This chapter has been inspired by a combination of things... Thank you for the lovely comments and for following the story.

–

Caroline got herself comfortable on the sofa, her baby daughter in her arms. "Flora, are you ready to hear mummy play beautiful music?" She kissed the infant's flawless little cheek and looked up and smiled at Kate, who was poised at the piano.

Kate smiled back, took a deep breath, and began to play Prelude No.15 by Chopin.

"Oh, that's gorgeous." Caroline closed her eyes and allowed her senses to be consumed by the gentle notes. She always felt so lucky that she had her own 'personal pianist' in Kate. Their love of classical music was one of many things they had in common, but Caroline also delighted in the fact that Kate was so knowledgeable about both the historical and technical aspects of music. Moving Kate's baby grand into the sitting room at Conway Drive had been no mean feat, but well worth the effort as it gave the room a new ambience. Caroline leaned further back into the plump cushions and began to reminisce about the first time she had listened to this piece of music with Kate.

It had been in Kate's house, late one autumn Sunday afternoon.

The two women were sitting at opposite ends of the sofa, each clasping a glass of cabernet sauvignon, watching the dancing flames of the coal fire, and listening to a restful selection of Chopin. They had been spending more and more time together outside of school ever since Caroline had confided in Kate that John had left her and the boys. Gradually, Caroline's defences had dropped and she now considered the music and languages teacher to be a good friend – her only close friend, besides her mother. As for Kate, she knew she was falling for her beautiful, sad, companion.

"I suppose I should be making tracks soon," Caroline said, reluctantly. "This has been lovely, Kate. Thanks for lunch. And for… well, everything, really." She smiled shyly.

"It's a pleasure. As always. I love your company." Kate blushed. Did that sound too strong? She hoped not.

"And I – I – really enjoy being with you, too."

"Do you? I'm glad you said that." Suddenly, Kate felt she had to get something off her chest. And whether it was the wine, or the cosy room, or the soothing music, she knew it was now or never. "Because, Caroline... I – really care about you."

"Oh, that's – that's a nice thing to say," Caroline smiled again and thought for a moment. "I care about you as well."

"What I mean is – " Kate swallowed nervously, then bit her lip, then stopped. Then decided to continue. "I like you. A lot. I mean, I really like you." She threw her eyes up at her own inability to convey what she meant. "Caroline, I – I've got a crush on you." She averted her gaze and focused on the fire.

"A – crush? On me?" Caroline asked calmly.

Kate just nodded. Oh, what if she'd blown it? She was worried that Caroline would think her offer of friendship had harboured an ulterior motive. She was scared that her confession would create a rift between them, just as they were becoming close and comfortable in one another's company. She was terrified of losing Caroline.

Caroline gently placed a hand on Kate's arm. "That's very… I'm, I'm very flattered. Really." She waited patiently for Kate to make eye contact and, when she did, Caroline smiled. "Thank you."

Kate couldn't speak; instead, she returned the smile and felt her eyes moistening. As they held one another's gaze, the opening notes of Chopin's Prelude No.15 began to play.

Nothing more was said about the matter that day. Instead, the two resumed their previous conversation about Caroline's having to go home. At the front door, she took both of Kate's hands in hers. "See you tomorrow, Kate. And thanks again for a lovely day."

With that, she was gone. Without looking back, she walked down the path, got into her car and drove away.

"You idiot," Kate muttered to herself.

–

The following day at school was a typical, mad Monday, the air filled with the tension of a new week struggling to accept that the weekend was finally over. Kate's teaching timetable was packed on Mondays, however, which meant the day passed quickly for her. Caroline's schedule consisted of meeting after meeting after meeting. She was glad when a glance at her watch informed her it was half past four. She decided to call it a day.

The heavy rain battering on the classroom window had made up Kate's mind for her. She would wait until the worst of it had subsided before driving home, and use the time to tidy up her desk and the cupboards. She tended to enjoy the quietude of her room when the students, and most of the staff, had left for the day. Her classroom door was open but she was standing with her back to it, engrossed in sorting the paperwork on her desk. She didn't hear Caroline enter the room until she was standing next to her. Kate's eyes travelled slowly from the headteacher's hand, up her navy-blue jacket sleeve, to her bright blue eyes.

"Hi." Caroline looked nervous.

"Hi."

"I – I meant to say something, yesterday, but I – I couldn't. Not at that precise moment."

"Say what?" Kate ventured, trying to ignore the butterflies that had just appeared in her stomach.

"Well, not 'say', exactly, erm, I mean, 'do.' I meant to do something yesterday."

This time, Kate didn't dare ask. She waited in silence.

"I meant… to do… this."

Caroline leaned towards Kate and kissed her tenderly on the lips, involuntarily closing her eyes as she did so. Even though it was a brief interlude, she could feel that Kate kissed her back, much to her relief. When they broke apart, Caroline's face was pink. "I – I'd better go."

"OK," Kate said breathily.

"See you tomorrow." Caroline walked to the classroom door but, this time before she left, she paused, turned and smiled sweetly, then disappeared along the corridor.

–

Caroline opened her eyes and looked down at Flora, who was now fast asleep in her arms.

Kate finished playing the piece of music, then came to sit next to her wife on the sofa.

"You were miles away just now, weren't you?" she smiled.

"Just thinking. Remembering."

"About our 'prelude'?"

"Mmm."

It had certainly been the start of something very special.

–

Thank you for reading.