I look at my reflection one more time. Nervously studying myself from head to toe. Face perfectly made up, hiding any evidence that I'd been tossing and turning all night, anxious about today. I swallow hard as my stomach churns. My hair is perfectly curled falling down my back with a few curls cascading to the front of my shoulders. Maybe it looks too perfect, like I'm trying too hard? I pull my fingers through it to loosen the curls a bit. Yes I'd spent a lot of time getting ready, put a lot of effort in but I didn't want other people to know that. One person in particular. I don't try. Not for anyone. Especially not someone who has ignored my messages since the last time I saw her. I paint one more coat of red onto my lips. Painting on a smile, showing I'm happy. On the outside at least… I step into my high heels and instantly feel more confident. I'm Lorraine Donnegan. I can do this. I can do anything.
Nikki sits in the staffroom staring into her steaming mug of coffee. Holding it close to her face. Hoping the steam will give her some colour.
"Oh you look how I feel!" A voice giggles as she feels someone sit down next to her. It takes all of Nikki's strength to turn her head to shake her head at Lola. Lola didn't look rough, she looked like her normal stunning self. Naturally beautiful, Lola wouldn't look out of place on the cover of a magazine. Olive skin, big beautiful brown eyes framed with thick curled eyelashes, the kind that could flutter their way out of anything and perfectly shaped pink lips surrounding glossy white teeth. Her shiny brown hair showing hints of blonde as the sun met it through the staff room window.
"This is all your fault. You're a bad influence, Lola!" Nikki let out a small groan. Directed more towards herself than Lola. Disappointed with herself for feeling so hungover.
"You love it." Lola teased. Her tongue gently poking between her teeth as she giggled playfully.
"I don't love the fact I have to interview for a new business studies teach, in this state. How unprofessional am I? Good job Christine's away." Nikki massaged her temples.
"You'll be fine." Lola reassured Nikki gently squeezing her hand but leaving it lingering on top of Nikki's for a bit longer than intended. "Anyway, I better get to class. They won't teach themselves will they?" Lola blushed. She looked really cute when she blushed. Making Nikki just want to wrap her arms around her and protect her. But she didn't. Instead just smiling up at Lola appreciatively.
"No. No they won't. Unfortunately." Nikki laughed. "See you at lunch?"
"Of course." Lola beamed a bit over enthusiastically. Unsuccessfully hiding that it was her favourite part of the day. This didn't go unnoticed by Nikki who gave a small wink. God, Lola was a breath of fresh air. No games, no trying to figure her out and most importantly she was emotionally available.
Nikki watched Lola leave the staff room with a small smile. Already looking forward to seeing her again at lunch.
Lorraine sat in her car nervously tapping her steering wheel as she looked up at the Waterloo Road sign on the front of the school. All different kinds of emotions fighting each other to be felt. Sadness, happiness, love, regret, shame... All hitting her like a train. She took a deep breath.
"Get a grip, Lorraine." She poised herself and stepped out of her car. Gaining confidence with each step closer towards the entrance of the school. She stopped for a second when she reached the place where she'd last seen Nikki. Nikki's small voice repeating "Ancient history" going round and round in her head. She shook it off and continued to walk into the school muttering "We'll see about that."