As Caroline strode confidently down the school corridor she couldn't help letting her mind wander. Passing Kate's classroom, the sound of rowdy pupils still mid-lesson leaking into the hallway, she wished the school didn't have such solid doors. What she wouldn't give just for a peek in through a windowed panel at her lover. She was on autopilot, absent any focus other than seeking the solitude of her private office, as she continued down the stairs and through several sets of doors. As she turned the last corner she came face-to-face with Michael Dobson. He had almost run directly into her and, as Michael tried unsuccessfully to apologise, his tongue tying itself in knots, stuttering something unintelligible, Caroline snapped, "For Heaven's sake, Michael." He stood motionless, trying and failing to contain the look of utter horror that had overtaken his facial features. She side-stepped him and continued on her way, huffing audibly and not caring if he heard. Her hands brushed at her clothing as she left him in the distance, palms smoothing her blouse, jacket and the waist band of her skirt, as if to wipe off some unseen and undesired transference from the slimy, little man. He couldn't help but notice her annoyance, why should he expect any other emotion from her. He couldn't do right where the Head Mistress was concerned, even if he'd wanted to, which he didn't. His primary emotion was relief, firstly that he hadn't had actual physical contact with the prickly woman, god forbid, and secondly, that she hadn't spotted the parcel he was carrying. Why did she keep bumping into him? It wasn't the first time today. She quickly rid her mind of the suspicion that he was deliberately following her around as ridiculous nonsense. She knew she could check his class schedule should she wish to, she just wasn't sufficiently interested in the man or whatever it was he was up to. It had been a long day and inwardly she was exhausted. As she found her office, passing Beverley who was busily talking on the phone, she closed the door forcibly by the handle and let her weary body fall into her desk chair. Caroline hadn't seen much of Kate this week at all. It was Friday and last weekend's outing to the care home was the last occasion they had spent some quality time together. There was a time when Caroline would have been grateful to be so busy. Chasing her own tail was a familiar feeling, something she was used to. She wasn't used to the feeling that sprang up now, that she wanted to be doing something else, with someone else. She'd always used her workload to her advantage when it suited, to avoid situations and certain people. As much as she bemoaned the fact that her working days were never-ending, oftentimes she took things home with her, there were many evenings when she had gladly chosen to work in her study rather than be trapped in the same room as John. She made her excuses convincingly and often, but now the opposite was true and she was losing her patience.

Poor Beverley, she thought, the woman who was her right hand most days took the brunt of Caroline's ire. She took it well though, never resenting Caroline or retaliating with a sour attitude of her own, understanding as much as Kate the pressures she faced daily as Head Mistress of an elite private school. Caroline made a mental note to offer Beverley something in the way of recompense for her recent behaviour; a bottle of wine perhaps, or maybe she'd just send the woman home early today. Caroline sighed as she dropped her elbows on the desk amidst stacks of folders and papers, her hands holding her face, her jaw tensing as she stifled yet another yawn. A bottle of wine. The thought kept swirling around Caroline's head. Maybe she would keep that for herself. For certain she could gulp a large glass of red right now and call it a day. But first they had to solve the mystery of the missing exam papers.

Kate was busy too. There was a great deal involved in preparing the choir for the annual Music for Youth Festival. It was the first year they'd been accepted past the auditions stage, thanks entirely to Kate's involvement in improving the quality of the choir and their repertoire, and she had worked non-stop since finding out. It was just like Kate to put everything she had into it, to give 110%. Caroline smiled inwardly. She wasn't sad, nor did she resent how much it had kept Kate occupied this week; she was so proud. It wouldn't go on much longer, she knew, only until the night of the concert and she could wait. By then every last exam would be complete and everything would be much more relaxed.

Caroline stared out of the window, wondering silently if she should take control now and book them a weekend away somewhere. Neither would be free for weeks but she could get a good deal online if she did a bit of surfing. She might get good girlfriend points too, since she'd unceremoniously knocked the idea on the head the first time Kate had suggested it. She rarely used the computer for anything outside work. She and technology didn't get along well and she supposed she might have to ask someone for help. It had taken the boys weeks to convince her an iPhone was best suited to her requirements, knowing she could receive her emails as well as make calls, though she hadn't yet used any of the apps they had raved on endlessly about. Her mother used a computer, perhaps she could help? No. Trying to involve her mother in plans for a romantic getaway would be far too awkward. Beverley perhaps? Caroline had no doubt she'd be discreet, and there was no need to tell her who the trip was for. But it was better to be safe than sorry. So, until they'd officially informed Gavin of their relationship Caroline was still going to keep her and Kate's private life exactly that. Her final thought on the matter was that she would wait until she got home and ask William for his assistance and suggestions.

Caroline was jolted out of her daydream by a knock at her office door. She busied herself moving around files on her desk and nudging her mouse to bring the computer back to life. No one need see her distracted by her thoughts, she had to be focused, or at least look focused, and she was thankful she'd had the mind to close the door on the way in. Kate popped her head around the door as it opened.

"Hi."

"Hi," Caroline purred with a genuine and involuntary smile.

"Are you busy?"

As Kate came in and walked toward her lover's desk, Caroline was just getting up from her chair, "No, no, I er… I mean yes, I'm always busy, but not too busy for you." They shared a brief hug and Caroline murmured appreciative noises as she wrapped her arms around the younger woman and received loving arms around her waist in return.

"You're a sight for sore eyes," whispered Caroline as they released from their embrace. "I thought you were still teaching."

"All done for the day," replied Kate.

"Goodness me," exclaimed Caroline, checking the time on her wrist watch, "is that the time already?" She sighed, her mind now filled with all the work she had left to finish today. She shouldn't have wasted so much time daydreaming earlier and just gotten on with it.

"Caroline, I might need to skip dinner, I'm sorry." Kate worried she might upset Caroline by cancelling their plans and her fidgeting gave her away.

"Oh, I see."

"I managed to speak to a few staff members earlier and they agreed to an additional choir rehearsal…" she paused for breath, wincing at her choice of priorities, "tonight."

"Right." Caroline was trying hard not to sound too disappointed, but she couldn't help wishing she could spend her entire evening curled up with her gorgeous girlfriend. Kate wasn't aware of how insanely cute she was when she was nervous, even as she picked and pulled at the hem on her cardigan she was adorable.

Caroline tried to remain upbeat; to discourage Kate from her passions wouldn't be right, "Well maybe tomorrow then."

"Absolutely!" Caroline was obviously disappointed, as was she, but if Kate didn't give this choir competition her all then she wouldn't be living up to the flattering statement Caroline had submitted to the Teacher of the Year assessors. Caroline had insisted there was no favouritism involved in her reasoning, as with her other nominations, it was all purely professional. Regardless, she had unknowingly piled Kate with the added pressure of now living up to that perfect representation. Kate would have been content to take some time off once exam season was over, to spend time alone with Caroline, to explore where this relationship was going. But now she was so busy she could barely think straight and it would last several more weeks yet at least. A visit to Caroline's after a week of what felt like non-stop choir rehearsals would be a welcome break.

"Please tell me you have time for tea before you run off and leave me again." Caroline poked out her bottom lip, exaggerating a neediness she had never really possessed until Kate came into her life.

"Just a quick one."

"Ok, stay there," Caroline said excitedly, handling Kate firmly by the biceps, "I'll get Alison to make us some." She gave Kate a quick kiss, lingering slightly longer than she intended, "Don't go anywhere."

Kate murmured her obedience as Caroline skipped out of the office and disappeared. She could hear the unmistakeable sound of Caroline's heels retreating down the corridor as she stepped over to the free chair opposite Caroline's desk and sat down. Dinner at Caroline's would be wonderful, her mate was a fabulous cook and so the food was sure to be delicious. Whether or not they would have additional company is something she resolved to ask Caroline about while they chatted over tea. No mention had been made of John recently, though they'd barely had time for chit chat of any sort recently, both of them suffering frequent work-related interruptions and distractions. Was he still letting himself in whenever it suited him? Was he still planning the dreaded book? She might skip that particular line of questioning; it would be a sore subject with Caroline. Kate planned out her conversation points for tomorrow in her mind, no point going there today, it would take too long. They had some serious things to discuss though, not least of all the occurrences of last weekend when they had visited her father. She wondered whether Caroline hadn't approached the subject of Joseph's apparent acceptance of their partnership deliberately, to give her some time to process it, or whether it was a simple manifestation of Caroline's occasional selfishness. Or had it scared her off a little? If Kate was honest she was still somewhat confused by the whole incident herself. Perhaps that's why neither of them had talked about it, there was no definite it to talk about.

Kate pushed aside her insecure thoughts, wishing away the uncertainties that remained in her about the strength of Caroline's feelings. She glanced at her watch, hoping Caroline would return soon with the tea. She didn't have much time left before she would have to head off to the music room to corral her staff choir. As she waited, her mobile phone began to ring and she searched each cardigan pocket before finding the noisy item. She saw the calling number and was immediately overcome with nerves.

"Hello?"

As Kate listened to the female voice on the other end, her face became distorted, the edges of her mouth turned downwards and tears began to well up in her eyes.

"Ok yes, I understand. I'll be there as soon as I can. Thank you."