3. The invitation
Tom and Nikki strode into the staffroom together ready for their staff briefing. Nikki followed closely behind Tom, although it was common knowledge that they were a couple they both knew that it was important to uphold a professional working attitude and so didn't publically display their affection for each other, the last thing they wanted was malicious rumours spreading around.
Tom headed over to the small kitchen area and began making himself a cup of coffee, whilst Nikki took a seat and got out her copy of 'The God of Small Things'. Tom had been amazed that she hadn't already read it, exclaiming 'it's a literary gem!' he was teaching it to his year 12 A-level class and so insisted that Nikki read it to.
As reluctant as she had initially been she was quite enjoying the novel. She appreciated how beautifully written the story was, despite confusing the non chronological storyline. However today Nikki was finding it increasingly difficult to keep her mind occupied on the book…
Nikki looked up from her book and saw tom chatting to Michael over a cup of coffee, she smiled weakly just as Christine came over and occupied the seat opposite her.
Not that Nikki disliked Christine but Nikki disliked Christine, she tried to be polite but she just found her blonde colleague so irritating almost smug, although she had never held her alcoholism against her, Nikki jus wasn't a fan of Christine Mulgrew.
'Morning', Christine chirruped as she sat down 'Ooooh God of small things? The bit when Velutha dies just gets me every time'. Her voice pierced Nikki's skin and she knew Christine had given the plot away on purpose; Nikki huffed and closed the book.
'Hi' she replied barely looking at the other woman.
Tom stirred the coffee he had made for himself and was skimming the sports section of 'the times' as the rest of the teachers filed in, Grantly Budgen plonked himself down on his usual perch and got out 'the racing post' Tom shook his head, some things never change.
'Morning Tom' Michael was wearing his usual suit and carrying various files and bits of paper, he was a picture of professionalism.
'alright' tom replied looking up from his paper.
'Hey, me and Christine are barbequing on Friday night, do you and Nikki want to join us? Connor and Imogen will be there, you could bring Josh? How's he doing, is the medication working?'
'yeah he's getting there thanks, er, barbeque right, yeah thanks, I'll just have to clear it with Nik, I reckon it'll be fine'
'Great, well, if you come over about 6?'
'yeah'
Tom looked over at his girlfriend who was looking intensely displeased at Christine's attempt at conversation. It could be fun, he thought to himself.