Imogen had come to another clearing and sat down on a tree stump. Knowing she needed to vent she took out her phone and called the one person she could do that to. She spent a full fifteen minutes talking, complaining, expressing her frustration and annoyance. Finally she stopped, waiting for the sympathy that she felt she was due.
Again, she was wrong. Jamie, who had been on the other end of the phone listening to his best friend ranting knew that he had to set a few things straight.
"Imogen, I'm glad you called me and you know I love you but I'm going to tell you a couple of things you're not going to like. You are in the wrong here, not Constance. You're both my friends and this isn't me taking sides, I'm simply stating facts. Now before you start on me or hang up, I want you to listen. You think too much and you've overthought this situation to the point that you're no longer thinking clearly.
"The point of this trip was to show how you could both work together, that you already had a relationship and respect for each other, even if the girls thought it was a professional one. By stopping magic what was she meant to do? You know she wouldn't be confident doing outdoor activities in this situation. She asked you what to wear, you didn't help her. You allowed her to feel excluded on a trip with her own students. Imogen, she is strict with the girls but think about it, they're handling potions and have abilities that could blow us all sky high plus they're rowdy teenagers. She has to be hard to protect them, and you. She could have shown another side of herself to them today but you didn't let her.
"Also, that guy, it sounds to me like you were flirting with him. There is nothing wrong with harmless flirting and I know you don't like men that way but it seems that he might have gotten the wrong idea. Plus you let him think your girlfriend was an old maid which she most certainly is not. How is she supposed to feel? You've already told her that you like it when she's a bit possessive, you told me it made you feel good knowing that she could defend you against Pike and now you're annoyed when she genuinely has reason to think you're flirting? That's a mixed message.
"In the time I've known Constance I have never seen her be anything but accommodating to you and your world. I think about the Miss Hardbroom that you used to talk to me about and yes, she's still her but she shows the other side of herself to people she cares for. She dresses differently when she's outside school, she does household things with no magic. She gets into the car with you when she could easily use her broomstick. She has fully accepted both Abby and me into her life and has been nothing but friendly to us both. Never once has she come across as jealous of us and to be fair, at times she could have reason to, we're in a very unique situation.
"Look at what she did with our Christmas gifts. And coming here the other week. She came alone and looked after Abby, she didn't have to do that but she did, gladly and according to Abs it was one of the nicest days she ever had. She does have friends. I'm her friend, Abby certainly is, Amelia is, you're meant to be and you told her she didn't know how to make them? What's more, she loves Abs and I completely trust her to look after her and you know I don't say that lightly. Do I think she would do anything to endanger those students? Do I hell? The other week you were talking about getting married. I know you love her, I know she loves you, she told me. Now I'm going to ask you, what on earth has happened? Tell me please so I can help you sort this because I'm not allowing you to throw this away."
As Imogen listened to her friend telling her some home truths she knew he was right and she started to cry. She explained to Jamie about the book and how if she was a witch she could give Constance so much more. She cried and cried as she let the frustration and guilt out.
"Oh Imogen, you're generally very clever but right now you're an idiot.", he said down the phone, wishing he could give her a hug, "Think about my book for a minute."
Imogen sighed, what did that have to do with anything?
"I wrote my book for sports scientists. But that doesn't mean that it can't appeal to other people, to someone who wants to boost their metabolism, learn about nutrition or get a few tips on motivation."
Suddenly she realised what he meant, the book was written for a general witching audience. It didn't mean that it was only for witches and even if it was, none of it mattered. She had been so stupid. She had to fix this.
"Oh Jamie, what will I do? I was so horrible to her. She's going to hate me."
He knew this wouldn't be the case. "Go and apologise, tell her you're a twit and make it up to her. Also, you know you want to marry her. I'd bet my life on the fact that she wants the same thing. Ask her soon Im, that way you can stop thinking about the asking and starting planning for your future."
She said goodbye and promised to text him later then quickly began to make her way back, feeling sick at the way she'd acted. She of all people knew how Constance had felt rejection in her youth and rather than protecting her, showing her how much she was cherished she had probably caused those memories to come back.
Of course she ran into Serge on the way back.
"I'm glad I've found you. The girls are gone back to the cabin with your aunt. I wanted to say, I kind of thought there was maybe something between us and I was hoping I could get your number. Maybe we could do something together over the holidays?"
The guilt was back again. Knowing that they wouldn't see Serge and the rangers again as they were leaving before the Cackle's party in the morning she could be honest.
"Serge, I'm sorry if I lead you on. I was only trying to be friendly but it has been pointed out to me that it came across as more. I'm gay and the woman with me isn't my aunt, she's my girlfriend and I love her very much. Now, if you'll excuse me I need to get back and tell her that. I'm sorry again."
With that she ran back, leaving one open mouthed ranger staring after her.
She slowed down as she reached the cabin. She could see a lone figure dressed in black sat on the bench outside. As she got closer there was only one thing to say.
"I'm sorry." She received a blank stare in return. Moving even closer she repeated, "I'm so sorry Sweetheart."
On hearing the endearment Constance felt hope that things might be okay.
"I do not understand why you are sorry because I do not know what happened."
Sitting down on the bench next to her, Imogen reached for her hand. "Do you remember before Christmas when I said neither of us were perfect, well this was me, proving to you that I am certainly not. Baby, I love you and I never want to make you question that or anything about yourself. I believe I did that today though."
Constance, who was looking down at her lap, nodded.
"I love everything about you. The fact that you're a witch makes me love you even more. I was horrible today, I acted like a child, even Abby would have handled things better than I did."
Seeing a small smile at the mention of the little girl they loved she carried on. "I'm so proud of all the things you've done over the last few months. I know you've made changes that you've wanted to but I will never ever want you to change for me. That includes being a witch. I never want anyone to treat you badly or make you feel insecure, especially not me. You are the most incredible person I can imagine. Please, forgive me Sweetheart."
Checking that there were no students in the vicinity, Constance reached her hand up to stroke Imogen's face. "Well, when I acted badly at Christmas you forgave me easily, I want to do the same but first I need to know. What drove this?"
Imogen sighed, this was not the place to have the discussion. Constance deserved so much better.
"I do want to tell you but I can't, not fully, not here. I read something and then thought my lack of magical abilities would prevent what I wanted to happen. Please Sweetheart, trust me, I will tell you tomorrow when we get back and the girls have gone for the holidays. Please? I know I'm being cryptic but I can't tell you here."
Constance pulled her into a hug. Considering how patient Imogen had been with her over the past few months, she could at least do the same now.
She did need something though. "Tell me again that you..", before she could finish Imogen was whispering in her ear.
"I adore you. You are my entire world. I love you so much and I'm so sorry that I hurt you."
Constance knew it was the truth, she felt secure in the love coming from Imogen. "I love you too Darling, even if you are an idiot sometimes."
They went back into the cabin to make sure the girls were all in bed. After this they made their way to the room that they were "forced to share". While Constance was in the bathroom, Imogen took out her phone and sent a text to Jamie.
"We're ok I think. Thanks for being the best friend an idiot like me could have. Going to ask her very soon. Wish me luck x"
As she put her phone away her girlfriend came back in.
"Who are you texting?", she asked as she got into bed. Yes, as far as the girls were concerned there were two single beds, that didn't mean they had to use them both.
"Jamie. I should probably tell you, you're currently far higher up the friendship chart than I am. I rang him and he told me in no uncertain terms that I was at fault. He was right. Normally I hate when he's right and I'm wrong but this time I'm glad he told me. He told me a couple of other things as well about how great you are."
As Constance felt herself being brought into an embrace she was very grateful to Jamie, he truly was a great friend to both of them.
There was just one more thing that Imogen had to say before she could attempt to sleep.
"I wasn't intentionally flirting with Serge. I see now how it came across like that. He did ask me out but I told him no, that I was in love with you. Obviously, I also told him that you weren't really my aunt."
Her girlfriend laughed slightly as she imagined the look on his face.
"Baby, I'm yours completely and I'm so happy that you're mine. I just want you to know that."
As she turned the light off and pulled Imogen down to spoon her Constance whispered, "I do know that and I feel the same. I also feel a lot happier when we're alone together and you're not calling me Constance."
Imogen, realising what she meant shuffled back as much as she could and pulled her even closer. "I promise I'll try not to Sweetheart. I love you."
As she lay awake watching Imogen sleep, Constance couldn't help wondering what it was that Imogen had read. What could she want to happen? Feeling a flutter of nerves she allowed herself the tiny hope that maybe it was what she also wanted. She found herself willing time forward so the could be back at the school, the girls all gone for Easter and the two of them alone where they could finally talk about their future. She knew she was ready for this talk and as she forced herself to close her eyes she had one thought. "I hope we want the same things."
The following morning was hectic. Trying to get the girls packed up and ready to go was the normal hassle, even outside of the school. Neither teacher could understand what was taking them so long but that could have been down to their own impatience to get back home. As she left the students packing the last of their bits Imogen came back into the room that she and Constance had shared, sighing loudly as she leaned against the door.
"You're beginning to remind me of someone, I can't think who." Constance smiled as she walked over to her girlfriend, wrapping her arms around her waist.
Imogen was grateful for the affection. She still felt bad about the day before and nervous about when they got back to the castle. Taking advantage of the situation they kissed gently against the door for a few moments as the first years, oblivious to what their teachers were doing, bickered over who had taken whose hairbrush.
Luckily the walk back was straightforward and the bus journey much more pleasant. Imogen took advantage of the fact that Constance was wearing her cloak and slipped her hand underneath so they could hold hands without the girls noticing. As soon as they got back to the school it was another flurry of activity as the pupils got ready to be collected by their parents. Amelia was waiting for them and after the students had left for their holidays she was keen to find out how the trip had gone. Constance knew that she would have to explain about the weather situation and file the relevant paperwork.
"Darling, why don't you unpack our bags? I'll meet with Amelia, do the paperwork and I'll meet you back in our room when I'm done. We can talk then."
Imogen was pleased that Constance was handling the magical situation but had another idea. "I'll unpack but will you meet me at the lake where we go walking? I think it may be easier for me to talk there."
Agreeing, her girlfriend went to talk to the headmistress and complete the required OFWITCH forms.
Imogen went back to the room to unpack both bags. She also had a quick shower and changed into a dress and cardigan, keen not to be the "P.E teacher" for a couple of weeks. Before she left, she took a small box from her drawer, not knowing if she was going to need what was in it but hoping and wanting to be prepared. She sprayed her usual perfume, gathered the book she had been reading and her bag before walking into the woods, collecting her thoughts as she made the familiar journey.
The other teachers promptly filled out the paperwork. Amelia was just pleased that the situation had been handled and no real harm had been done. She could see that her deputy was keen to get this done quickly so didn't delay her. As soon as they had finished Constance walked quickly upstairs, showered, changed into a more casual dress and took her hair down. Checking her reflection in the mirror she took a deep breath to steady her nerves.
She had a feeling that this was going to be an important conversation for them both.