Chapter 1
Jen closed Mr Keeler's office door behind her - and breathed a sigh of relief. Her placement had gone well and she had received high marks and an excellent letter of reference. Glancing quickly around her, she pumped her fist in the air and whispered a "Yes" of victory.
She smiled to herself and lightly walked down the dilapidated hall of the old school, a little dance in her step, and made her way out the main entrance into the sunshine. She took another deep breath and let the relief wash over her. She felt both jubilant and proud as she pointed herself in the direction of the College Cafe...celebration was in order.
She had made it through her placement with more than a few challenges. Besides the incredible amount of coursework and marking that was often dumped on her from the other, more seasoned teachers, the rumour about her and Tilly still sent her into a panic every time she thought about it and what might of happened had she not made the difficult decision to split from Tilly.
She strolled, her face darkened, her thoughts taking some of the momentum out of her jubilant mood. She shook her head lightly and brushed the dark thoughts away, and relaxed her gaze upon the colours and smells and sounds of the beautiful day. However, her mind decided to play tricks with her and she found her mind wandering to thoughts of Tilly; it surprised her, as it was the first time in many weeks she had allowed herself to think about Tilly, and the feelings of sadness and the ache that so readily sprang up inside her heart.
She felt her throat constrict and her eyes begin to water at the memory of seeing Tilly's disappointment and obvious pain at her rejection. She would have loved to share today's victory with her and all her thoughts and feelings along the way. She felt the deep emptiness of missing her smile and her cheeky, bright personality. Instead, She inhaled sharply and pushed away her emotions and forced herself to focus elsewhere...she sighed.
hmmm she thought to herself...it's been a while since I've painted...She let her eyes wander to the sky where beautiful azure clouds glinted low on the horizon. She focused on the details of the budding tiger lilies and fresh green growth on the trees as early summer grew lush. Tiny sparrows flickered in among the branches and bushes low to the ground. She inhaled deeply again and felt energized by the beauty around her. The natural world always calmed and eased her heart. Her gait quickened as she felt inspired by her surroundings and to the treat that waited for her...she imagined a lovely piece of chocolate cake and a robust coffee and a sketch session. She reached down to her handbag to check and make sure she had remembered to bring her well worn sketchbook with her...she rummaged a moment in her bag, head down, still walking purposefully.
Turning a corner, with a fair amount of momentum in her step, she unceremoniously crashed into something, no, it was a someone...stunned for a moment and shocked at the impact - she fell back a pace.
'Oh, Miss Gilmore! Sorry didn't see you there! You ok!' Tilly said, bending over to pick up her book.
Still shocked by the impact...'Uhm, oh Tilly, hey!' Jen shook her head and rubbed her arm. "yes, i'm ok, other than my broken arm!" She said, rubbing the sore spot on her arm where Tilly's book had ricocheted off of.
"What! Oh...sorry bout that..." Tilly stood awkwardly, unsure of how to respond to Jen's comment, not entirely sure if she were feigning or seriously hurt by the impact.
Jen stood dumbfounded as her eyes took in the sight of Tilly before her, she watched her tuck her book in her arm...Jen caught her breath a moment, her bruised arm forgotten...noticing Tilly's gorgeous ginger hair, and her fair skin dappled with freckles...Jen felt a smile begin to creep across her lips...
They both hesitated a moment, eyes shyly meeting, the many weeks of pain and avoiding each other hadn't dulled their attraction for each other. Tilly met Jen's gaze fully, trying hard not to stare. Jen's inquisitive brown eyes and her silky dark hair being tousled in the light breeze mesmerized her and she felt herself blush as the heat rode up inside her body. She quickly looked down, not ready yet to let Jen know the full extent of her feelings for her. Even after so many weeks...the magnetic pull between them was alive and well, yet in the back of Tilly's mind and still raw in her heart, was Jen's rejection of her too. Being her teacher, her head knew Jen's reason for breaking them off, but it was her heart that refused to catch up.
'How are you? How were your exams?' Jen asked quickly, regaining composure, snapping herself out of her trance...trying to distract herself from lustfully staring at the young woman.
"Erm, good, good, all done' Tilly smiled shyly, hesitating...she was not sure if she should stay or run the other way. Sensing Tilly's trepidation, Jen reached out her hand and lightly touched Tilly's arm "It's ok, I've finished my placement, I'm not your teacher anymore, you can talk to me'
Tilly relaxed and became acutely aware of Jen's warm soft touch on her arm...speechless, for a moment, as the electricity of her touch took her by surprise.
Their eyes met again, Jen took her hand away...feeling the electricity between them also and surprised at the words that had fallen out of her mouth.
They stood still together for a moment, eyes flickering back and forth...before awkwardness fully set in Tilly blurted "You look well, Miss"
Jen smiled at Tilly, watching her shift back and forth, wishing she could help Tilly feel less uncomfortable.
"It's Jen to you" she said, catching Tilly's eyes, trying to put her at ease. She couldn't help but notice Tilly's alabaster skin, slightly flushed at the moment, the line of her collarbone, her graceful neck, leading up to her sensual lips. Jen felt a rush as her heart beat faster...
"Anyways, I should go" Tilly said ' it was nice to see you' feeling foolish at such a lame statement, but feeling the overwhelming need to get away as she began to feel her heart bursting, she quickly began walking away...
It took all of Jen's impulse not to chase after her...her heart was in her throat.
'If you like...' Jen called after her 'we could hang out" Tilly stopped dead in her tracks.
Astonished, Tilly said 'what? what you mean by 'hang out'?"
Suspicious, Tilly had to confirm that she had just received an invitation...to meet.
"Well, you know, we could discuss your options' Jen said casually.
Tilly turned half way and looked back at Jen...who was now leaning against the brick wall...
"Options?" Tilly asked, intrigued.
" For next year, for Uni , you know.." Jen shrugged.
"Hmm" Tilly turned and stepped towards Jen..."options, eh" Tilly squinted her eyes at Jen, a slight smile curling at the corners of her mouth. Tilly thought for a moment.
"Is that your new line then?," Tilly smirked, an edge of sarcasm in her voice.
Jen's face dropped..."Line? what line? i'm just, no i'm just..." Jen stuttered, "I just thought maybe..."Jen trailed off unsure of what she was trying to say.
Tilly watched as Jen was now the one looking down at the ground, shifting uncomfortably. Tilly smirked to herself. Jen was taken aback by Tilly's audacity and felt herself blush...not ready to admit defeat Jen turned her head sideways, peering at Tilly, she let out a little laugh and said, "and is it working?" Jen looked up and sent her best charming smile Tilly's way.
Tilly played cool as inside she could feel a raging volcano start to boil, she thought her heart would melt and she would die on the very spot she stood as Jen's gorgeous, playful smile hit her full impact. She took a deep breath to steady herself.
"hmm...just might be" Tilly replied, gritting her teeth slightly. It almost annoyed her that Jen could draw her in so easily. Tilly folded her arms across her chest, holding the book against her like a shield. She slowly walked up to Jen, and stood very close, she peered into Jen's eyes, and let her gaze wander to her lips, and back again to her eyes. Jen returned the intensity of her look, her lips slightly parted, inhaling. Tilly could see Jen's breasts quiver, rising and falling with each breath.
"You have my number" Tilly said quietly, and turning on her heel, quickly walked away.
Jen leaned back against the wall, allowing her breathing to steady and to allow her heart to start beating normally again. All she could do was watch Tilly walk away, triumphantly, vanishing around the corner.
Still quivering inside, Jen pulled out her mobile and looked at it a moment, looking back desperately down the walk to where Tilly had disappeared around the corner...she wanted to send Tilly a message...but what?
Just tell her how you feel!, came the answer from within her.
Out of Jen's view Tilly found the nearest bench and fell onto the seat with a muted thud.
Her legs were shaking, and her breath was ragged with the intensity of their exchange. She was in total disbelief at how she felt seeing Jen...she certainly had fooled herself into thinking she was done and over with Jen and her hot and cold treatment. She needed a moment to catch her breath, the thought of seeing Jen and spending time with her thrilled her beyond anything she could compare to. However, on the edge of her excitement still lurked the memory of the pain from before. She pushed her doubt aside with the fresh memory of Jen's smile...her whole body tingled, she felt her mouth water at the thought of kissing her. Oh my God she thought to herself, quickly looking around to make sure nobody could see her in her current state...calm down already, you're bloody about to froth at the mouth! she chastised herself.
She had barely caught her breath when her mobile went off...flipping it open she felt her heart skip a beat, from Jen it read..." I really have missed you."
She smiled widely, her dimples pronouncing themselves delightfully...she stared at the words on her phone. Despite feeling a tad leery, she pursed her lips, and texted back saucily...'as usual trying to get the last word in...I believe I've missed you more! : P xx."
