start with a subtle announcement over the tannoy. Or, wait, how about a flash mob? That would be spectacular.’
Clara laughed, shaking her head. ‘You’re crazy.’
‘You love it,’ Lissa countered with a wink. ‘But seriously, you have to tell everyone. People are going to figure it out anyway. Wouldn’t you rather take control of the narrative? And I’m available to MC. Just saying.’
‘We’ll manage,’ Clara said.
‘Suit yourselves,’ Lissa said. ‘But don’t come crying to me if you say nothing and the rumour mill turns it into something weird. Like secret stationery cupboard banging sessions.’
Sam rolled his eyes. ‘Seriously what? Does anyone?’
Lissa waggled her eyebrows. ‘Are you telling me that’snotwhat happened here?’
‘It certainly isn’t.’ Clara tugged Lissa towards the main doors. ‘Now behave yourself.’
‘You must know that’s not possible.’ Lissa winked at them.
As they entered the staff room, Clara’s eyes swept over the familiar faces. Isaac stood in the corner, looking a little spaced out, almost as if he wasn’t sure why he was there. He offered Clara a shy smile, which she returned with a wave.
‘Morning, my lovelies.’ Clara waved to everyone. She approached Isaac and put her hand on his arm. ‘You ok, my sweetheart?’
‘Yeah, fine, you?’
‘Good. How was your weekend?’
He frowned. ‘Entirely unspectacular.’
‘Oh dear.’
Mirren came over, tugging her long blonde hair into a ponytail. ‘I hate Mondays, especially when we have early meetings.’
