Lessons to Learn

Chapter 6

It was Monday afternoon when Edith turned down the radio's volume and entered the parking lot in front of the school. It wasn't her school but Mama's.

Edith had only the rest of her final year of school to manage. She did her exam preparations silently, not causing such agitation as Mary had done. Now that Edith had to do it all herself, she understood Mary's fuss about it even less. Last year at this time the whole family was supporting her elder sister eagerly. Mary here, Mary there. Every domestic burden was taken from her shoulders. Edith thought it wasn't Mary that had graduated but the whole Crawley family. Now, Mary was a busy and important grown-up, studying something 'on her own'. As often as Edith saw her mother bent over Mary's studies, Edith doubted even that. Finishing school wasn't done just like that, she knew that. Edith too had some subjects she was struggling with, but it seemed rather unfair to her that Mary was always emphasising Edith's whining, while Edith meanwhile thought she had managed to keep her greatly diminished whining to herself. Mary, in contrast, seemed to have no problem with openly wailing about life's injustices and annoyances. Mary really was so pathetic.

Slowly Edith rolled towards the empty parking spaces, tapping her nails on the steering wheel when she had to halt completely to let two students pass. The bulk of the pupils had already left the school at this hour. It was half an hour past end of school. Edith was picking up her mother as arranged earlier in the course of the day. Mama had an appointment at the other end of town and Edith had agreed to drive her there. Otherwise, it would have become stressful for Mama to make it there in time.

The car Edith used was actually Mama's, but she barely took advantage of this possession. She only chose to take the car when she had larger undertakings after work. Usually, she rode her bike to school and enjoyed the time out in the fresh air. Today however she had nearly forgotten that there was this appointment in the afternoon. She had made her way to school as every day and Edith had driven to her own in the small red car as every day. As soon as Edith had parked the vehicle on her parking spot at 8 am, she had received a call from Mama telling her she had messed up her time schedule and needed a lift.

Now, Edith waited for her mother who took her time to appear. Edith decided to leave the car for a moment and enjoy the spring air as Mama liked to proclaim. She opened the car door, stood up and leaned against the car in the opened door. She was lowering her sunglasses, which she'd pushed onto her head, when a familiar face approached her. Elsie Hughes was not only Mama's headmistress but, in a way, also a family's friend. She knew the girls quite well and had been there for dinner sometimes in the past. It was a tradition that had lost its regularity.

"Edith," Elsie greeted after she spotted the girl. She came to stand in front of Edith on the other side of the car.

"Hello, Elsie," Edith spoke softly, and smiled warmly at the woman. She decided to place the sunglasses back on her head. She liked Elsie especially because she knew the dear relationship she had with her mother. The two women were lucky to have each other as colleagues at this school. Edith knew the impact a reliable contact could have. She had to admit to herself that she rarely enjoyed this advantage and luxury.

"Are you waiting for your mother?" Elsie asked. Edith only answered with a nod.

"It's nice to see you here. I'm sure Cora can use your support well," Elsie continued, and switched the basket that kept her stuff from one hand to the other. Edith noticed the straight posture of the woman in spite of the heavy weight on one side. It prompted her to correct her own slightly slumped posture instantly.

"Of course, family supports each other," Edith remarked, and she meant it, until her thoughts wandered to her elder sister. Suddenly the statement left a bitter taste on her tongue. "After all, it's also Mama's car I'm using. It's the least I can do to pick her up now and again," she added.

"Well, I wish you a nice afternoon together," Elsie stated. Edith opened her mouth to explain that there would be no afternoon spent together, but Elsie continued, "I have to make my exit now. Maybe we'll see each other again soon. Perhaps you'll make it to our easter school fair." Elsie lifted her hand to say goodbye and made her way back around the car.

"Yes, maybe," Edith called behind the retreating headmistress with a confused expression. She didn't know of any easter school fair. She was about to lower her sunglasses again when Elsie turned back around.

"Ah, Edith. Would you give that to your mother?" she uttered while fumbling in her basket. The headmistress pulled out a bunch of papers and flipped the pages at an incredible pace. Edith eyes weren't able to follow the swift movements.

"Here," Elsie stated, and held out some sort of list to Edith. "It's about the art expeditions. Your mother knows what it is." Edith nodded and took the sheet. Over Elsie's head she spotted her mother emerging from the school building. By her side was a young man, laughing heartily at something her mother must have said.

"Thank you, dear," Elsie spoke softly. She sorted the rest of the papers to put them back into her basket.

"Who is that?" Edith had uttered the question without thinking.

"Who?" Elsie looked up and turned around, following Edith's gaze.

"Oh, that's Charles Blake," she stated matter-of-factly. Edith observed the animated conversation and noticed that she was surprised by Mama's wide smile and her chiming laugh. Did she think Mama couldn't have fun at work? It was a ridiculous thought.

"See you!" Elsie bowed out again. She finally approached her car across the parking lot for real.

Edith lifted her arm and waved at her mother as soon as she was entering the parking lot with her colleague. Mama responded eagerly and now the warm smile was directed at Edith. Edith grinned unwillingly at the happy demeanour of Mama. It always managed to warm and sooth her heart. Mama turned to her colleague to say goodbye and approached Edith with quick steps afterwards.

"Hey, darling! I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long," Mama greeted.

Edith shook her head, "No, it's alright. Elsie gave me this for you. She said, you'd know what it's about." She handed her mother the sheet across the roof of the car. Mama mustered the paper and her face soon lit up with understanding.

"Ah, right! The expeditions," she murmured. Edith entered the car. Mama sank on the passenger seat next to her. She shoved the paper into her bag and Edith couldn't watch, because the way the paper threatened to crumple made her feel highly uncomfortable. How could Mama stuff so many things into her bag? Edith remembered well the time some years ago when her mother had asked her to fetch her bag from the hallway. Edith had been overwhelmed by the sheer weight of her mother's not-large-looking bag. Since then, she prepared herself mentally before lifting Mama's handbag.

Edith started the motor and manoeuvred them out of the parking space.

"So, what kind of appointment do you have?" she asked her mother.

"Some teacher training. Elsie wants to give me more responsibilities in the Arts council of the school. I have to do some more courses on it, and maybe I end up with less teaching hours and more administration tasks, I think. I'm still considering if that's really what I want," Mama told.

"And how long will that training be today?" Edith requested, her eyes directed straight ahead.

"A few hours or so. I don't know exactly. You'd manage to prepare some pasta if I couldn't make it in time for dinner, right?" Mama turned to look at Edith.

"Of course, don't worry!" Edith answered nodding. "Will Mary be there for dinner?" she added after a while. There was a short silence when she turned right at a crossroads.

"Yes, why shouldn't she?" Mama uttered eventually.

"I don't know. It's just that she has more important things to do lately than grant her family the honour to attend dinner," the words tumbled out of her mouth before she could think twice about it. After all, it wasn't her mother's doing that Mary was insufferable. It wasn't fair to adopt a nasty tone when speaking to Mama about that matter.

"Mary has her own life, but I'm quite positive she will be attending dinner tonight," Mama's voice was firm and calm. The topic was over and done with. The times where the sisters were constantly snitching was gone. Edith knew Mama wouldn't hear any more of it and probably it was better to let it rest. After all, Edith had her own life to live too.

Robert was rushing to work. Yesterday the preparations for the new system set up had started and today he had to check a lot of formalities to ensure the quick finalisation of the contract, and therefore could avoid a delay in the process. He hadn't been able to read through all the necessary papers yesterday evening. Robert had brought them home but had been greeted by the absence of his wife which meant he and Edith had to manage some sort of improvised dinner. He had been irked by the obvious struggles he had had. It was not that he couldn't manage to prepare a meal for the family, it just hadn't worked particularly well last evening. Probably because his mind was still on other things. If Cora had told him in advance that she wouldn't be there, he would have been mentally prepared. He huffed and accelerated his pace, approaching the entrance of the bank. He would just have to do it all today. Perhaps, John would lend him a hand. After all, they had decided to share the workload. The contracts, however, really were a matter for the boss. But Robert didn't lose hope that his friend would kindly give a helping hand.

…

The sound of his steps was muted by the carpeted floor. He could hear light murmur from opened office doors and a low conversation from the other end of the corridor. It was a pleasant soundscape that aided to calm down his high-running mind. Robert had read pages of contract papers and data protection policies and his head was buzzing at the moment. He had decided to walk the corridors and get himself a glass of water from the water cooler that was positioned on every floor. Moving his legs about made the tense in his head loosen slightly. John wasn't there today. Unfortunately, he lied in bed with a nasty cold. So, Robert had done all the contract reading himself. He had to say, he had done so well and managed to finish it faster than he'd hoped.

He pushed up his left sleeve a trifle and threw a glance at his watch. Quarter past twelve. Cora should have recess right now. He took his phone from his back pocket and dialled her number.

He longed to hear her soothing voice. He had to think about the fact that it had been ages since he had taken her out the last time. Maybe they would manage now. He should definitely ask her. A night at the opera would be great but maybe not very realistic. A dinner in one of their favourite restaurants would be just as nice. She could finally wear some of her flattering dresses again. And she would gush about their night out days in advance in anticipation. Yes, he should definitely take her out soon.

The ringing continued as he passed Rosamund's office. The door was open, and she sat at her desk, the forehead buried in her hands. The purple nails dug into her curls and scalp. Robert's brow furrowed and he slowed his steps to come to a halt in front of her room. Cora didn't pick up and he put his phone back into his pocket. He took a step and stood in the threshold of his sister's office door now. Lightly he knocked on the doorway and harrumphed tentatively.

"Ros?" Her head lifted slowly from her hands and her neutral expression assessed him distantly. Robert wasn't able to sort her emotional state. She showed no sign of distress, but she wasn't his all flippy Rosamund either.

"What is it?" she asked finally. Her voice was slightly bored but surprisingly sharp. Robert's lungs deflated at the first attempt to engage her in light chitchat. Every word he might say would seemingly burn in her loaded aura. He squared his shoulders and inhaled deeply to try again.

"Would you come for a word?" he asked in a firm voice and pointed his head down the corridor. He knew, with a vague and soft attitude he wouldn't achieve anything with Rosamund.

Wordlessly she rose from her seat, her glance directed at the desk but far away. As she rounded the desk, she swiftly grabbed her mug and took a quick sip of her coffee. Appropriately steeled she lifted her gaze to her brother and encouraged him with a short nod to step out into the hallway. Robert led the way down the corridor and knew without looking at her that Rosamund must be confused that he went the opposite way of his office. However, she didn't mention any confusion and seemed to follow him. He stopped in front of the water cooler. His hands reached out for the plastic cups. He handed Rosamund one silently and took one himself.

"So, what is it?" Rosamund enquired when he let the water drop noisily into his cup.

"How are you?" Robert asked calmly, and he turned his face to her. He searched her appearance for a sign of discomfort. She didn't like to be asked that question in earnest. He spotted how her lips drew into a thin line and how her arms grew stiff at her sides.

"Really, Robert?" she rebuked. "That's what you wanted to know? You could have read my status. That says it all," was her snappy comment.

"Busy?" he recalled the latest content of her status.

"Exactly!" She grabbed his now filled cup and gave him her empty one, before turning around and striding down the corridor back to her office. Robert shook his head. Her demeanour wasn't untypical for her, but she really must be in a nasty mood. He always felt unsure of how to approach her in such situations. He had learned over the years what to rather avoid, but he still preferred to let Marmaduke or sometimes Cora handle Rosamund's moods.

Still shaking his head, Robert filled his cup and downed it in one gulp just to refill it instantly. He made his way back to his office, and when he walked past his sister's office, he noticed that the door was closed now. Not quite ready to face the bunch of papers on his desk again, he made a stopover at his secretary's office. He knocked on the doorway and his secretary looked up from her computer, greeting him with a kind smile.

"Hello, Robert! Anything I can do for you?" her voice was gentle. She took her hands from the keyboard and clasped them.

"I'm just waiting for the work to do itself," Robert remarked with a grin. "But I don't want to keep you from doing yours, Anna."

He took a sip of his cold water and approached the pinboard next to the entrance. It held flyers important for the bank staff, Anna had to overlook. But there were also a few postcards co-workers had sent from their holiday. Robert spotted something new, and his lips turned into a smile. There was a photo in the lower corner of the pinboard that showed Anna and her newlywedded husband, John. Anna and John had taken to each other as soon as Anna started working at the bank as Robert's secretary four years ago. It hadn't taken long that they'd started dating. A little less than a year ago John had asked her to marry him, and finally they had done what everyone at the bank had expected the moment Anna and John had given each other dreamy glances in the hallways.

"That's new," Robert stated and pointed to the picture.

"Yes," Anna answered instantly. She seemed to know exactly what he meant, even if he was blocking her view on the pinboard. "Do you like it?" she added.

Robert turned around and saw her rosy cheeks. "Oh, of course! It's lovely!" Anna's cheeks adopted a brighter blush.

Their wedding had been privately, only the two of them. They'd preferred it that way and Robert could totally understand that. It had something comfortable and intimate about it. His wedding had been differently, but he could see the romance in John's and Anna's way of doing it. The picture showed the two of them in front of some respectable building, John in a suit even more handsome than the ones he chose to wear to work and Anna in a modest but flattering light dress. Her usually tied-up hair was styled in a half-updo that suited her, if Robert had a right to judge. Most of all, however, Robert liked their smiles in the picture. He could see they tried to do so moderately but just couldn't hold back their teeth-exposing grins.

"By the way, how's John? He wrote to me that he is lying in bed since yesterday afternoon," Robert inquired. Anna's face went serious. Her eyebrows drew together while she nodded.

"Yes, it got him pretty bad. At least, that's how he's acting," Anna spoke. She looked Robert in the eyes before adding, "But if I dare say, it seems like man-flu to me." She turned back to her computer, pressing her lips together to hide the smirk. Robert didn't know how to answer that, but he had to chuckle at the image of a snivelling John.

"Well then. Wish him a speedy recovery! I have to get back to my desk." Anna nodded, and he turned to head out of the office.

Cora entered her office with her head full of thoughts in the morning. This week had started rather well but not without a certain amount of hectic she expected from every workday this year. The classes she taught were very restless and turbulent. Cora's demands on the pupils, however, didn't change and her work had been much more strenuous. Robert had supported her sweetly the weeks that were most exhausting, but she knew she had to be able to manage herself. Robert had his own work and stress to handle. And she was aware of the fact that the coming weeks would be full of work for him. Maybe it was time for her to support him a little more, even if he wasn't sharing his news from the bank with her. It didn't mean she couldn't relieve him here and there.

Cora retrieved her diary from her bag and checked today's appointments. She had scolded herself for the faux pas yesterday. She felt bad for incommoding Edith and Robert. It hadn't gone smoothly, and she could have avoided this. But it had just slipped her mind. Probably Mary's cryptic statements made on Saturday had occupied her. She still didn't know what to make of Mary's strange call for help. She had said she had done something bad without being aware of it back then. Cora hadn't been able to give valid advice to a problem this vague. But it didn't make her worry any less. Of course, she had advised Mary to attempt to make up for whatever she had done wrong, but Mary had said it wasn't that easy. A tiny pacification had been that Mary had promised to approach her again if she still had problems. Cora's thoughts wandered back to Mary's burden again and again. She hoped it wasn't too bad and wouldn't cause any other oblivions of appointments or so.

In her diary she saw the meeting she had written down just yesterday. After she had had a brief conversation with Elsie on the hallway yesterday, they had agreed on an appointment for today to go further into detail. Elsie had told Cora about the plans she had for her. The teacher's training had been scheduled for Cora even before, but it helped the plans Elsie had in mind. Cora's tasks should cover more leading ones for the art sector in the school. She wouldn't be able to teach as many classes but the ones she had at the moment wouldn't be hard to say goodbye to. Cora actually liked nearly all classes she had taught. There were some that been particularly hard to let go. But her current classes exhausted her most of the time and she didn't grow quite warm with them. She was curious about the meeting with Elsie and the ideas her headmistress would tell her.

Their appointment was scheduled for the first break time. Before that, she had English lesson with her final years. She collected her papers for class and had struggles to find her cup of coffee beneath all the sheets spread on her desk. It was a riddle to her how fast the papers managed to flood the entire tabletop. She had only emptied her bag's paper content when she had looked for her diary and now there was this mess on her desk, she had no choice but to sort out right now. Cora threw a glance at her watch. She had fifteen minutes left until the lesson started which would be enough time for a small cleaning session. She stacked up the papers. A few found their way back into her handbag; she wouldn't need them today. Others, she noticed, had been carried around with her in vain. A surprisingly large number of documents was destined for the bin.

"Ha!" she exclaimed triumphantly as she found her coffee under last week's handout for Architecture of Ancient Greece. She took a large sip and then another, because she could really need that before the large group of disinterest-radiating adolescents demanded her energy. Her brow furrowed when she noticed the yellow piece of paper that was one of the few that were left on the tabletop. She opened the folded note and recognised the note that had confused her last week. She couldn't recall if she had thrown it away back then. But because it wasn't hers and she didn't know to whom it was addressed she thought it best to dispose it now. The small paper floated into the bin under her desk when she threw it in this direction with an often performed gesture. Her mind dreaded to think about the coming lesson. Cora had no problem to teach older and grown-up students, but she hated to stand in front of a class that showed their boredom and lack of interest so openly. She had to admit, and that was a feeling she couldn't recall ever having this strong in the past, that she looked forward to this class's graduation with greatest anticipation. She so hoped for a new class next year that was not only nice and kind but mostly willing to learn and listen.

But it was no use now, she had to go to class. When she exited her office and made her way down the hallway she had to smile because she noticed how her mind settled on everything but the impending lesson in a determined manner. She enjoyed the sound of her heels on the polished school floor, she relished the gentle breeze on the hallway that slipped in through door to the yard, she savoured the streak of light that fell in through the tall windows. Her years of experience allowed her to give lessons with a minimum of preparation. Her mind took advantage of that and sought gentle refuges until the last minute.

…

Cora was on her way to Elsie's office. She manoeuvred through the pulks of students that exited the classrooms eagerly after their first class. Cora pressed her documents to her side and exhaled audibly after the fruitless lesson with the final years. Sometimes she asked herself why she did that, teaching teens that did everything to not pick up a word from what she said. She didn't allow herself these thoughts, but they arouse every now and then. She blinked a few times to let go of the completed lesson and directed her thoughts at the meeting with Elsie. She was in front of the headmistress' office now and lifted her hand to knock on the door.

"Cora!" She turned her head when she heard someone calling her name. She spotted Oliver who approached her, a determined expression directed at her.

"What is it? I have an appointment now," she replied as soon as he was by her side. She didn't like to shout across the entire hallway.

"I just thought you maybe had time for a coffee," Oliver explained while scratching the side of his head. "But I didn't know you were busy."

"Well, that's nice. But look, today is really bad, I think. I really have no free minute, but I'm sure we'll see each other in the teacher's lounge or so," Cora offered. She gave Oliver an apologizing look and his eyes shot up with an unexpected glint. He made a swift movement with his head to shake a long strand of his fringes to the side.

"Oh, but that's what I meant. A coffee together in the teacher's lounge. I noticed how restless you've been lately, and I thought to offer you a short moment of peace in your busy schedule." He grinned at her tentatively. Cora gulped at the misunderstanding.

"Oh, I see. Maybe it will work out spontaneously. But I really have to go now." She pointed her head to the door and knocked in an instant.

"Alright, see you!" Oliver said and lifted his hand to say his goodbye. Cora closed her eyes before she entered the room. She was annoyed with herself for getting the wrong impression of Oliver's words. She must seem aloof after the way she had expected a real coffee date and had acted like a person too popular and busy for his time. She was afraid to act like that unknowingly when she was drowned in work and she hated herself when it happened, nevertheless.

She closed the door noiselessly behind her and the sounds from the hallway were kept outside.

"Hello, Cora!" Elsie greeted and pointed to the seat in front of her desk.

"Hello," Cora answered in soft voice. She took use of not having to talk aloud. She sank onto the seat and placed her documents on the tabletop in front of her.

"How are you?" Elsie inquired with her hands clasped and her full attention on Cora.

"Oh, fine. I'm fine now that I'm done with the final years," she laughed. Elsie nodded understandingly.

"Yes, I'm sorry you were given this class. But I have to say I'm glad that this class has at least the chance to learn something with you. I'm sure you manage this rather well," the headmistress spoke and leaned forward while talking.

"Oh, I don't want to make a fuss. I'm just happy that I'm done with it for today. At any rate it is good that I have this lesson first thing in the morning and then I don't have to bother with it the rest of the day," Cora reassured. Her hands smoothed over the papers in front of her. "So, what are your plans for me?" she asked, and an excited smile appeared on her face. She raised her eyebrows expectantly at her counterpart.

"As I said, there is a vacancy in the council part of the school. Mr Johnson is retiring soon, and I don't want the arts underrepresented. We both know that you are the ideal successor."

"But it would mean a reduction of teaching hours, right?" Cora asked.

"Yes, indeed. I know that you enjoy teaching a lot and that you would miss it at the latest when we arrange the responsibilities of the new classes coming school year. But you should think about it. It is a great opportunity to make an impact on the art classes at school. It won't mean less work but it's a different kind of work. Maybe it is less exhausting," Elsie added the last sentence cautiously. She shrugged her shoulders and mustered Cora's face that held a thoughtful expression.

"I won't lie. This position comes with advantages as well as with disadvantages, but I assume you are aware of that," Elsie continued. "To be honest, I would be happy to see you there because it would mean a closer collaboration for the two of us. There are only few kindred spirits in the school's council and, well, after our dear Mr Johnson, you'd be a heaven sent." Elsie chuckled, and Cora laughed too. Mr Johnson was a stubborn colleague and both women had had one or another dispute with him.

"Alright, I see. But when is the decision due?" Cora inquired.

"The thing is, I would like to fill the position as soon as possible. I don't want to rush you, but if you could let me know until the end of the week you would spare me a lot of trouble," Elsie admitted.

"I'll think about it." Cora's answer was quick. She would manage a decision in the next couple of days. She was sure of that.

"Great! Thank you, Cora. Contact me as soon as you've made a decision, and we'll arrange another meeting. No matter what the decision is. I'd like to talk to you a bit, but I'm afraid I don't have the time right now." Cora nodded. A nice chat with Elsie was overdue.

"That's how we'll do it," Cora assured and rose from the chair with a smile directed at Elsie. She gathered her documents and reached out her hand to say goodbye to Elsie.

…

Cora parked her bike behind the house and made her way to their front door. Her thoughts revolved around Elsie's offer and she felt that she wanted to try it, even if she couldn't say why exactly. Elsie was right; she enjoyed teaching and spending time with the children. That's why she had decided to become a teacher after all. But the prospect to make kind of a new start without leaving the familiar environment was tempting. She didn't know if the administrative tasks that would await her would suit her. The accompanying calm of working in her office were a sweet treat though.

She discarded all her stuff and went to the kitchen. It was about time for the first dinner preparations. So, Cora fetched the needed potatoes and started peeling them quickly. She noticed that there was a lack of onions in their stock, and she sought her handbag in the hallway where her phone still was. She wanted to message Robert and ask him to bring some with him on his way home. Rummaging in her bag, she heard how the front door was opened. She turned her head and saw Robert entering.

"Oh, Robert! There you are already," she exclaimed and rose into a standing position. "I wanted to ask if could bring some onions, but the rest will do it." She took a step to him at gave him a peck on the cheek.

"If you're sure," he replied while taking of his scarf.

"Yes, yes. I only thought if you're still out you could get them. But it's no problem. I'll go to supermarket tomorrow." Cora assisted him with the coat hanger and brushed her hands on her apron before retreating to the kitchen again.

He followed her into the kitchen. Cora heard his steps close behind her. She wondered where his eyes might wander at the moment, and she grinned, trying to guess if they were glued to her bum, traced her contour, or inspected her neck that was visible due to her pinned up hair. Her skin prickled at these thoughts. She approached the cutting board on the kitchen counter. The half-peeled potatoes waited for her and she resumed her task while picking up their conversation.

"I saw you tried calling me earlier. What was it?" Her eyes were directed at the peeler in her hand, but she tilted her head a trifle, trying to speak to him over her shoulder.

"Oh, I just thought I'd try it. I had a free moment, and it was your lunch break," he answered casually. "And there was something I'd like to discuss with you. But maybe when we have a spare minute." She heard him opening the fridge door.

"There are apples here on the counter," she told him. "And isn't it a spare minute right now?"

"Not spare enough, and I don't want apples," Robert rebuked, and she only huffed in response. The peeled potatoes sank into the water of the pot she had placed nearby. Cora turned around when she heard him rustling with the cold meat and sausages. Her eyebrows were pulled together.

"No, not that," she reprimanded him, and took the pack of pork sausage from him with pointed fingers. She herself nearly never ate meat and preferred a meal of fish.

"Why?" Robert questioned exasperated. He held his now empty hands out in front of him.

"I wouldn't want to kiss you if you had just indulged in a nice share of sausage," she explained with a sweet voice. She put her hand on the side of his face and caressed his cheek. She knew how cold her hand must be from the potato peeling but Robert showed no sign of discomfort.

"Well, I can accept that reason," his voice had adopted a much softer tone too. He gently took her wrist, and his thumb ran across the smooth skin on the inside of it. His other hand rested on her waist and he leaned into her proposed kiss. Cora closed her eyes and inhaled a bit of his breath that gladly held no hint of pork sausage. She was so happy about this that her lips turned into a gentle smile before they met his. After the first short contact of their lips, Cora initiated a more lingering one. She pressed her mouth more firmly on his and her second hand took hold of his shoulder. Her heart started thumping at an easier pace and her chest felt lighter. His still hands on her body comforted and grounded her and she hadn't been aware that she had such a great need for comfort today until he'd touched her. There was still too much space between their bodies for her liking and she was about to step closer into his arms when he pulled back. The gaze she found in his eyes was warm, but his body was distant. He stroked her hand one more time before taking it away from his cheek.

"You'll have to excuse me. I still have some calls to make," Robert reported in a low voice. Cora casted her eyes down and nodded silently. When Robert stepped back completely, she smoothed her hands over the front of her blouse and apron. And as she lifted her gaze Robert was already out of the kitchen.

She exhaled forcefully. If she could kiss herself, she would do it now, because this felt highly unfinished. Damn it, Robert! Or maybe she shouldn't have expected a passionate make out scene in the kitchen. No, actually that wasn't even what she had had in mind. She had only wanted to sense his body a bit closer to hers and feel the warmth of his mouth for a moment longer.

Cora opened the fridge and scanned the content herself now with pursed lips. Her fingers reached out and fluttered over the custards and puddings just to take a light yogurt in the end. In a swift motion she closed the fridge and pulled open the nearby drawer for cutlery. She took a spoon and started eating the plain yogurt with the drawer still open. She stayed standing there and downed the yogurt within seconds. Her stomach clenched at the unexpected cold volume. Cora wondered if she maybe really should have taken the custard. The yogurt hadn't tasted as satisfying as usual and her stomach rebelled either way. She could only hope that it would help her to not gain any love handles.

She threw the empty cup of yogurt into the bin with extra force in an attempt to shake off the annoying broodings. Neutral subjects, she said to herself. She had promised Elsie to take care of the art expeditions for all classes. She had done so before, so it wouldn't be anything new or particularly challenging. It was safe ground. Her mind went through the different locations in town that were possible for a tour with students. She would check which classes had visited which spots already and how this year's excursions could correlate with the curriculum.

Once she had placed the pot with the potatoes on the stove, she took off her apron and went to the bathroom to freshen herself up a bit. She started humming while washing her face and her earlier emotions towards Robert's swift leave felt unfounded now. It had been her own expectations that had caused the disappointment. Cora turned off the tap and took a towel to dry her face and hands. As she exited the bathroom, she heard Robert's voice from next door. He was in his study and talked on the phone. The door was open, and Cora walked the short distance to have a look on him at his desk. He didn't sit on his chair that had its back to the door, but he leaned on the desk and faced her. One arm was crossed in front of his chest while the other held the phone to his ear. He made some approving sounds and the frown on his forehead disappeared as he saw Cora in the doorway. His expression softened and he reciprocated her smile that appeared on her features when she took in his welcoming demeanour. She watched him for a while and noticed that the gentle observation of each other gave her as much ease as the earlier anticipated nearness of their bodies.

A/N: So, this was chapter 6. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it! Your reviews and words always make my day and help me a lot to keep writing! Thank you so much for your support! I can't believe we've already made it to chapter 6…