Author's Note: This is my take on a prequel to Cracks, I found the film really interesting and wanted to know what happened before the film so I decided to have a go at writing my own using my own character and a few embellishments. If things go well, I'll write the second part.

All comments welcome and encouraged, I like to know what you all think.

Enjoy!

and as always, I own nothing.


SHATTERED ILLUSIONS

PART 1

Fiamma wasn't the first girl that Miss G had developed an obsession with.

Before Fiamma, there was Laura. Only Laura was a teacher, not a student.

Laura had decided to move away from her old life. She had lived in the city and now she wanted something peaceful, some place she could go where nobody even knew her name. The city always brought back painful memories for her so when she read about a boarding school requiring someone with her skills, she saw it as a sign from the gods and jumped at it.

Laura had been greeted by the Headmistress, Miss Nieven, and was shown around to all the staff like she was on show.

As she moved through the building, getting to know the hallways and classrooms, she passed by one in particular;

the room was dark, it looked like a light covering of dust covered every surface but one sliver of light pierced the room, sending a single shaft of sunlight across the dark carpet like a white sash against a black dress.

She couldn't help peering inside and but as soon as she moved nearer to the door, the wood beneath her boots creaked and Miss G appeared right in front of her.

Laura jumped back, startled.

Miss G hadn't been there when she'd been introduced to the other staff.

"Oh, I'm sorry I-"

But Miss G had slammed the door in her face.

Feeling stupid, Laura took one last look at the door and then walked away from it, continuing on down the hall and into what would be her classroom.

It was bright, big windows and long tables, perfect for art work.

Laura was to be their new art teacher and looking around the class she decided to forget about Miss G's rudeness and concentrate on setting up her classroom as she liked it.

After hanging up some paintings that she had done herself and putting a few potted plants in the corners, along with some small sculptures, Laura stood back to admire her work. She nodded and a smile blossomed on her face.

Perfect.

The Headmistress came in to see her and how she was getting on.

"How are things?"

Laura nodded, tucking a strand of dark blonde hair behind her ear.

"Good thank you. I hope you don't mind, I brought some of my own paintings and a few plants."

The Headmistress smiled.

"Of course not, dear. You are an art teacher after all, why not show off your work?"

Laura smiled brightly, appreciating the fact that her work was to be admired.

The paintings were basically the same theme; all of places that she didn't know but what she imagined was out there somewhere. Some looked more like a fantasy, while others looked like picture perfect postcards.

"You'll have your first class tomorrow. Now would you like me to introduce you to them or would you like to introduce yourself?"

Laura thought about it and then gave the Headmistress a little smile.

"I think I'll introduce myself."

The Headmistress smiled at that, clearly pleased with Laura's independence.

"I think you'll be just fine here."

"Thank you."

The Headmistress left Laura alone then to get herself used to where things were in the class; not her own things but the sketchbooks, paints and other materials the girls might need.

So, tomorrow she had her first class. Laura couldn't help but feel good about it.

The girls all filed into Laura's classroom, all of them quiet and unsure as Laura imagined they would be.

She waited until they were all seated before she stood and came around the front of her desk to lean against it.

"Good morning, girls. My name is Miss Floyd and I am the new art teacher. I'd like to go around the room and take all your names. So let's start with you." Laura said, pointing to the dark haired girl at the front.

The girl said her name and as Laura went around the room each girl told Laura her name and some even said how long they were going to be at the school for.

Laura felt a pang of sympathy for them; It was like they had to say it out loud, to prove to themselves that they wouldn't be here forever.

"Ok, well. I suppose you're all used to strict instruction and rules."

Some of the girls pulled faces and Laura bit back a smile.

"But I'm not like that. In here, I want you to have fun. I want you to really express yourself through your art and paint whatever you wish to paint, no matter how ludicrous it may seem."

The girls looked at each other, clearly they were expecting a different kind of teacher, someone strict and harsh in their lessons but Laura wasn't like that, never had been.

"So, what do we feel like painting today?"

She waited as a few hesitant hands went up.

She picked one at random, an auburn haired girl at the back.

"Yes, Polly."

"A-cat?"

Laura frowned, pretending to seriously consider the idea.

"A cat..? And just what colour would this cat be?"

The girl thought about it, worrying her bottom lip as she did.

"Black?"

"Black, okay... and what is it's name?"

That stumped the girl and she shrugged.

Laura widened her eyes a little.

"Well it has to have a name, Polly. How are you ever going to connect with what you paint if you don't name it?"

"Erm…midnight?"

"Midnight! What a beautiful name! And what if Midnight were to have a small white star on his head?"

Polly frowned but Laura continued regardless.

"And with a name like Midnight, shouldn't he have blue streaks in his fur?"

Polly's frown deepened.

"But cats don't have blue fur."

Laura smiled at her.

"It's your cat, Polly. He can be whatever you want him to look like, even if you think it impossible, he's your creation after all."

One girl, Rebecca put her hand up.

"So I could have a purple cat?"

Laura nodded, smiling brightly.

"Whatever you want! If that is truly what you want to paint then paint it whatever colour you wish. Paint it in two colours if you wish!"

There was excited murmurs amongst the girls and by the end of the lesson, all the girls were coming up to Laura and showing her their cats, some were outrageous colours, some a little more normal. Laura even painted one herself which the girls all loved and asked her to put it up in her classroom to which she did, pleased that her first lesson had gone so well.

All the girls seemed to like her and it was more than Laura could have ever hoped for.

By the end of the week, Laura had already established her place at the school. The girls loved her and the staff wanted to talk to her and some even tried to befriend her but Laura had always been a solitary girl so even though she was friendly and polite, she always kept it professional. Things could get messy when friendships and real attachments were involved.

It was after a lesson and Laura was tidying up when she felt eyes on her.

Glancing over her shoulder, she found Miss G leaning against the door post, her arms folded and her blue eyes slightly narrowed.

Laura remembered how rude she'd been on her first day here and went back to tidying the books away.

She heard Miss G step into the room and as Laura sneaked a glance at her, she saw the swimming teacher looking at all the different paintings which were mainly all the girls own work now. Laura had taken down her own, telling the girls that she wanted their work on display in her classroom, not hidden away in some dusty closet.

Fingering one of the paintings, Miss G looked over at Laura.

"Are these all the girls' work?" She asked lightly.

Laura nodded but didn't say anything, she just continued tidying up the paints and brushes.

"You don't talk much do you?" Miss G asked, her tone a little sharper.

Laura straightened and looked straight at the other teacher, her gaze unwavering.

"Well when one has a door slammed in their face, it's difficult to want to strike up a conversation with the one responsible."

Miss G let a small smirk play on her lips then.

"You caught me on a bad day, that's all."

Laura just shrugged and went over to the sink to wash the brushes out.

"If you're still sore about it and I offended you then I apologise." Miss G said but Laura could tell that she didn't mean it, her tone slightly mocking.

Laura shrugged dismissively.

"Oh come now, darling, can't we at least try to be friends?"

Laura turned around to find that Miss G had moved closer to her.

"I keep to myself mostly." Laura told her flatly then brushed past her.

Miss G grinned.

"All the girls rage about you. They think you're amazing! I can't get a word in edgeways!" She told her, laughing as she did.

"Well I'm glad I've made such an impact on them. Now if you'll excuse me, I plan to retire for the evening."

Miss G stared Laura out until with a slight shake of her head and a small smile, she stepped aside and Laura left the classroom with her head held high.

She wouldn't be intimidated by this woman.

Miss G may be the exotic one around here, she may be beautiful and mysterious but she was no better than Laura. Where as Laura was obviously attractive, Miss G had a dangerous air about her that drew you in and repelled you all at once.

Laura wouldn't be making the mistake of getting too close.

...

Miss G kept her distance for quite a few weeks, seemingly not as bothered with Laura as the blonde teacher had first believed her to be.

Laura was the new girl and Miss G had thought her boring until the girls and the rest of the staff seemed to want to be around Laura more and more. So of course, Miss G had to find out what all the fuss was about and now she had, it seemed like she was satisfied and had backed off.

Laura relaxed but she couldn't deny the fact that her impromptu meeting with Miss G had her slightly rattled. The woman was intimidating and intense, it made Laura feel like she couldn't breathe whenever the dark haired teacher got too close.

One day, when all the girls were painting, Laura walking amongst them, looking and praising their work, a loud knock came at the door and all the girls, including Laura herself, looked up to see Miss G smiling in at them.

"Sorry to interrupt your lesson, Miss Floyd but I have a free lesson and I just wondered if I could sit in and watch the girls paint?"

Laura bit the inside of her cheek, hard.

She couldn't very well refuse her, not in front of the girls and Miss G knew that.

Forcing a tight smile, Laura nodded.

"Of course, Miss G. Have a seat."

Unsurprisingly, Miss G took the seat right in the centre of the room, so in order for Laura to see and observe each of the girl's work, she would have to pass Miss G whichever direction she turned.

Miss G was content to just sit and watch the girls when she frowned at one girl's painting in particular.

"Dotty, why is that horse green?"

Dotty paused, her paint brush in mid air.

"Miss Floyd said we could paint them whatever colour we wanted, Miss."

Miss G looked up to find Laura looking at her.

"Did she?"

Miss G stood then and just like that, she'd taken over the entire room.

"And why, Miss Floyd did you allow that?" She questioned, folding her arms, a puzzled frown on her face.

"Because life can be boring and the imagination these girls have shouldn't be squandered. Surely you agree to let their creativity flourish, Miss G?"

A strange look passed in Miss G's blue eyes before her lips quirked and she nodded her head once.

"I do. And I must say, Dotty, the horse looks much better in green."

Dotty smiled, pleased with the praise coming from another teacher.

Laura saw the secretive smile that Miss G gave her and it made her put her head down, pretending to be involved in some other paperwork she had on her desk.

Time went by quickly and once the girls had gone, Laura shut the door and let out a breath, leaning back against it.

"Are they that bad?"

Laura flinched.

She'd forgotten that Miss G was still in here, she honestly thought she'd seen her leave with the girls.

Laura put a hand to her racing heart and swallowed.

Miss G chuckled.

"Ah, you thought you were alone."

Laura licked her lips and pushed back off the door, going over to her desk.

"Isn't it time you left?" She muttered, the irritation clear in her voice.

"Still don't want to be friends?" Miss G mocked with a pout.

"I told you, I-"

Miss G waved a hand in her face flippantly.

"Yes, yes, lone wolf and all that but really darling, do you want to work here without a single friend?"

Laura raised her chin.

"I've done well on my own before."

Miss G looked like she didn't believe her, instead choosing to use that intense gaze of her's on Laura.

Laura held up as best as she could until Miss G took a step forward and Laura instinctively stepped back, looking down.

Miss G sauntered past her.

"See you tomorrow, darling." She cooed then left Laura's classroom.

Laura took a breath and then released it slowly, trying to calm herself.

She'd met women like Miss G before; they tried to intimidate using whatever means necessary and if anything, she probably felt threatened as Laura was garnering all the attention as of late and Miss G had been pushed aside but Laura knew how things worked; Laura was the new girl, this wouldn't last forever and soon enough, Miss G would be back in the spotlight and then she'd leave Laura alone.

All Laura had to do was wait it out.

Miss G never took lunch with the other teachers, Laura had noticed, choosing to take her meals in her own room which Laura had been told by one of the girls that it also doubled as Miss G's classroom.

On her way back from her last lesson, Laura couldn't help but notice that Miss G's room had been left unlocked. She knew Miss G was on a swimming lesson with the girls right now so it couldn't hurt to take a look inside.

Making sure no one was around, Laura slipped inside and shut the door behind her.

The room was as she expected; dark, musty and with a very antique air about it, almost as if she was in an antique shop herself. Trinkets and ornaments were everywhere, books upon books and a trunk full of hats and feather boas.

Laura went over to Miss G's desk and opened the top drawer. Part of her felt bad for invading Miss G's privacy like this but another part of her couldn't help it, the woman was a riddle wrapped in a mystery and Laura just had to find out who she truly was.

Her first clue was when she found a letter with her full surname written on it; Miss Gribben.

Ah, so that's what the G stood for.

But what about her first name? And why did Laura care about it so much? Maybe because she knew that Miss G knew her first name and in a strange way it kind of gave her an advantage.

It encouraged Laura to look deeper and she went through every single drawer on Miss G's desk until she found what she was looking for.

Smiling to herself, she tidied everything away and took one last look around the room. She walked over to a book that sat open on the window sill and frowned.

Miss G seemed so kept together, why would she leave a book open like this, almost as though she...

A few droplets of rain pelted the window in front of her and it was then that Laura realised something; the swimming lesson had been cancelled due to the coming rain. Which meant that Miss G never had a lesson. Which meant that she had been here only moments before Laura had taken a quick exploration. So that meant that Miss G would be-

"Laura?"

Laura froze, her hand on top of the book.

She turned to look at Miss G who stood in the doorway, a puzzled expression on her face and her arms folded.

"What are you doing?"

Laura looked around.

How could she explain why she was in here?

"I erm, I wondered if you had a book I'm looking for?"

Miss G raised an eyebrow.

"A book?"

She came further into the room, shutting the door and shaking her head as she made her way over to where Laura was standing awkwardly with her hand on the open book.

"Do you really expect me to believe that you came in here looking for a book?"

"W-why else would I be here?" Laura stammered.

"Alright. I'll play along. What book did you want?"

Laura couldn't for the life of her think of a book. Any book would have done but nothing sprung to mind. Not a title, not a colour, nor an author, nothing.

Miss G gave her a cold smile as she stepped closer and took the book that sat under Laura's hand.

"Is it this one?" Miss G asked, holding it up.

Laura looked at the cover. It didn't matter what it was, it would look too obvious if she was to say that it was indeed the book she was looking for.

Miss G looked down at the book she held and shut it with a loud snap.

"Of course it's not. Because you were not looking for a book, were you, darling?"

Laura stayed quiet. It was like she was frozen to the spot she now stood on.

"No, you were looking around because you were curious. You wanted to see my classroom because I have been in yours' and you have a mild interest in me because I can be so...oh, what's the word? Cold? And you're just dying to figure out if I have any warmth beneath that icy exterior."

Laura blinked.

"I wouldn't say cold."

"You wouldn't?"

Laura shook her head and licked her lips.

"You're sharp, obnoxious most of the time and arrogant."

Miss G looked slightly amused.

"Am I?"

Laura said nothing but Miss G clearly wasn't done and she came to stand next to Laura near the window, the single shaft of daylight-or what could pass as daylight considering it was raining-slashed across her face.

"You know, Laura-" Laura's name sounded like a curse coming from Miss G's lips, like something nasty and tasteless on her tongue. It made Laura visibly flinch.

-"you're well liked now, some might say loved even but it won't last. It's because you're new. Once they see that you're just like everybody else, they'll leave you alone. They'll completely forget about you. You'll be nothing." She finished with a slight shrug and cold smile.

"You mean like your family did to you." Laura said quietly.

Miss G froze, staring at Laura, her eyes a mixture of shock and instant anger.

Laura continued despite her fear that this woman would go into a blinding rage.

"I know all about you, Miss G or Miss Gribben. I know that your own father dumped you here when you were just a girl and you've never left. The stories you tell the girls, they're all fantasies and lies. You live your life as though it's one big act and you are constantly playing a part. You're not even real, are you?"

The slap was hard and it made Laura's head spin and produced a loud ringing sound in her ears. Her jaw ached from the force of it and she put a hand up to what she was sure was a reddening patch on her left cheek.

Miss G stared at Laura, at what she'd done.

She eventually turned away, anger radiating off of her. Though whether at Laura or herself, Laura couldn't tell.

"You know nothing about me." She whispered, her voice coming out like a hiss.

"I know enough." Laura said, her voice trembling a little. She didn't want to get hit again.

Miss G turned to look at her.

"What I tell the girls, it's real. All of it. It really happened to me. I went through everything I said I did. I would never lie to them. Not to my girls."

Laura opened her mouth to protest Miss G's lies but she looked into wide, frightened blue eyes and saw desperation there;

Miss G was so scared that Laura would shatter her perfect illusion, so scared that she would strip away the false persona that Miss G had created for herself in order to protect herself perhaps, that she truly believed her own lies.

Laura deflated.

She didn't have the heart to be cruel to this woman, no matter how many lies she'd told or how many stories she'd made up, Miss G believed in her own lies. She didn't know what was real anymore and for that, Laura was sorry and she felt pity for her.

slowly, Laura's eyes met Miss G's, still wide and frightened.

She nodded her head slowly.

"Alright. I believe you. I should never have presumed to know you, Miss G. I'm sorry."

Laura moved past her to leave the room but before she reached the door, Miss G's voice murmured into the dark room;

"My name is Anna. Anna Gribben."

...

Laura chose to avoid Miss G after that. Now that she knew her real name it put them on an even footing but being around the other woman still made Laura feel uneasy.

She was willing to bet that Miss G hated her now anyway so it was probably better if she kept her distance.

It had been a little over a month and Miss G hadn't been seen, at least not by Laura. It was as if they both timed things so they were able to avoid each other.

But then one day, when Laura found herself with no lessons, she began to paint.

She painted a landscape of a faraway country, imagining what it would be like, what she would want it to look like.

There was a bright sun, lush green grass and a small river bank that lead up to a waterfall. Laura could almost feel how peaceful it would be if she could only just go there.

She hadn't realised it until a knock came at her door, that she'd been in here all day, just painting, making the landscape look more real, more perfect.

A place she'd love to visit if she had the chance.

The knock made her jump and she spun around on the stool. Her eyes widened when she saw Miss G standing there, a stoic expression on her face that quickly gave way to something that looked very close to amazement.

Laura looked at her, trying to read her expression and trying to figure out why it was there.

"Are you alright?"

Miss G nodded but her eyes never left the spot behind Laura.

Laura glanced behind her.

Miss G was looking at the painting.

"Did you paint that?" She asked, her voice full of awe and wonder.

Laura swallowed and nodded.

"I did. I must have lost track of time. I've been in here all day."

Miss G came further into the room to get a better look at the painting and when she spoke, she sounded distracted.

"I know... We were all wondering where you were..."

Laura watched as Miss G came to stand next to her, staring at the painting.

"Is this a real place? Have you ever been there?"

Laura smiled a little.

"No. It's erm, it's my imagination."

Miss G glanced down at her briefly before turning her attention back to the painting.

"You imagined all this?"

Laura nodded and scratched the back of her neck.

No one had ever looked at her art like this before and it was both humbling and made her feel a little on display all at the same time.

"It's beautiful..." Miss G murmured, her eyes taking everything in.

Laura looked at what she'd painted too. She was proud of it.

"It reminds me of a land I once visited." Miss G told her, her smoky voice deep and more bold now.

Laura inwardly sighed, it seemed Miss G was still living in her fantasy land, nevertheless, she played along.

"When did you visit this place?"

"Oh years ago. I hardly remember why I was even there but I do remember how beautiful it was...there was a girl there, like you funnily enough."

Laura looked away and this time she rolled her eyes.

"Imagine that."

Miss G didn't notice the bored tone or if she did, she was choosing to ignore it.

She finally straightened and looked down at Laura.

"Come and have tea with me." She said and she made it sound like an order, even though she was smiling.

Laura let out a small bark of laughter.

"What? It's almost midnight!"

"Does that matter? Come, we have much to talk about, you and I."

Laura looked down as Miss G offered her hand.

Laura stood but didn't take the offered hand.

If she was offended, Miss G didn't show it, just simply lead the way out of Laura's classroom and to her own.

Laura couldn't help but follow her, despite her better judgement.

She'd been in Miss G's room before but this time felt different and Miss G seemed almost giddy at the fact that Laura had agreed to have tea with her.

"Come in, sit." She said, gesturing to an arm chair next to her own.

Laura sat down slowly and watched as Miss G started preparing the tea.

"It seems that you and I are more alike than I thought." She said.

I'm nothing like you. Laura wanted to spit out at her but she held it back and kept her stoic expression.

"We've both been to faraway lands and seen things that only others could hope to dream of."

Laura let out a breath.

Not this again.

Maybe Miss G believed her lies so much because no one had ever corrected her or called her out on it.

Laura knew her history, she knew she'd been dumped here by her father when she was a little girl. She was a recluse and Laura knew it.

But she also saw at times, despite how good an actress she was, that Miss G was also extremely fragile so she had to tread carefully.

Once the tea was done, Miss G handed a cup to Laura and then sat down with her own.

Blue eyes instantly focused on Laura.

"Where did you learn to paint like that?" She asked, instantly curious.

Laura blinked, thrown by the sudden question.

"I-I'm not sure. I've always been able to paint."

An amused frown slightly creased Miss G's brow.

"You didn't go to a prestigious school or have a tutor?"

"No. None of that." Laura admitted.

Miss G sat back and stared at Laura for an uncomfortably long amount of time.

"So you're just gifted."

Laura chuckled lightly.

"I suppose so. It's kind of you to say."

Miss G's expression softened just a little.

"I only speak the truth."

Laura fought the urge to roll her eyes at that.

"What about you, Miss G-"

"Please, darling, when we're alone, you may call me Anna."

So this was going to be a regular thing then?

Laura swallowed.

"Anna, then. Do you have any talents?"

She shrugged slightly.

"I swim but I wouldn't call it a talent. I erm… I like...I like..."

Laura watched as Miss G's blue eyes clouded over. As if she was suddenly lost and couldn't find her way back to Laura again.

"Anna?" Laura gently nudged her and Miss G instantly blinked and a false smile presented itself but she didn't say anything.

Laura frowned slightly, looking into Miss G's eyes.

"Where did you go just now?" She asked softly.

Miss G blinked again as though thinking.

"Do you know... I don't know."

Laura couldn't help but laugh and Miss G laughed with her.

Laura was laughing so much that she hadn't noticed that Miss G had stopped and was now looking intently at her, almost as if she were studying her.

Laura glanced at her and slowly, she stopped laughing too.

Miss G's gaze became cool then and she raised her chin slightly.

"I love your laugh."

Laura felt a little embarrassed by that and her cheeks reddened.

Miss G gave a short chuckle.

"Don't be ashamed, darling. It's a good thing."

Laura raised an eyebrow at her.

"It's a good thing that you love my laugh?"

Miss G nodded.

"I have a feeling that there are many things to love about you."

Laura realised where this was going; she recognized the tone and the way Miss G was looking at her and suddenly, she didn't want to be here anymore.

"I-er, I have to go." Laura said, putting her unfinished tea on the side and getting to her feet.

Miss G reached out, gently touching her wrist, looking worried.

"Was it something I said?"

"No, no, it's just late and I'm-I'm tired."

Laura went to move forward when Miss G's light touch on her wrist became a loose grip instead.

Laura looked down into blue eyes that had darkened.

"It is what I said."

Laura said nothing but she looked away, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth.

"Darling, I can't help how I feel about you." Miss G whispered.

Laura looked at her, expecting to see Miss G's expression softened or maybe a strange pleading look in her eyes but there was nothing, only determination which made Laura feel slightly uneasy.

"We work together, Anna. It-"

"Do you feel the same about me?" Miss G interrupted.

Laura knew that if she told her the truth, Miss G would break.

Laura would admit that Miss G was intriguing, that she held a dark mystery within her that Laura was just dying to explore and she was very attractive, beautiful even; with her bright blue eyes, shoulder length dark hair and that bright smile that lit up anyone she turned it on, Laura would have to have been blind not to notice her.

Laura looked at her again and this time, Miss G looked a little worried.

"I will admit...there is something about you."

A smile- small but a real smile- played on Miss G's lips and she stroked her thumb in circles on Laura's wrist.

"When you first came here I didn't much care for you."

Laura smirked.

"Oh I know."

Miss G chuckled.

"I tried everything; I tried to poison the girls minds against you, told them you're work wasn't practical and that they'd never learn anything. I spoke to the other teachers, told them I heard some nasty rumours about you but...all to no avail. Everyone loves you." She said with a small shrug.

Her eyes looked up at Laura then, full of adoration.

"And now so do I."

Laura didn't know how to feel. She did know however, that if she loved someone, hearing them say it to her was suposed to feel like she was sitting in the sun as it warmed her whole body, she was meant to feel happier than she'd ever thought possible but hearing Miss G say it...it just sounded...wrong.

It wasn't because Miss G was a woman.

Laura had come here for a fresh start, to get away from the woman who'd broken her heart in the first place. Now that woman, Laura had loved without a doubt but Miss G? Laura felt her insides twist uncomfortably.

Instead, she forced a smile and gently pulled her wrist through Miss G's loose grip and gave her hand a quick but light squeeze before removing herself completely.

"I really should go."

Miss G nodded.

"Of course. We both have lessons tomorrow."

Laura made her way to the door with Miss G following her.

"You should come by when I have a swimming lesson with the girls. It's only fair since I have sat in on one of your art classes."

Laura nodded, that false smile still present and making her jaw ache.

"That would be nice."

Miss G raised her chin and smiled back but she looked more triumphant than pleased.

"Perfect. I shall see you tomorrow."

Laura nodded and left Miss G's room.

Tomorrow.

The sun was unusually warm today and Laura had decided that while she had a free lesson, she would take her book and sit by the lake and get some sun.

She was actually looking forward to it.

A sharp, sudden knock at the door made her flinch and pulled her roughly from her day dream.

Turning to look at who had interrupted her, she came face to face with a beaming smile and bright blue eyes.

"Miss G, can I help you?" Laura asked, resuming to calling her by her surname; calling her 'Anna' felt too intimate now.

If Miss G was puzzled by the sudden formality, she didn't show it.

"I have a swimming lesson. I wondered if you wanted to join me."

Laura felt her chances at a quiet afternoon slipping away.

"Oh...I was going to..." Laura trailed off when Miss G's eyes suddenly dulled and she almost pouted.

Laura wasn't getting out of this one.

She smiled and then nodded.

"I can always do it another day, of course I'll join you."

Miss G's bright smile returned.

"Fantastic! Me and the girls will see you at the lake."

Then she left without waiting for Laura to say another word.

Laura sighed and put her book away, so much for a relaxing afternoon.

The girls all turned and smiled at Laura as she walked onto the wooden decking that held up the diving platform.

She gave them all a smile in return.

Miss G also smiled at her but her's was more guarded.

"I invited Miss Floyd along to watch us today." The dark haired teacher told the girls and they just seemed all the more pleased at having someone else watch their dives.

Laura took a seat next to Miss G and watched as the first girl climbed the ladder and up onto the platform.

Miss G looked up, her hand shielding her eyes from the sun, Laura did the same, squinting a little.

The girl jumped and cut through the water like a hot knife through butter, smooth and elegant.

Laura gasped in surprise at how smoothly the girl had dived.

Miss G glanced at her and smiled warmly at her.

"She's good, isn't she?"

Laura nodded, speechless.

These girls were so young yet they possessed so much courage, Laura could only ever be in awe of them.

The girl came up gasping for air and then swam towards the platform.

Another girl took to the platform soon after and also executed a perfect dive but she threw in a summersault too.

Laura clapped this time and Miss G chuckled lightly as she clapped too.

"She's only showing off because you're here."

Laura's cheeks reddened a little.

"I don't think that's the reason-"

Miss G cut her off by turning in her chair to look at her, her expression serious.

"Oh but it is! They want to impress you, Laura and...why wouldn't they want your approval?" Miss G said but Laura felt the question was just Miss G thinking out loud and when she looked up and into blue eyes, Laura saw an intensity in them as Miss G leaned forward towards her.

Laura flinched back.

"Not here!" She hissed but she was more shocked than anything.

Miss G smirked.

"You think the girls would be shocked to see two women sharing a kiss?"

"I think the girls would be shocked to see their two teachers sharing a kiss." Laura corrected.

Miss G chuckled and then sat back.

"Yes, I suppose it would be seen as being unprofessional, wouldn't it?"

Again Laura didn't answer.

Miss G's questions always sounded rhetorical, as though she didn't even expect Laura to answer them.

They'd both been so wrapped up in their conversation that they almost didn't hear one of the girls shout for Miss G.

The dark haired teacher's head whipped up and she frowned at the girl.

"What is it?" She barked back.

"It's Molly! She's drowning!"

Miss G stood and hurried to the edge of the plank, Laura followed her.

"Where is she? I don't see her." Miss G snapped, looking into the water.

"She went under!" Another girl cried.

Laura's heartbeat thundered in her ears and she felt hot and cold all at the same time, panic threatening to render her immobile.

Miss G was still looking into the water when Laura launched herself in.

The water made the girls shouts of surprise and horror muffled as Laura opened her eyes under the water and found the girl. She wasn't moving. Laura swam towards her, wrapped an arm around her waist and dragged her to the surface. She broke through the water with a gasp and dragged her to where Miss G and the other girls were looking anxiously at them.

"I don't know if she's breathing!" Laura shouted as she climbed out and laid the girl down on the wooden deck.

Miss G came forward then and listened to the girl's heartbeat.

Frowning, her lips twisting into a grim line, Miss G began CPR on the girl.

"Come on, come on." She bit out as she started chest compressions.

Laura stood by, dripping wet but not caring.

After a few more tries, the girl spluttered and coughed, bringing up a lungful of water.

Miss G sat back on her heels and let out a breath of relief.

"Georgina, take Molly to the nurse, make sure she's alright. The rest of you, go and get changed. That's enough for today."

The girls hurried off to the changing cubicles without protest.

Laura would have to check on them later to make sure they were all alright.

Miss G got to her feet while Laura turned to look back at the water.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and stiffened.

"You were incredible." Miss G said, awe in her tone.

Laura turned around, her glare focused and her anger barely in control.

"She nearly died, Anna. We nearly lost a girl today." She snapped, forgetting that she had gone back to using her surname.

"But...she's fine now. Because of you. Because of what you did for her."

"I wouldn't have had to do anything if you'd been keeping an eye on your girls and not been so wrapped up in kissing me!"

Miss G stared at Laura, shock and hurt warring with each other on her face.

"I was only teasing you. I wouldn't have kissed you in front of the girls."

"That isn't the point! You should have been watching them! You are their teacher!"

"So are you!" Miss G suddenly thundered and she stepped forward, getting in Laura's face.

"You were watching them with me today, Laura, let's not forget that. You are just as much to blame for what happened to that girl as much as I am."

Her voice was low and dangerous and suddenly, Laura didn't feel so safe being on her own with Miss G anymore.

"I need to go." Laura said quietly.

"Well maybe you should. You've done enough damage for one day." Miss G growled.

Laura was still too uneasy around the other teacher to argue but she had seen something in Miss G's eyes that gave her pause.

This woman, intimidating as she may be and as eager for Laura's approval as she'd claimed, was something else.

There was something about her that put Laura on edge and she hadn't seen it until she'd dared to argue with Miss G.

Laura hated to admit it but she was afraid of Miss G now...

Darkness made the school feel more like a haunted mansion as Laura slowly walked it's halls. She was too tired and too wound up to sleep and besides, she was going to check on the girl, Molly, who had almost died today.

Slipping quietly into the girl's rooms, Laura made her way over to where Molly lay on her side. Laura gently shook her shoulder to wake the girl but she was already awake.

Rolling onto her back, Molly frowned up at Laura in confusion.

"Miss Floyd?"

Laura gave her a warm smile and kept her voice low so the other girls wouldn't be disturbed.

"Hello, Molly, I just wanted to see how you are."

Molly blinked and then sighed.

"I still can't believe I almost died."

Laura gave her a sympathetic smile but in truth, the realisation of it, hit her all over again.

"Molly, I am so sorry. We should have been watching you more closely."

"Don't be sorry, Miss. If you hadn't have come in and saved me, I really would have died."

Laura swallowed thickly and forced a smile, patting the girl's arm.

"I'm just glad you're alright. I suppose you'll be avoiding swimming for a little while." She half joked.

Molly nodded then bit her lip, big brown eyes looking up at Laura almost pleadingly.

"Miss?"

"Yes?"

"I was wondering, when all the other girls have swimming lessons, can I come and sit with you in your class?"

Laura nodded instantly, not caring what the Head Mistress would say or the other teachers for that matter.

"Of course you can. I could always do with another pair of hands to help with my art work."

It was a lie of course but the smile on Molly's face was enough of a reward to make Laura genuinely look forward to spending time with the girl.

"I'll let you get some sleep now. Try to put this awful day behind you and instead focus on how much fun we're going to have with our art work."

Molly's smile brightened and then she finally settled down to sleep.

Laura slipped out of the room and quietly shut the door.

Her own smile felt more genuine now and she felt better about everything.

Molly was ok.

She'd saved her.

Nothing bad had really happened, it had been prevented.

"I was just coming to check on her myself."

Miss G's deep, smoky voice made Laura flinch and her hand flew to her heart to control it's racing.

Miss G seemed amused by this but then a little puzzled when Laura moved away from her.

"How is she?" Miss G asked, looking Laura up and down.

Laura licked her lips and nodded.

"She's better."

Miss G nodded.

"That's-that's good."

There was a pause as Miss G began wringing her hands.

"She'll be better once she's back in the water next week."

Laura frowned at the other teacher.

"She's not going back to swimming yet."

Miss G frowned.

"And why not?"

"Because she almost died!" Laura hissed, remembering to keep quiet.

Miss G suddenly gripped Laura's upper arm and dragged her down the stairs and into her room, shutting the door behind her.

When she turned around, she found Miss G glaring at her.

"So she's going to miss my lessons because of a little accident?"

"It wasn't a little accident. We could have lost her!"

"You are so dramatic."

"I just want Molly to feel safe and she doesn't right now."

"So what will she do while the rest of the girls are swimming? Watch?"

Laura looked down at her boots and then raised her eyes to meet Miss G's.

"She wants to sit in with me."

Miss G raised an eyebrow.

"With you? In that stuffy art class?"

Laura bristled at that but then nodded her head firmly.

"If that's what it takes to make her feel safe again, then yes. I said I would allow it."

Miss G folded her arms then.

"Have you cleared this with the Head Mistress?"

Laura swallowed.

"No...not yet but I'm sure she'd-"

"Then you have no right to say what Molly can and can't do. She's going to be at that swimming lesson next week." Miss G said with finality, turning her back on Laura.

Laura had so many people in her life that had tried to control her and the things going on around her. Miss G might be intimidating but there was no way that she was going to control what Laura did or the girls she was in charge of.

"No."

Miss G paused and turned around.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I said no. I won't let you take her."

Miss G blinked.

"Take her?"

"To your lesson. It's a waste of time anyway."

Miss G looked shocked as her eyes widened.

"What?"

"All you do is teach them how to dive. You've never advanced beyond that. You've never let them compete. You've never listened to what they'd like to do-"

"What they'd like to do? They're young girls, they don't know what they want!"

"No, Anna, I'm starting to think that that's your problem."

"You've been here five minutes, you don't even know how a proper lesson is run."

"And you do? Watching them jump off a wooden plank into sometimes freezing water?"

Laura stepped closer to Miss G, threatening, and to Laura's surprise, Miss G began backing up towards the door as Laura stalked her.

"When they tell you they're too cold and the weather is terrible for a swim, do you listen? Do you even consider cancelling the lesson in favour of their health?"

"I-I..." Miss G was at a loss for words...but Laura wasn't.

"No because you only care about them seeing that you're in control. Well you're not, not with them and you're not with me."

Miss G's back hit the door and she gasped.

Laura looked at her.

"From now on, you stay away from me."

Laura looked into Miss G's eyes as they darted backwards and forwards, her breathing heavy.

Laura frowned.

She was scared.

Miss G was actually scared.

"Are you...are you scared?" Laura asked, trying to gentle her tone, she was just genuinely curious.

Miss G licked her lips and a nervous smile played across them.

"I think you've mis-read the situation." Miss G said.

Laura didn't know what to think but Miss G grabbed the front of Laura's robe and pulled her forward, pressing a kiss to her lips.

Laura wanted to pull back but then Miss G was persistent, urging Laura to open her mouth.

She knew it was wrong. Miss G- Anna, whatever she wanted to be called- it'd been so long since anyone had wanted her like this and to feel another person close to her, it was everything she'd been missing for so long, so she let Miss G deepen the kiss and despite herself and how much she hated this woman, Laura moaned.

Miss G raised her hands and buried them in Laura's blonde hair as Laura kissed her back.

Miss G growled and lightly bit Laura's lip then grinned up into her eyes.

"I knew you liked me." She whispered.

Laura took a step back, wondering at what she'd just done, at what she'd just allowed to happen.

"But you don't like me." Laura said, clearly confused.

Miss G still had that predatory gaze focused on Laura.

"I didn't, that's true. I thought you were a nice girl. Simple, plain but then the painting, that intrigued me. It showed me that you have a different view of the world to everybody else and then you argued with me, tried to put me in my place...no one has ever tried to do that to me."

Laura looked unsure all over again.

"You like being bested?"

"I like a challenge and you, Laura are certainly that." She replied, coming forward again.

Laura moved back and Miss G grinned again.

"Oh don't go all shy on me now."

"I'm-I'm not. It's just..."

"Just what?"

Laura shook her head, muttering as she pushed past Miss G to leave.

"I need to think about this."

Laura couldn't get her head around all this.

Miss G had hated her when she'd first come to the school and now she was all over her.

Laura had once again tried keeping her distance only this time, Miss G seemed to appear wherever she went;

She took lunch away from the other teachers. Miss G had found her.

Laura had gone deep into the forest to read and paint some more. Miss G had found her.

She'd even gone to the changing cubicles by the lake when the girls weren't using them but still Miss G had managed to find her.

She always insisted that they were just in the same place at the same time but Laura highly doubted that.

Laura decided that rather than hiding from Miss G, she'd just go about her day and hopefully Miss G would grow bored with her.

However when this proved fruitless, Laura took to hiding in the cubicles again, only this time, she went at night. She was worried that Miss G would come and find her in her own room and try something.

Laura had to admit that she wasn't sure she would say no and that scared her more than anything.

Laura got herself as comfortable as possible on one of the hard wooden benches and propped her head up with a pillow she'd brought from her own room.

Just as she was closing her eyes, she heard a door open.

She'd found her again.

Laura sighed and sat up.

Normally, Miss G would start flirting with her, toying with her in a way, and then she'd leave her be but this time was different; Miss G's voice sounded small when she spoke.

Laura could see her feet from under the door.

"You really are avoiding me."

Laura's lips parted.

She hadn't expected the other teacher to sound so hurt but she had no words of comfort for her either.

"Are you afraid of me?" She asked, the worry clear in her voice and when Laura didn't answer straight away, Miss G put a hand on the wooden door and lowered her voice to almost a whisper.

"I don't want you to be afraid of me, Laura. I want...I want you to-to just give this a chance."

Laura frowned.

Miss G licked her lips nervously.

"I've never felt like this before...about anyone. The gardener, he comes here every day but I've never looked at him the way I look at you. It's confusing for me and I've tried not to want you, Laura but..." She trailed off and Laura looked at the door.

Maybe she'd walk away, leave Laura in peace but Laura found that suddenly she didn't want that.

Miss G might be a fantasist but that didn't mean she was a bad person.

She was probably angry at how confused she was and if she'd never felt like this before, she was struggling with her new-found feelings.

Laura could relate to the first time she'd ever developed feelings for a woman; it was a scary and confusing time, accepting what she was had been difficult but in time she'd learned just to accept who she was and love herself for it, even if no one else did. She would rather be alone living her truth than be surrounded by people and weighed down with a lie.

Maybe she could help Miss G after all.

Laura unlocked the door and Miss G looked relieved even though there were tears in her blue eyes.

Laura held her arms open to her without saying a word and Miss G gladly came to her, her eyes closing as she sagged against Laura.

She gripped onto her like Laura like would disappear if she let her go.

Miss G brought her mouth close to Laura's ear.

"Help me...help me understand what this means..."

Laura pulled back and a little and nodded then Miss G pulled her into another hug.

Laura took her back to her room and made sure she was settled before she made her move to leave but before she could walk away, Miss G reached out and wrapped a hand around her wrist.

"Stay with me." She whispered.

Laura opened her mouth to say that she couldn't. What would anyone think if she was caught sneaking out of Miss G's room early in the morning?

But Miss G's blue eyes were misting over and Laura wondered if she'd start crying again.

Laura knelt beside the couch as she pried her wrist free from Miss G's grip as she held her hand instead.

"What if someone catches me in here?"

Miss G's eyes suddenly sparkled mischievously.

"Well, what if they do? They wouldn't think it odd...unless you're planning on doing something incredibly naughty."

Laura blushed and she lowered her head until Miss G slipped a finger under her chin, making Laura's gaze lock with her's.

"Is that what you want?"

Laura bit her lip.

"I-I don't know."

Miss G frowned a little.

"You don't know?"

"Well do you?" Laura snapped and then sighed when Miss G recoiled from her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap but this is just as confusing for me too."

"How can it be?"

"Because I...I don't know how I feel about you."

Miss G's frown became deeper.

"I thought you liked me..."

"I do like you, really I do but...you're talking about something else, Anna. Something I'm not even sure I want...from you."

"You mean you don't know if you want to sleep with me or not." Just like all of Miss G's questions, it wasn't posed as a question but more of a statement.

Laura sighed.

"Maybe I should go."

"Maybe you should just feel instead of trying to justify everything for a change." Miss G muttered.

Laura frowned down at her.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Miss G sat up then and looked up at her, those cloudy blue eyes looking a little darker than before.

"You always have to think everything through, you don't ever live in the moment."

Laura raised an eyebrow at her.

"And you do?"

Before Laura could process what was happening, Miss G had grabbed the front of Laura's top and dragged her down for a searing kiss.

Laura froze for only a moment, unsure of what to do and how she felt.

Miss G whispered against her lips.

"Don't think, just feel."

She kissed her again and Laura still didn't move.

"How does this make you feel? Tell me." Miss G whispered as she peppered Laura's jaw with barely there kisses.

"I erm…I-"

"Do you like it?"

Laura nodded her head and she felt Miss G's lips curve into a smile as she continued leaving her mark on Laura's neck.

Laura gasped.

"Do you want me stop?"

Laura swallowed.

"No..."

Oh god, what was she doing?

Laura couldn't tell if she wanted this because she really did have feelings for Miss G or because she liked being desired more and how could she make the other woman understand either option?

Miss G pulled back to look into Laura's eyes.

"So...shall I lock the door or are you going to run like you do from everything else?"

Author's Note: So that's part 1 up, hope you all liked it. as I mentioned before, comments are welcome and if you'd like me to come up with part 2, let me know.

Thanks for reading