Chapter 8 (Punishment)

The next morning Daisy woke up in the best mood she had been in for weeks. As she brushed her teeth Shelby came in and squeezed her shoulder. Daisy smiled her thanks and her love to her friend. Juliette came in, her usual cheerful self and began her extended and messy morning routine.

Shelby began brushing her hair and Daisy did the same. She had been spending more time on it than she usually had since Helen had come to Horizon but decided she was being silly and only pulled the brush through her brown mane a few times. She left the other two to go eat breakfast. For once she had an appetite for rubbery eggs and floppy bacon. Even the soggy toast seemed appealing. The early morning conversation could even help her digest. She looked forward to it.

Inwardly she thanked Shelby. Although she was still alone in her dilemma, she at least had someone to talk to. Although she was only an ear, she was a good ear. Shelby had proved herself as a friend and Daisy was pleased. She met Ezra walking towards the cafeteria and considered matching his swinging step. "What did you give her today?" she asked teasingly. She knew it was unlikely she could just forget about Helen, but she would not make a fool of herself the way Ezra was.

"Nothing. I'm not a machine, you know." Ezra grinned at her and she ruffled his hair.

They both saw her at the same time. Helen walked in with another councillor. He made wild movements with his hands. Helen laughed softly and Daisy knew that the pang racing through her was racing through Ezra too. Is that jealousy? Daisy asked herself. Is that what it feels like? Have my emotions been born through her?

Ezra's mood was instantly dampened and he pulled her into the growing line for breakfast. Daisy still pondered on her previous thought, but her mood still soared. They were soon joined by the other Cliffhangers and phase two of their daily routines begun.

Their first class was with Sophie. The students settled in quickly. They were usually more passive after breakfast. Daisy thought she might burst and for once it wasn't from the watered down fruit juice she consumed with her breakfast. Shelby had advised her to embrace her feelings and make the most of them. According to Shelby, they could possibly prepare her for the day she might really fall in love and consider a relationship with someone. "Something I learnt, is that by opening up, you let so much good in." Shelby said. Daisy smiled, she had never thought of the girl as wise. Shelby was now a good, wise friend. A rock, a thin line to the shore. Daisy knew that she wanted Helen to be a rope.

Daisy fiddled with her pencil, staring out of the window. She thought of nothing in particular for a while then wondered what Helen was doing and quickly realised she was teaching. And she did that so well. Daisy loved watching her teach. She would be everywhere in the class. Between the desks, at the blackboard. When she passed by close enough, Daisy could catch a breath of her scent. It was amusing to see someone feel so much passion about a subject. It the child psychologists were right, Helen's classes would boast the highest marks in the school.

"Daisy?"

Daisy looked up to see Sophie. "Yes?"

"Your homework?"

"My what?" Daisy asked, but realised what Sophie was talking about. Daisy shrunk in her seat. She had forgotten to complete the worksheet Sophie had given them the day before. She could see it lying on her desk under her dictionary. "Sophie, I'm so sorry. I completely forgot." Daisy smiled uncertainly.

"I'm afraid that's not good enough." Sophie said, "Stay behind after class."

Daisy nodded. That would give Sophie a chance to think about her punishment. A note was passed her way.

What crawled up her ass?

Daisy shook her head and looked at David. He grinned at her, but for once he had actually done his homework.

Helen had overheard Sophie telling Peter about Daisy's punishment. "I don't understand it." Sophie had said. "She always has everything done, always on time."

"Maybe you were too hard on her." Peter said.

"I don't know. She hasn't been herself lately. I know punishment isn't the best way to rid her of whatever it is that is bothering her, but I don't know. It's so frustrating sometimes."

Peter took Sophie in his arms and kissed her head. "Where is she now?"

"Chopping wood." Sophie eased into his embrace. "I will apologise later."

Helen headed towards the woodshed and saw Daisy immediately. She held the axe at the right angel and as she brought it down, the log split and fell to the floor. She pushed them to the pile she had already chopped and lifted another one.

She had taken off her sweater and had broken out into a light sweat. Beads of perspiration glistened on her pale skin. Her muscles flexed and stretched under the weight of the axe. Strands of hair were plastered to her face. Helen shook her head, and imagined Daisy beneath her, her back arched, her muscles tense and her skin glistening, but not from chopping wood or running through the woods.

"Hi." Helen said picking up a split log. She sat down on the other chopping block.

"Hi." Daisy greeted and split another log.

"How much do you still have to do?" Helen asked. Casual councillor.

Daisy pointed at a pile of logs next to her. She was about half way through her punishment. Her face was flushed, her young body tense. Helen swallowed.

"Is something wrong?" Helen asked with genuine concern. Her feelings for Daisy led to her seeking the girls well being before anything else.

Daisy straightened and lowered the axe. She stared at Helen in silence. "I'm fine."

Helen stood up and approached the girl. She gripped her wrist lightly, she had meant it as the start of a comfort speech, but the heat of the girls arm drove her to push her into the shed. She twisted Daisy around and pressed her against the wall. It creaked softly and dust fell onto them.

By the time Helen had realised what she was doing, her body was pressed tightly against Daisy. She could feel the girls heat, and a slight dampness from her chest through her own clothes.

Helen had one arm around her waist and a hand gently cupped Daisy's neck. She lowered her head to her neck, feeling Daisy's body stiffen. She breathed in the girls scent. Soap and a mild sweaty smell filled her nostrils. She was so warm and soft Helen's fibres screamed at her in protest, in desire.

Helen pulled her head away and looked into Daisy's eyes. They were darting wildly, but not at all like the trapped bird she had expected to see. They had darkened in colour and deepened in intensity. What was she feeling? Confusion was a definite. Desire? Was there a possibility?

Helen moved her face closer to Daisy's until her lips were almost touching those of the trembling girl in her arms. Helen bit her lower lip and released Daisy. She said nothing, but disappeared out of the shed, her head hung low. Helen felt the loss of an opportunity wash over her, but also a terrible amount of guilt.

She felt that her actions would lead to immense amounts of trouble. She would play it cool. When Peter asked her to resign, she would give in gracefully and avoid a scandal. Somehow she smiled. It had been worth it.