'Hey,' Tom caught up with Nicki in the corridors just after she dismissed her class.
She turned around, surprised that he's come to talk to her. Wasn't he supposed to be having a good time with that devil of a woman?
'Just going to go to the pub to meet-'
'I know,' Nicki said quickly before inventing an excuse, 'Chalky told me.' Tom looked politely puzzled. Evidently, he had not told Chalky about his date tonight. Nicki bit her lip.
'Okay. Well,' continued Tom, 'just so you know,'
'Why would I care?' Asked Nicki, smiling in spite of herself.
'You- you wouldn't,' Stammered Tom before leaving nicki.
Why was she grinning? Was it because Tom had bothered to tell her. She had started to appreciate him much more since the accident. He had been the only one there for her.
Meanwhile Tom had entered the pub
'Hello,' he greeted as soon as he saw his date, 'I like your necklace,'
'I like yours too!' she replied before correcting herself, 'I mean, if you were wearing one it would be nice.'
She blushed furiously before getting to the point, 'anyway. The PRU. I was wondering if Nicki is really the right choice for head.'
'I have full confidence in her,' Tom confided, his voice suddenly cool.
'If you say so. But think about who is there for you. By the way, you are very handsome Tom.'
She leaned towards him but Tom backed away, 'oh so now I know why you bought me here.'
Without another word, Tom left
The following day
Tom and Nicki were in the staff room once again when she entered, an angry look on her face.
'You walked out on me last night!' She stormed at Tom, 'how dare you.'
Tom was lost for words. Nicki was staring from one to the other, a sightly amused expression on her face.
'Don't answer me then!' She yelled, 'but we are over. I hope this school burns in hell. along with anyone in it.'
And then, she just left. Tom and nicki stared at the door, and then at each other. They looked like they were about to laugh.
'Talk about anger management,' Murmured nicki, the sides of her mouth twitching.
'I'm still not sure what happened,' replied Tom before looking Nicki straight in the eye, 'but, from listening to that, I do know that I am a single man again now.'
'Can't argue with that.' Agreed nicki. There was a tense moment of silence between them before Nicki said quickly, 'good. I don't think you deserve her. She's actually quite lovely.'
'I don't know,' smiled tom, 'I've seen nicer women.'
'That's not possible,' chuckled Nicki sarcastically before walking out of the room.
Tom looked at the back of her as she left.
He couldn't help it.
He smiled too.