Jen reveals the depth of her affection for Tilly
The sky has a grey and white pallor. Relentless summer showers wash down the luscious greenery that surrounds the small park just west of St. Timothy's Church. A lone blue jeep is sitting in the far corner of the nearby car park, it's windows steamed up attesting to the living presence of its two occupants. Jen is in the driver's seat and Tilly is sat on her lap. They have their arms around each other but they look a bit squashed and Tilly is not looking too comfortable or happy.
"Well this is romantic" says Tilly.
"It's not without its charms" replies Jen playfully, ignoring the sarcasm. She smiles and gently kisses Tilly's cheek. Tilly is not impressed though and continues to look frustrated with her situation.
Jen starts to lose patience. "Well what do you expect? It's pouring with rain out. We can hardly meet at either of our houses. And Diane is watching me like a hawk."
"I don't know, this whole 'secret relationship' thing was sort of fun at first but I hardly ever get to see you and then when we do meet we have to hide ourselves away in your 'snogmobile' or some other equally confined space. Plus, I have to lie to my friends each time I sneak off to see you..."
"Well you shouldn't be so popular then... "snogmobile?". Jen is laughing at the term and trying to lighten the mood but Tilly won't have it.
"I'm being serious" says Tilly. Jen returns Tilly's frown. "Well, I don't know what to say Tilly. It's either this or nothing."
Tilly is really fed up now, shakes her head and starts climbing off of Jen's lap. Jen tries to hold her in place with her arms. "Hey, come on, don't be like this" soothes Jen.
Tilly won't be mollified though and strains out of Jen's arms. "No. Stop it. Let me go".
Jen releases Tilly who moves away from her and scrambles awkwardly into the passenger seat.
"It's not right Jen. I know you're older than me, but if we're going to be in a relationship then it's not fair that you always get to dictate the terms. "
"I'm not dictating any terms..." exclaims Jen.
"Really?" says Tilly. "It's this or nothing"? Sounds like you are to me. And it's always you who decides when and where we get to see each other and whether we'll risk exposing ourselves or not...". Tilly looks away from Jen and stares out of the window.
"Well, I can't change reality Tilly. We both know that if we get found out, I'm the one whose career will be over... I'm the one who everyone will think is some sort of pervy/paedophile..."
Tilly spins back round to face Jen. " Paedophile! I'm 17 – not 8. And you're only just 4 years older, so that's hardly..."
Jen interrupts her. "But that is what people will think... what Diane does think. You'll be the teenager that I took advantage of..."
Jen raises her voice now "For God's sake, I'm your teacher and teachers aren't supposed to fall in love with their students!"
The revelation silences both women. Tilly stares at Jen. Jen has clearly surprised herself by the admission and looks down at her hands which are clasped in her lap.
Tilly is coy and uncertain now. "You're in love with me?"
Jen raises her eyebrows, softly shrugs her shoulders and smiles shyly up at Tilly.
Tilly grins.
