Annabelle awoke to a series of loud, repeated knocks on her door, each one muffled by her bedspread and dozy state. She glanced at the alarm clock – 7:30am. "Huh? Hmm… what? I'm awake?" The knocking continued. Annabelle realised she would have to get up, so she stumbled out of bed and answered the door in her plaid pyjama pants and a loose-fitting black t-shirt. Sister Claire looked back at her, somewhat expressionless. "We need to have an urgent staff meeting, something's come up." Without saying any more the older woman turned around and disappeared downstairs. Annabelle was still in a state of confusion, what could this be about?
Looking slightly more presentable than before, Annabelle entered the staff meeting room and gestured apologies for her lateness and scruffy appearance. As she sat down, other staff members were muttering between themselves and there was a heaviness to the room. Sister Claire addressed the group, "There's been a situation unfolding overnight. Mother Immaculata is very unwell and has been taken to hospital." There were a few quiet gasps and Annabelle felt her heart drop a little. She cared for the woman, despite everything that had happened. "Now obviously for the meantime we are without a headmistress. I know all your teaching plates are full and with exams coming up I didn't think it would be fair to drop this responsibility on any of you." That was a relief. Annabelle knew she had more than enough to deal with amongst rowdy students, Lucy seeming to have a crush on her, and her own personal battles. She let out a deep sigh. Sister Claire continued, "I've made a few phone calls this morning and thankfully someone has volunteered for the job. Simone Bradley will be arriving this afternoon as Acting Headmistress." Silence. Now her heart really paid attention. Annabelle could feel her pulse racing and her palms sweating, not sure what to do with this piece of information. She hadn't received a reply to the text she sent, so she really didn't know where she stood with Simone. Only time could tell.
All day she could only think of Simone. It was seven long hours until 4pm, Miss Bradley's anticipated arrival time. As she tried to teach, Annabelle was having vivid flashbacks of that time they spent together. She opted not to teach any material that was covered in Simone's classes, as she wasn't sure she could handle it. As the hot summer weather only added to her stress, she felt like she was going to pass out. The bell rang, and Jessica Edwards approached her desk on the way out. "Miss Tillman, are you okay? You don't look so flash…"
"Oh, honestly don't worry about me… Just the heat, you know?" Annabelle replied, unconvincingly.
"I heard Miss Bradley is coming back, is it true!?"
"Yes that's right. I think she'll be worried about her Aunt so we all need to be nice and easy on her okay? Make sure you tell the other girls."
"Okay Miss Tillman, sure," she obeyed with a smile, and left.
By the time 4pm rolled around Annabelle was beside herself. She had finished teaching her music class and ran back down the hill and up to her bedroom, where she had a good view of the driveway and entrance to Saint Theresa's. She knew she had to hide, at least for a little while. Did Simone even know she was here? Was she mad about the text she sent? Did it give her any clues? Annabelle didn't expect to be staring her in the face right after that confession. The trees were swaying in the wind and the familiar sound of crunching stones could only mean one thing – she was here. Annabelle recognised Simone's blue convertible in an instant, it was the same one they took to the beach. As the door opened she unknowingly held her breath, as Simone stepped out looking as beautiful and graceful as ever. She took off her sunglasses and looked up the main building, reflecting and smiling. She was obviously happy to be back. Annabelle flipped onto her back and held her pillow over her face, daunted by what was in store. It was too much, seeing her was all too much.
The clunk of heels came up the stairs and Annabelle could hear two muffled voices. One of them was Sister Claire. "You'll be staying in Mother Immaculata's suite, I'm afraid your old apartment is now occupied."
"Ahh yes, that old place…" Simone replied. "It was so peaceful there. I hope it hasn't been torn to shreds?"
"No no, I can assure you it's being well looked after," the sister replied.
"Do you mind…" Simone hesistated. "Could I maybe just see it? It's been so long."
Shit. Annabelle was panicking inside, hoping Sister Claire would turn her away. She jumped up from her bed, not knowing where to go, where to stand, if she should change clothes or hide in another room. In her blind panic, she simply stood still in the entrance way. The door began to creak open, and Annabelle could do nothing but look straight ahead. Simone emerged, alone, and visibly stunned once she realised who she was looking at. The pair gazed at each other, scanning for reactions. Annabelle just shrugged. Simone glanced over at the bed. Here they were, in the very spot they were caught all those years ago. And yet, so much had changed.