Okay, So now were the same length of chapters as the initial Moving Forward fic. And I'm nowhere near done! This one isn't as long as some of the others.. But It's more of a set up..
ENJOY!
Chapter 25: Was it meant to be a secret?
Mildred felt like a weight had been taken off her shoulders thanks to the Three Wise Monkeys of Cackles.. Chanting and Spell Science passed by a breeze.. Even with the smug looking Ethel shooting her glances every now and then..
After dinner, Mildred, Maud and Enid choosed to chill in the Dining hall for a little, the place was already clearing out of both teachers and students.. That's when Ethel and Felicity decided to approach the table, Felicity held onto her maglet, which only screamed trouble.
The Pair sat down opposite Mildred, Felicity struggling to keep in her grin. "Is it true you're living with HB?" Mildred simply nodded slightly, no point trying to hide it. "That means.. You know her a little better than us, right?" What kind of dastardly secret was Felicity trying to dig up about Miss Hardbrooms personal life?
"Oh, I'm sure Mildred knows all about Miss Hardbroom.." Ethel's accusing Voice cut through the air like a sharp blade.
"Only I've been thinking.." Felicity continued. "At Hallow's Eve.. Her and Miss Pentangle shared a dance.. And it got me thinking, remember when you lot infected all the teaching staff with that love potion?"
The Three Amigos looked between each other before nodding slowly, not too sure where Felice was going with this..
"We commented on how.. Strange.. Her flirting was with Mr Rowan-Webb.. Maybe it's because she's not interested in Guys.." She May of had a point there.. It was something Mildred had never considered. "What I'm really asking is.. What's going on between her and MIss Pentangle?"
"What a keen eye of Observation, Felicity." A Voice sounded out from behind her, she wiped her head around..
"Miss Pentangle.. I.." Felicity started.. If she had been caught by Miss Hardbroom, she'd have cause to worry. But Miss Pentangle handled these types of things with poise and grace..
Pippa came to sit down besides Felicity. "I Understand, Felicity.. It's Perfectly normal at your age to be curious over such things." This had to be the damage control She'd mentioned earlier on.. It just had to be.
"Felicity!" Ethel snapped. "I didn't come to you with Mildred's big secret for you to ask about matters of the heart!" Ethel had understated how far Felicity would go for Miss Pentangle..
"Big Secret? What Big Secret?" Pippa asked, faking innocence.
"That Mildred Hubble had been living with Miss Hardbroom." Ethel practically spat out the words.
"Oh, Dear, that's hardly a secret…" Miss Pentangle played it off. "The Whole of the teaching staff knows.. Maud and Enid both know as well.. Come to think of it.." Pippa tapped her chin slightly. "Before the summer, Miss Hardbroom and Mildred came to Pentangles.. So it's only natural that some of my students know too.. In fact.." Pippa Looked around, spotting Andrea. "Andrea! You know about Mildred and Miss Hardbroom, don't you?"
Andrea Looked over, smiling widely. Mildred and Andrea hadnt had much of a chance to talk much this year, but they were always friendly in the halls when they passed each other.. The Green in her sash looked really nice on the Pentangle Girl.
"Ofcourse, Miss Pentangle. I think it's so sweet how Miss Hardbroom took in Millie.. What with all the Drama with her mother.. It's a real tragic tale.." Andrea Nodded slightly, when Ethel's head turned around, Andrea threw Mildred a quick Wink.
"Thank you, Andrea.." Pippa nodded to the student letting her get on her way..
"The Pentangle students already know that Mildred Lives with Miss Hardbroom?" Felicity asked for confirmation before looking at Ethel. "Then it's old news.."
Pippa laughed slightly. "Yes, They already know that Mildred Lives with Miss Hardbroom and Myself… It's Hardly a Secret, and It's hardly News."
"Hold on!" Ethel squealed. "She lives with Miss Hardbroom and -you-? That's so unfair to the other students!"
"How so?" Pippa asked with mock innocents once more.
"Because now she has-" Ethel started, being cut off By Pippa.
"Two People she can look towards for guidance and help? Hmm.." Pippa paused before speaking again. "How are your parents? Because you too.. Can always look towards them for guidance and Help.. In their absence, You can also come to any of the teachers for help." Pippa's kind and wise words seemed to silence Ethel..
It occurred to Mildred, that Pippa too viewed them as a family.. Despite Hecate being in charge of Mildred.. Pippa was right there alongside her.
Pippa decided to leave it there, wandering off from the table. After Ethel had stormed off, Mildred excused herself, running after Pippa.
"Miss Pentangle.." She started, not willing to call her by first name while still in the hallways.
"Yes, Mildred?" Pippa asked with mild concern.
"You see.. I wanted to get HB something for Christmas.. Only.. I don't quite know what or.. Where to get something worthy of her.." Mildred ringed her hands together.
"Oh!" Pippa smiled brightly at Mildred. "I know just the place we can go. One of these weekends, I'll take us out for a good shopping trip! Just the two of us, so make sure you make a good list of anything you may need or want.. Alright?"
To Mildred, that sounded amazing. Mildred and Pippa so rarely spent any time with one another just.. The two of them. It sounded like some good bonding time. Pippa may also have some insight into what Hecate might like..
Come to think of it, It might be a good time to get those robes for the Wedding too! It suddenly felt like it was all coming together..
"That sounds brilliant, Thank you!" Mildred said, giving Pippa a hug. Pippa hugged her back tightly.
"No worries, Darling. I'm happy to help in any way I can." Pippa ment it.. She truly meant it. That much Mildred felt in her bones. All her worries would be washed away as soon as these things were sorted..
Everything was falling into place. Mildred liked it that way.
Did she react like how you expected? Make sure to leave a review!