This is a short-ish chapter as it's a bit of a filler. And I've also had a rough day, so I apologise if this is shit. Thank you for your lovely feedback. Don't forget to leave a review x


The canteen is reasonably quiet. Most of the kids are outside, enjoying the sun. I look out the window from where I'm sitting. The table at the back. It's where me and Nikki usually sit. But I doubt we'll be eating together anymore. We're merely colleagues, nothing but professional. I envy the teachers sat in groups, gossiping over something not even the slightest bit interesting. And here I am, stuck inside, picking at my 'lunch' with a fork. Alone. I look down at the plastic tray in front of me, watching the chips drown in watery gravy, before pushing it away from me. Just the sight of it makes me feel sick.

Then the door opens and I can hear Nikki's boots making little tip tap sounds as she approaches Maggie, collecting her tray of thick muck. My eyes fixed on her short brunette hair which was ebbing at her jawline. I watch her tuck her hair behind her ear, revealing a little bruise on her neck. A bruise which I left during a night of passion and lust. She turns and spots me, walking towards me with a smile. And for a moment, I think she's going to sit with me, and act like nothing happened. But she doesn't. She sits on the table in front of me, facing me still. I smile at her. A small smile. Nothing more than professional. And she forces a smile back.

"Alright miss," Jack cheered from across room, his mates sat with him. "Nice love-bite." He sniggered, watching as she quickly placed her hand over the bruise. Waves of guilt build up inside me as she rushes out of the canteen. Embarrassed and ashamed.

And I don't know what to say or do. I want to go after her and make sure she's okay. Help her hide the bruise. Try and make her laugh about the whole thing. But I don't. I just stay here, pretending like I don't give a fuck about how she feels. When really, I'm the only one that cares. I can hear people mumbling about it. Teacher's tutting about how unprofessional Nikki was. And I can't stand the annoying murmurs any longer. So I leave my seat and walk so confidently out of the canteen. Not really sure where I was going. Anywhere but here.


I go to the staffroom, eager for a cup of strong coffee, thankful that nobody else was around. The tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee attacking my senses. I stirred the sugar, mindlessly sighing at myself. The door flew open and a rather flustered Nikki entered, her face miserable and sad. She slummed into a chair, turning her head away from me, obviously acknowledging that I'm in the room.

"Do you want a coffee?" I asked, showing no hint of emotion in my voice. Keeping it cool.

She shakes her head, a little too vigorously. "No." I can sense the anger in her voice. But I can't tell if she's mad at me, or at herself.

"Are you okay?" I allow myself to trail off from the whole 'staying professional' route. Nikki deserves that, at least.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" She replied, sarcasm dripping from her lips.

"Nikki." Just one mention of her name and she's looking up at me. Her beady eyes begging me to save her. I raise my eyebrows a little, making her smile reappear.

"How bad is it?" She asked, pointing to the bruise on her neck. I screwed my nose up, attempting to stifle a laugh. "Oh, god. Is it that bad?!" She giggled, hitting me playfully on the arm.

"No, it's fine. Do you want some make-up to cover it up?" I rummage around in my bag for the make-up. Getting it out and giving it to Nikki, who takes it thankfully. After a few attempts at applying it herself, she gives up and looks at me with a mischievous look on her face.

"Can you do it for me please? I just can't see where I'm putting it and it would be easier for you to do it anyway." She babbles uncontrollably. Something I find incredibly cute. I nod, taking the make-up back off her and slowly applying it to the bruise. Making sure that it's totally covered up, to avoid any more embarrassment.

As I touch her neck one last time, I can feel the electricity pumping through us both. And it's something I miss. I miss her touch. I miss that feeling I get when she's around. I miss being able to smile at her innocently, the meaning behind the smile explaining so much more.

"There." I say lightly, moving back a little to admire the masterpiece. To admire Nikki.

"Thank you." She almost whispered, her voice so soft and beautiful. Standing up, towing over me, our bodies so close. I could feel the heat radiating from herself onto me. I can't help but stare at her lips, shaped in the form of a sort of mini pout. And it's adorable. I want to feel the softness of her lips against mine. Taste her tongue on mine. But I can't. And I'm soon knocked out of my thoughts as she's moving her body away, walking at a slow, cool pace towards the door. Turning to see me, her eyes lingering on me for too long, just before she leaves.

And I can't help but smile at myself as a little spark of hope is found. Maybe, just maybe, there is chance for me and Nikki after all.


Again, I'm sorry that it's so bad. Leave feedback :') thank you guys xoxo