Hello and welcome back. Back to standard length for this chapter, though due to my adjustments, a lot of these chapters will vary wildly in length. Shortest so far is 2,500, longest is over 10,000, so I'll apologise for that, but I hope you'll forgive me. And, as always, I hope you enjoy this chapter. - J


Chapter 4: Thinking about you

The next morning everyone was stumbling around with their heads in their hands, clearly having overdone it the night before, but two people where wide awake in the Geeks section.

Sophie wandered over, one of them was Polly, she could tell that much, but she didn't recognise the other until she straightened up.

It was Jones, fresh out of the shower, by the look of the towel on her head, and in a grey tank top and black shorts not unlike her own. She fought back memories of the night before and focused in on the deeply concerned looks on their faces.
"What's up?" She spoke as she reached them and they both turned to her, deadly serious.
"We have a problem. Get dressed, I'll explain on the way." Jones stalked off, leaving Sophie and Polly staring after her. Not pausing to check the redhead's expression, Sophie turned on her heel and strode back to her bed. Within three minutes she was dressed, hair done and moving swiftly out of the dorm, just as Jones emerged from the door opposite.

She had wondered where the head girl's room was, she guessed that was it.

"Right, the bank's coming in to shut us down, we're in deep debt." Jones spoke as they descended the stairs, Sophie nodded once.
"How much do we owe?" She didn't look at the girl, keeping her eyes on the creaky wooden stairs as they walked.
"Five hundred thousand." It was blunt, if she'd been drinking, Sophie would have choked.
"Holy shit." She looked to the taller girl, whose expression was grim. She didn't respond, Sophie followed suit, retreating back into her own head as something occurred to her.

It had taken a few minutes but she finally realised, as they moved swiftly through the corridors, that Jones had accepted her offer of assistance; she was trusting her with information and bringing her with her when there were things to be done. She doubted, with her sensible nature, that Jones would take her up on the other offer she'd made last night, but this was something. She could watch her now, and though she had no doubt the other girl would be watching her just as closely, she might find the right moment to whip the rug out from under her.

She'd be out of here by Christmas.

They strode into the main recreation room and Jones called out for quiet, when no-one listened Sophie put her fingers in her mouth and whistled loudly, mimicking the one the Head Girl usually performed. She could have sworn she saw her mouth twitch with restrained approval as everyone went silent.
"St. Trinian's is closing down." She said the words like a death sentence but the reaction was all wrong. Sophie rolled her eyes; she'd forgotten this was a school full of kids. Jones sighed in annoyance as a first year hugged her.
"We're facing the biggest crisis of our lives and you're behaving like bloody children. If this place closes down we'll have to go to other schools, and by that I mean normal schools!" If nothing else, that was heard over the noise and the room fell silent.

They were in big trouble; there was no doubt about it.

Word spread quickly and soon the school was buzzing. They owed five hundred thousand pounds, how the hell did they even manage to get into that much debt? Sophie sighed and looked over to Annabelle, ready to make a comment, but found her gone.

What was she doing by the window?

She wandered over to join her... Was that uncle Carnaby's car?

She guessed so when Annabelle raced off to meet him but Sophie's eyes were still on the drive. Mum was here too.

She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know what was going on here, but she opted to find out anyway.

On her way down she encountered Jones, who dragged her off to a side room. They'd set up a surveillance feed, so there was a small crowd gathered around the laptop. Annabelle included.

"A boutique hotel?! But this is my school!"
"The banks school Camilla, and when they shut you down you'll lose everything, and more importantly so will we. If we move fast and sell the place now, we can repay the debts and split the profits.
"

Sophie grit her teeth as Polly commented on their parent's treachery. It was fair, they were bastards, and her mum was more than likely up to her neck in it, she worked in real estate.
"What about Annabelle? And Sophie?!" Camilla sounded outraged and Sophie had to smile. The woman had guts, she'd give her that.

Finally, her Mum spoke up.

"Sophie? That delinquent won't stay here much longer." She scoffed, Sophie felt a muscle jump in her jaw.
"You don't know that." Camilla scowled back but her mum was on a roll.
"She'll have her fun, fuck her way through the student populace, burn your school from the inside out, and move on to the next interesting thing." The derision rang through the speakers and Sophie suppressed a growl. She could feel everyone's eyes turn to her, and for a moment, she was unsure if she cared, fortunately Carnaby then spoke to draw their attention back to the screen. Though apparently not everyone, Jones was still watching, Sophie could feel her gaze burning into the side of her head.
"...bit of a drip if you ask me. Sometimes I wonder if she's actually mine." She only caught the end of Carnaby's comment on Annabelle but it was enough, her lips set into a grim line and she placed a hand on Annabelle's shoulder. The girl shifted a little closer to her. Jones spoke up.
"Still a daddy's girl, eh?" She clearly opted not to comment on her mum's assessment, but her cold tone made Annabelle flinch. Sophie shot her a glower, her mouth opening to respond, but Camilla spoke over her.
"You're wrong about them. They've lost their way a little, but inside they're Frittons, they have the true family stripe, which is more than I can say about you two snakes in the grass!" She stood to her full height, towering above her dog (where their camera was situated), and in that moment Sophie felt a wave of appreciation for her aunt.

A glance to Annabelle revealed she was on the verge of crying and Sophie could feel the murderous expression her own face was contorting into.

Right.

With one last squeeze of Annabelle's shoulder, she turned on her heel, striding from the room before sprinting off up the corridor.

It didn't take her long to find what she needed, and in under five minutes she was jogging out into the driveway. She'd always had the spare key to her mum's porche, in case she wanted to borrow it, but now she used it to open up the doors. Two bottles of ether, borrowed from the science labs, were quickly emptied onto her mum's fine upholstery, letting it soak into the carpets and suede. The fumes made her cough a little but she ignored it in lieu of lighting the small tea light she'd found and setting it on the dashboard. With all the doors open, the fumes weren't an issue, but once she got out and shut them, they'd build up, and by the time her mum emerged from the building. Whoosh.

Sprinting back inside, she ran straight back up to the roof, arriving just in time to hear her mother's yelp as she emerged from the school to see her car up in flames. Both adults left in Carnaby's car and Sophie knew her mum would know it was her. Fire was, after all, her thing. She watched the car burn for a long time, taking long swigs from the bottle that had replaced the one she and Jones emptied out the other day. Night fell around her, but she didn't move. Eventually, she let out a growl of frustration and tossed the bottle, still half full, off of the roof, slamming both hands down onto the low wall and letting her head hang between her shoulders.

She was by no means a 'mummy's girl', or a 'daddy's girl' for that matter. Her dad had fucked off before she hit teens and her mum was a bitch, through and through, so she couldn't understand the way the woman's words had even touched her.

She could live with being called a delinquent, hell, that was true, but she did not sleep around. Sure, she might find someone in a school that was beautiful, and discreet. She was only human, after all, everyone so inclined needs to cut loose every now and then… And the way she'd said 'move on to the next interesting thing'... Ugh, she shuddered at the memory. Fuck only knew why, it was true wasn't it? She planned to leave by Christmas, at the very latest. So why did she feel a wave of shame when her mum said the truth?!

She slammed her fist into the hard stone of the wall and winced at the answering pain.

Keep it together Daniels. You know why you move. You can't- No, you won't stay here. You'll take care of Jones and leave.

She punched the stone again.

You know why you move.

A bitter laugh burst from her lips, a bitter sneer twisting her face.

Why would she ever be attached to a school? Sure, it was a damn good school but it was a school none the less. It was another place with stupid rules and petty balances of power, just like all the rest. The idea that she'd want to stay in a place like that was almost funny.

This time she heard the footsteps behind her and recognised them instantly. She didn't turn, just stayed exactly where she was, unclenching her fist and placing her palm flat against the stone once more. She took a deep breath to calm her thundering heart.
"You alright?" Jones' voice was quiet as she stopped next to her. Sophie inhaled slowly, straightening up, an expressionless mask affixed to her face as she let it out again.
"Absolutely fine. " She flashed a grin, resorting to her usual, relaxed, demeanour even as she shoved the rolling storm of confusion to the back of her mind. She had some damage control to deal with here.

Jones didn't look convinced but clearly she either didn't care, or recognised that there was no way Sophie was going to do the 'My mummy hurt my feelings' talk.
"We're meeting Flash in five minutes to discuss options." She folded her arms and Sophie tilted her head, slipping easily back into flirting.
"Do you want me there?" She smirked mischievously and raised a brow, laying it on thick. Jones paused for a second before answering but when she did her tone was cold.
"We need as many people as possible." She turned and strode away but Sophie was undeterred.
"Your wish is my command." She chuckled to herself but her expression sobered as her mother's words echoed through her head

'…fuck her way through the student populace…'

She halted in her tracks as it resonated through her and she ran a hand over her face.

Damn that woman.

Shoving her thoughts back once more and took off to catch up with Jones. She could have a crisis later, there was shit to do.

She made a quick stop at the nurse's office to wrap up her bloody knuckles. Jones gave her a hard look but said nothing before leading her to the meeting.

They sat down at the back of the room, Jones putting her feet up on a nearby desk and Sophie leaning back in her chair, one foot against the back of the chair in front of her and her arms folded across her chest as Flash began to talk. A few girls had shown up, this would be interesting.

"Right, the subject of today's lesson is crime. Right, good, yeah, you're liking me now. Now, for every need there is a misdeed. Our need, in this case, is to get our hands on 'alf a bar, that's half a million pounds to you lovely little ladies." People started suggesting crimes that make money and while the less realistic ideas were being thrown about, Sophie started looking around the room. Everyone seemed to be fixated on Flash, the Posh Tottys in particular were paying very close attention. Did everyone in the school fancy him or something? She spared a glance to Jones who seemed lost in thought, her eyes on a nearby wall. She recalled the finality at which the other girl had rejected the man on the night of the drinking competition, so clearly not everyone was so enamoured.

Eventually the twins said 'theft' together and something clicked in Sophie's head, theft was doable… If you chose the right target. Art was pretty valuable, and finding a fence was damn easy given her dear uncle's proficiency in such things… Hmm. Her eyes were drawn to a picture on the wall and she grinned to herself. The idea was ridiculous, but it might be good for a laugh. She nudged Jones with her knee and the other girl frowned at her. She jerked her head toward the picture and the head girl's eyes lit up, raising her hand. Sophie frowned in confusion; she wasn't taking this seriously, was she? Stealing a painting from the national gallery was something a bit beyond a bunch of school girls. Still, Flash stammered his way through a conversation with her until the girl stood, her hips swaying as she stalked toward the man. Sophie made a mental note not to sit anywhere that gave her such a good view of Jones backside in future and politely turned her eyes away.

If they really were going to try and do this, she'd need to have a quick chat with Annabelle later.

Everyone started clearing out and Sophie stood up, stretching, she tapped Chelsea's chair lightly with her foot and the girl flashed her a knowing smile. She needed cheering up after today and clearly the taller girl was all for it. As the last person left, she turned to Jones, who was stood by the board looking thoughtful.
"You think we can actually pull this off?" She leaned against the teachers desk at the front of the class, sticking her hands into her pockets, Jones turned to look at her.
"You'd be surprised at the things St. Trinians girls can do when they put their minds to it." She smiled fondly at nothing in particular. Sophie shrugged, she wasn't sure she'd ever understand it, but clearly Jones really did love this school.
"Well if you say so, let me know if you need anything." She moved away from the desk, heading for the door. As she reached it she glanced back, finding the head girl staring directly at her, clearly ready to say something, so Sophie turned and waited.

Silence reigned for several moments before Sophie let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding and shrugged.
"G'night Jones." She left without looking back.

She found Chelsea in the Posh Totty room.

As she walked in, the door closed behind her and she turned to find Chelsea stood leaning against it, flicking the lock shut with a smirk. Stressed from the day and sick of listening to the thoughts raging in her head, Sophie wasted no time. Within moments, they were on the sofa, Chelsea's hips rolling against her own as their lips met in a bruising kiss.

Chelsea really was an amazing kisser, but still, Sophie's mind wandered.

Her hand slid into thick blonde curls but in her mind's eye she saw silky black locks. As her lips moved down over her throat, she saw pale skin, ringed with leather. As Chelsea's head tipped back, a low moan on her lips, Sophie saw nothing but red lips and a piercing gaze.

Hours later Sophie was sat on the floor, her knees up in front of her and her arms resting atop them. Her head was tilted back against the sofa behind her, her eyes on the ceiling. The only sound was Chelsea's quiet breathing as she slept on, unaware of the storm of thought currently raging only inches away from her.

What was that?

She'd been here for an hour and she hadn't gotten any further in her thoughts than that.

She ran a hand through her hair; the warm air of the room had slowly cooled since they'd finished and now the movement reminded her that her shirt was open. She quickly corrected that and stood, turning to face the sleeping girl. Her tie was still around one of Chelsea's wrists, an addition she hadn't really planned, but the other girl had seemed delighted at the idea, so that was something. Sophie didn't like to think about why she preferred it, but when Chelsea had undone her shirt and started to try and reciprocate, she'd had to put a stop to it. Light bondage was the easiest way to do that and avoid raising questions. She retrieved the strip of material and hung it back around her neck, fishing a blanket off of a nearby chair and draping it over the sleeping girl as gently as she knew how. She probably shouldn't meet with Chelsea again after this, or anyone else for that matter. Clearly Jones was on her mind, and that would just be unfair. She lightly brushed a lock of hair out of the other girl's face and allowed herself a moment to smile. She was nice, and smarter than a lot of people gave her credit for…

She caught her own thoughts before she even started to consider the idea of friendship and shook her head. Quickly moving around the room and collecting the girl's clothes for her, leaving them in a neatly folded pile on the nearby chair before she moved back to her side.
"Chelsea…" Gently, she placed a hand on her shoulder, not shaking her, but squeezing lightly as she stirred.
"We need to get back to the dorms… You good?" She arched a brow, unsure of the protocol here. The other girl's eyes were a little blurred by sleep, but she sat up and nodded slowly.
"I'm good." She offered a satisfied smile and Sophie returned it as she stood.
"All right, I'll see you in class." She made to leave but was caught by the tie and pulled back down, Chelsea's lips beside her ear.
"You can talk to me about her if you like." It was a whisper before lips were pressed to her cheek and her tie was released. As she staggered back, too startled to form words, Chelsea swept to her feet, moving to the chair to pull on her clothes.
"How did you…?" She managed to mutter out some semblance of a question and the taller woman gave a knowing smile over her shoulder.
"Must be someone special if she's got you in this deep. Anyone I know?" She arched a brow and Sophie huffed.
"I don't do special, it'll pass." She shrugged and made for the door.
"If you say so." Chelsea's chuckle followed her out.

Back in the dorm, she was met by a worried Peaches and Chloe (Chelsea's minions).
"Sophie, have you seen Chelsea? She wandered off after the meeting." Chloe caught her arm and Sophie feigned a thoughtful look for a minute, then nodded.
"Yeah I ran into her downstairs, she'll probably be up in a minute." She gave a reassuring smile and carried on walking to her bed. Annabelle was already in hers, reading.
"How's it going, kid?" She dropped down on the end of the other girl's bed and Annabelle looked up, her eyes a little red, probably from crying. Sophie felt a little bad that she hadn't checked on her after the car thing, but she wouldn't have been a good shoulder to cry on at that point. Annabelle nodded and set her book to one side, a sad look on her face.
"Your dad's an ass, and he doesn't know you at all." She smiled gently and the other girl's eyes dropped to her lap, a slight smile was pulling at the edges of her lips though, so Sophie carried on.
"He left you in that shithole of a school and it did you no good, but I reckon you'll do better here. The hazing's stopped now, right?" She arched a brow and her cousin nodded.
"See? If you've got the stomach to deal with this lot, what else can life throw at you? Aunt Camilla's right, you'll kick ass around here." She winked and was rewarded as Annabelle laughed, noticeably happier.
"Thanks, Sophie. Your mum-" She started, reaching for Sophie's hand, but she retreated quickly, holding up the hand the girl made a grab for in a silencing gesture.
"- said nothing I care about." She finished for her, and as the girl closed her mouth, clearly understanding the message, Sophie allowed her grin to return.
"Listen, you think your dad would be up for buying a piece of valuable artwork, even if it were acquired under… questionable circumstances?" She arched a brow and Annabelle's eyes narrowed.
"Why?" She leaned forward slightly and Sophie huffed out a sigh.
"The school's in debt, big time, we need to sell a painting to get the money to save this heap. Do you think your Dad would buy it?" She shot the girl an almost pleading look and Annabelle's eyes widened. However, she nodded slowly. Sophie smiled.
"Great, can you present the idea to Jones? She knows about the painting already so just tell her you know someone who'll buy it, okay? It'll boost your reputation around here." She winked and Annabelle gave an answering smile. With one last pat to her shoulder, Sophie stood and bid the girl goodnight, heading over to her own bed to get changed.

She climbed under the covers just as Jones came in to turn the lights out, she flashed her a grin and caught Jones' answering eye roll before flicking the switch and sending the room into darkness.

That was the first night she dreamt of Kelly Jones.


Not shaming anyone with the 'sleeping around' implications. Sleep with who you wanna sleep with, or don't, your body, your rules. As long as all your partners are consensual it's all good. Sophie however, does take issue at this comment, for reasons that will hopefully become apparent, just not because she's judging anyone.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and as always, I hope to see you next week - J