A/N: Thanks for the reviews :) this is the last part I have written in advance and haven't fully decided what will happen next so will update when I can! X
~Mini Peacelet~
Born To Fly - Part 17
"So, what's happened? What makes you think you've messed up big time?" Now that her company was a little more calm, Lorraine chose to press for information.
She knew Nikki. The fact that Nikki was considerably stressed, anxious and loaded with regret, explained for itself that something pretty major had occurred and was bothering her. But never before had she been able to fault Nikki's work and professionalism; she was perfect at her role.
The brunette inhaled a sharp breath, fiddling with her fingers as a distraction, and the entire tale about how Gabriella was selling dodgy shots on behalf of Barry and then blackmailed into her keeping quiet by threatening the safety of herself and baby tumbled from her lips in an apprehensive ramble.
"You can't tell anyone, please." Nikki implored, the fear and desperation slurring her tone has her mortified eyes flickered continuously, "I realise how stupid and foolish I was and I deeply regret that Lenny Brown has ended up in hospital, but I just don't trust Barry."
"It's okay, Nik." The benefactress reassured and rested her hand tenderly on the older female's knee, "I'm not going to say anything. I understand why you reacted like you did."
"I won't let my personal thoughts cloud my professional judgement again." She promised, "It was just a irrational spur of the moment." Her clenched fist collided with the arm of the couch in frustration as she knew that she could have prevented the whole situation with Lenny.
Lorraine grasped the English teacher's scrunched up hands to avert her hurting herself in her spell of anger, "I know you're angry and blame yourself but there's nothing you can do now." As blunt as it sounded, it was true.
"Stop beating yourself up about it and accept that you did what you felt was right at the time. It's natural instincts to do whatever's gonna protect you and your baby." She instructed firmly and tried to soothe the situation.
"No one else needs to know and I'm sure Lenny is gonna make a full recovery. Soon I'm gonna be your new boss again, and I'm choosing not to reprimand you. Because I know it's not normal behaviour from you. Okay?"
Nikki nodded and allowed her eyes to engage with the blonde's, "Why are you even back, Lorraine?" It was a question she had been wondering since lunch, unsure totally why Lorraine Donnegan had chosen to reconsider her role as benefactress.
An easy smile graced Lorraine's lips and she polished off her glass of exquisite wine before answering, "I heard that the council were trying to shut the school down and merge the pupils with another local school. I did some research and the students at Waterloo Road are never gonna merge with the likes of Havelock. Not to mention the fact that the teachers at Waterloo Road are one offs. I'd rather make the school independent again then allow this to happen."
"But the reason you left last time was because you were financially funding the school indefinitely. Are you only coming back with a load of money for five or ten years? Are you gonna make it private and fee paying? I don't understand, Lorraine." The teacher queried as she tried to piece everything together.
"No," The blonde shook her head, softly curled locks bouncing on her shoulders, "I have a sponsor that will prove financial stability for the school for a long time."
The brunette nodded and a faint smile curled at her lips; she should have comprehended that the fiery female would have deciphered a plot in advance. The conversation continued to flow with ease - maybe that was the alcohol's influence - and Nikki found herself comfortable in her ex's company. It was strange.
"I've got great plans for the school, with spectacular visions and concepts! I can't wait to get back and start introducing them." Lorraine beamed infectiously, gratefully accepting the top up of wine from the older woman slumped on the sofa next to her, "I'll finally get the opportunity to accomplish what I intended to do in the first place without Michael interfering and suppressing my proposals."
Nikki listened attentively, fixed on the distraction that she was truly appreciative off. She was able to forgot about the entire drama regarding Gabriella and the dangerous shots; it was impermanent bliss. She could handle the whole thing with the arrogant adolescent demanding a date with Hector. That was simple.
"You and me, Nik. We are the ones that are gonna make this happen. Waterloo Road will be the best school in the country, parents will be coming from miles around to enrol their kids here!" The benefactress continued zealously, "I'm not gonna lie, there are gonna be changes that will be enforced pretty rapidly. I've got some new teachers lined up, they're fantastic. The kids are gonna get the finest education possible. And Nik, I want you as my head teacher."
The no nonsense teacher's eyes expanded dramatically, "What?! No, no. I can't be head teacher. I..I don't want that role." She faltered in a flustered ramble, raking her fingers through her tousled hair.
"Nik, you're the best one for that job..."
"I don't want it." She raised her voice marginally, stamping a firm and definite decision, "I'm not ready for that position. Even if I was, I couldn't do that to Christine. And now wouldn't be the right time, anyway. Not with my pregnancy. I'll be taking maternity and I doubt I'd handle the pressure."
The multi-millionaire rolled her sparkling orbs, "You'd be miles better than that ex-alcoholic maniac. She's a loose cannon!"
"She's also my wife!" Nikki's teeth were gritted, so hard that her jaw was beginning to ache and pulsate, "I won't let you talk about her like that. Not ever." She scolded bitterly and regained her equilibrium, slamming the empty wine glass on the table, "I should be going." She stalked towards the door.
"I'm sorry! What I said was out of order." The blonde leapt to her feet and apologised, "Wait!" The brunette paused and pirouetted round sharply, impatiently waiting for what else had to be said, although she was sure all that was needed had been spoken. But Lorraine simply inclined forward and pressed her hot pink lipsticked lips against the older female's lips.
A hot, sizzling kiss. Tenderly smooth lips. Tasty strawberry lipstick. The teacher found herself responding to the kiss with equal passion momentarily. And then she vaulted away promptly, repulsion succumbing her features. Yet that smoking, pulsating sensation was still very much present.
"That should never have happened. I'm sorry, Lorraine. I'm married and I love my wife very much. I have to go." Nikki didn't wait for a reply as she darted out the door and hurried home, leaving the blonde speechless and dazed at what had just happened.