A/N: Another chapter that was getting really long, so I've broken it in two. I hope you enjoy this installment! :)
"Alright, attention everyone. Quiet down and have a seat. Before we set off Dr. Elliot would like to say a few words to you." Kate yells over the blare of excited students crowded onto the bus. Caroline ascends the steps behind her, standing next to her as the students quickly quiet down and take a seat after seeing the head teacher present.
"I just want to say very quickly how proud I am of all the hard work you all and Ms. McKenzie have put into the choir. No matter the outcome at this competition, just remember that you have made Sulgrave very proud and you are the first group to make it this far in 6 years, and that in itself is a triumph. On a serious note, remember that you are representing Sulgrave on a regional level and we must keep our reputation high. No misconduct will be tolerated, so I expect you all to be on your best behavior and to follow any instructions Ms. McKenzie or any of the other sponsors give you. If I find out anyone misbehaved, there will be swift and very strict consequences. Right, now have fun and knock them out!"
The students, who sat stone still and quiet as she spoke, erupted in a cheer after her final words. She smiled and waved, then nodded to Kate and exited the bus. Kate followed to the bottom of the stairs behind her.
"Are you sure you have enough staff to help you on the bus? I can have one of the parents ride as well, to help chaperone." Caroline asks Kate with a worried look on her face.
"No Caroline, we'll be fine. Mrs. Kirk and I can handle them. Besides, I doubt they'll try anything since the Ice Queen has spoken." Kate reassures her with a cheeky grin.
"Alright, well I'll follow right behind and don't hesitate to call if you need anything. I'll help you get everyone checked into the hotel when we get there and will do anything you need me to do. You're in charge this time." Caroline says with a smile.
"Oh really? I kind of like the sound of that." Kate teases back.
"Yea, well don't let it go to your head." Caroline dead pans with a cheeky smirk.
"Oh yes ma'am." Kate replies with a salute.
"Oh, shush. Now lead us on to victory…no pressure." Caroline says with a wink then turns sharply on her heel and walks to the Jeep where William is waiting.
oOo
The Sulgrave choir stood in queue backstage awaiting their turn to perform. There were three choirs ahead of them and it was obvious the nerves were mounting. The group stood still and totally quiet, eyes fastened to the stage through the rows of curtains that hung across it before them. Their position to the side greatly restricted their view, only showing the temporary risers that had been set up for the performances.
Kate stood behind the group a few feet, pacing and going over her musical cues in her head. She jumped slightly when she felt a hand upon her shoulder. She turned abruptly and was met by warm piercing blue eyes, sending her stomach instantly into a flutter.
"Kate, are you alright? Don't worry; you are going to be fine. You and the kids have prepared for this for months. I was only joking before, there's really no pressure to win. I'm just proud of you all for getting here, seriously." Caroline says sincerely and barely above a whisper. She immediately regrets her parting words before they left the school, now seeing the anxiety on Kate's face.
"I know, I know, I just get nervous. I do want us to win and I just don't want to let down the kids because they've worked so hard." Kate confesses as she tries to relax her shoulders.
"I know Kate, and you won't let them down. You are an excellent teacher and they love you. Plus, I'll be in the audience cheering you all on. You're going to do great, I believe in you." Caroline replies, running her hand down Kate's shoulder to give a reassuring squeeze to her bicep.
"Now, I better get back out there so I can find a seat. I'll come find you all once you've been seated after your set."
She offers one final squeeze of Kate's arm before releasing her to walk away. Kate catches her arm as she turns to go, stopping her and causing her to look back with a surprised smile.
"Thank you Caroline." Kate says shyly with a grateful grin.
Caroline offers a warm smile in return, her bright blue eyes conveying sincerity and calm, before turning and walking out to find a seat in the auditorium.
As Sulgrave took the stage Caroline could feel the nervous butterflies starting in her stomach. The last two choirs had been very good and so she knew the competition would be tough. She was sympathetically nervous for the students and Kate, knowing how anxious they must be.
The students took the risers and Kate stood before them, waiting for them to get settled. With a slight nod of her head and the raising of her arms they began, jumping immediately into Vivaldi's Fecit Potentiam.
After the first couple of measures they had taken Caroline's breath away. She had confidence that they would do well, but she was blindsided by how brilliant they actually were. It was obvious to her now just how hard they had worked and she could feel her heart swelling with pride as she watched them and heard the whispers starting around her.
Kate looked totally in charge and very confident before them and for the first time, consciously, Caroline found herself marveling at how beautiful Kate actually was. The white sheath dress with the bright floral print and the matching bright pink cardigan she had bought on their shopping trip to Montpellier Quarter fit her perfectly and she looked stunning in the spotlight on stage. She even wore heels in a matching bright pink, which was something she rarely did at school. The butterfly in Caroline's stomach that had emerged a few weeks ago, went fluttering wildly now.
What was going on? Hadn't those feelings died now, after being dormant so many years? She had begun to let herself believe, when she actually allowed her mind to wander there, that maybe it had been a phase all those years ago, just like her mother had said. There had never been anyone that had caught her attention since, not in the way that seemed to be happening now. Sure, she had appreciated the beauty of an attractive woman now and again, and had even secretly read a few Sarah Waters novels (which had aroused her more than she dared admit), but she had certainly never had a reaction like this. The thought was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
The Vivaldi piece came to a close and the choir charged right in to Orff's O Fortuna. The energy was buzzing and the whispers around Caroline grew more animated by the measure. The song ended and as Kate turned to face the auditorium and take a bow with the choir, a group of students from another choir stood up and cheered, but were quickly quieted down by their director.
The Sulgrave group made their way quietly off the stage, but it was clear they were practically bouncing with delight.
oOo
Caroline made her way quietly down the aisle of the auditorium, heading to where she saw Sulgrave take a seat after their performance. She slipped quietly into the seat next to Kate, who was intently watching the final choir now performing, her eyes obviously critiquing each and every note.
As Caroline sat down, her leg brushed Kate's, causing Kate to twitch and look over to see who it was. A giant smile crossed her full lips as she made eye contact with Caroline, sending each woman's stomach into a flutter. Caroline smiled widely in return and leaned over to whisper in her ear.
"Kate, that was absolutely brilliant, I mean it. I think you all may have this in the bag."
Kate looked shyly at Caroline, biting her bottom lip to stop the giggle that wanted to erupt. Caroline smiled and nodded her head in affirmation, her eyes dancing wildly in delight.
She really is quite pretty.
The final choir made their way off the stage and the competition MC made his way on, saying that the finalists would be announced in one hour and that refreshments were being served in the atrium in the interim.
The Sulgrave group made their way to the atrium, each getting a drink and biscuit before moving to a quieter nook in the corner. At the dimming of the atrium lights, the group made their way quickly back into the auditorium.
The MC took the stage and began his speech, first acknowledging the plethora of talent this year and thanking all who attended before moving on to the list of finalists who would be performing in the morning.
The tension in the room was palpable and the silence was almost deafening as they awaited the first group name. Four out of the thirty six choirs would advance. When Sulgrave's name was announced third, the group went wild and it took all of Caroline, Kate and Mrs. Kirk's efforts to quiet them back down.
After the announcement, Kate quickly ushered the excited group outside, to a more private space to give a pep talk.
"Alright you guys. You killed it, as you all would say." Kate says as she's unable to stop the huge grin that has spread across her face. The students let out a loud cheer and whistles in their enthusiasm. Kate raises her arms and manages to quiet down the bunch before continuing on.
"So, no matter what the outcome tomorrow, I am insanely proud of you and all the hard work you put in. That being said….let's win this! Now, you can all go back to your rooms and get changed, if you like. Meet back in the lobby at 6:45 sharp and we will take the bus to dinner."
More enthusiastic cheers follow, including a few chants of "Miss McKenzie", which embarrasses Kate to no end. Caroline watches on in amusement, not only proud of the students, but most especially of William and Kate.
oOo
Kate stood at the foot of the bed, sorting out her attire for tomorrow's competition. The day had been full of excitement and despite being physically drained; she was too full of energy to sleep.
Her mind played over the events of the day and her heart swelled immensely with pride and elation for the students. She loved this group of kids, probably more than any other choir she had led in the past, so today's advancement brought her great joy.
This joy was further expounded by the presence of Caroline, and her obvious excitement at the choir's performance as well. She had been very vocal in telling Kate, and the students, how proud she was and had indeed taken the back burner, allowing Kate total control of the day. As far as her time at Sulgrave had gone, this was by far the best day yet.
As she laid out her dress for tomorrow's performance she noticed that one of the buttons was loose and would need to be refastened to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions. She rummaged through her toiletries bag, remembering the small sewing repair kit that had come with the bag, which at the time she bought it she thought was unnecessary. To her dismay, it was no longer there and, of course, she had not packed a second outfit, in an attempt to conserve space.
Remembering that Caroline was in the room next door, she gathered her dress and crossed to the door attaching the two rooms. She knocked softly and waited for a reply, hoping it wasn't too late and that she would not wake Caroline.
Caroline sat propped up in bed, looking at her mobile in her hands, tears streaming fully down her face. The knock on the door made her jolt and for a second she was slightly confused.
"Caroline, it's me. Are you still awake?" came the soft call on the other side. She recognized instantly it was Kate and quickly got up, frantically wiping the tears from her cheeks in an effort to hide the evidence.
She crossed to the door and undid the latch, opening it slowly, buying time to finish cleaning up her face. As she opened the door fully, Kate stood there, her eyes looking down at the fingers that were pulling on the button. She began to speak before looking up.
"Oh good, you're up. I've got a loose button and need one of those sewing repair kits; you wouldn't happen to have one, would you?" On this she looks up and instantly recognizes the red swollen eyes, her heart skipping a beat with concern.
"Caroline, what's the matter? Did something happen?" Kate questions rapidly, her first thought going to Caroline's mother, or Lawrence, who was staying the weekend with Angus.
"Umm, no, no. It's just, I'm just…oh, never mind, I'm fine. Come in, I think I do have a kit in my luggage, I'll just check."
Kate follows Caroline into the room, never taking her eyes off of her. Caroline rummages a moment through her bag and produces the kit, crossing to Kate and handing it to her.
"You can keep it, I have another at home." Caroline says with a small sad smile.
"Caroline, what's the matter? You can talk to me remember, tell me what's bothering you." Kate questions softly, trying to urge Caroline to speak, knowing talking isn't easy, but it often helps.
Caroline takes a deep breath, releasing it slowly, before sinking onto the foot of the bed, tears once again welling up in her eyes.
"I was just so distracted and excited for you and the students today that it completely slipped my mind, until I got back here and checked my mobile, and saw the text from him."
Kate drapes her dress across the back of the chair and sets the kit on the table then crosses to take a seat next to Caroline.
"Text from who, John? What about?"
"Today is our anniversary, 18 years. Like I said, I had totally forgotten. He didn't, of course, and made sure to send the most nauseatingly oversentimental text as a reminder."
"Oh Caroline, I am sorry. I know it's not easy. What did he say?"
"The usual…'I'm so sorry, please forgive me, I love you' blah, blah, blah. I don't even know why I'm crying. I guess, it's just remembering the failure, that I wasn't enough for him, that I'm also partly responsible for our current situation."
The tears have started falling now and she tries hard to keep the full sobs at bay. Kate watches for a second, her heart breaking for this gorgeous woman next to her, before her instincts kick in and she's moving before her mind even thinks.
She reaches up and takes Caroline's face into her hands, gently guiding her head to meet her gaze.
"Caroline, look at me." Caroline lifts her sad blue eyes, to meet the fierce, yet tender brown eyes before her.
"You are not responsible for anything. You did not fail, he did. He made the mistake, of his own volition, and broke that vow he made to you. He's a bloody prat to have done it too. You're intelligent, loyal, a wonderful mother, an excellent leader and very beautiful. If I were him, I'd cherish you. Don't blame yourself for his errors." The whole time she speaks she never breaks eye contact with Caroline, willing that all her sincerity be conveyed, not just through her words but through her eyes as well.
Finally, Caroline gives a small nod of her head and Kate quickly sets to wiping her tears away with a tender smile.
"Kate, thank you so much for being my friend," is all Caroline can muster without bursting into tears again.
"Of course, Caroline." Kate replies as Caroline leans in for a hug. The women sit for a moment in a gentle embrace before Caroline finally begins to pull away slowly.
"I can sit here with you for a while, if you like. I'll sew my button on here and we can watch some telly or talk more." Kate offers, hoping Caroline will say yes.
"I'd like that. You don't mind if I crawl in bed though, do you? It's cold in here. You can climb in too, I won't bite." Caroline replies, the smallest of sly grins turning up the corner of her mouth.
"Well, I can't promise I won't." Kate cracks in an effort to lighten the mood.
"Oh, hush. Come on, I think University Challenge has a late night run." Caroline gets up and walks to the head of the bed, climbing in before turning on the telly.
Kate collects her dress and the sewing kit before crossing to the bed to climb in. As she lifts the duvet to slide underneath she sees that Caroline's nightshirt has crawled up her thigh, leaving the entire length of her leg exposed. The sight sends a shiver of electricity through her body and she decides she's better off sitting on top of the covers. She's going to have enough of a struggle just trying to push that delicious image from her brain.
The women sit watching the telly with little conversation. It's only 20 minutes later before Kate looks over and sees that Caroline has fallen asleep. She softly gets up from the bed and leaves the sewing kit on the table before quietly exiting to her suite next door.
Sleep is near impossible for the rest of the night, as her mind is occupied with images of Caroline.