Gloves

Standing in the cold, she stomped her feet a couple of times, as if that would make the difference. It did nothing. Though that was to be expected. Exhaling heavily through her lips, she watched the clouded mist swirl upwards.

Rachel was unsure why she had agreed to lunch duty- the longest break of the day, particularly in this weather, and she wished she was less eager to please. Even as she was the Head. But habits were hard to shake. The least she could have done was bring a hot drink with her. Too late now, she couldn't leave the kids to themselves.

Perhaps if there was another member of staff... Yet somehow, Grantly had made his excuses and hadn't returned. Probably sitting in the staffroom, sipping on his tea and reading the daily races.

Irritable, Rachel took her hands from her pockets to rub them together. They had gone rather pale, although the redness was starting to set in, revealing just how cold she was. She didn't know how the kids could stand it- some of them weren't wearing any coats or scarves. Some of the girls were still wearing short skirts, bare legged. Rather them than her.

Then she heard the familiar clunking of boots against the front steps and she peered over her shoulder to see Eddie walking towards her.

"I thought you were marking some papers."

He shrugged, his hands in his coat pockets. "I was. I went to the canteen to get a banana and I noticed you standing here. You're looking rather cold, Miss Mason."

He smirked and she rolled her eyes, flashing him a warning glance. Clearly, she wasn't in the mood.

"Well," he continued, unaffected, "I've finished work for today, enough to have some free time." He glanced around the playground, as if sensing that she had been left on her own. "If you want to go get a coffee, I can stand here. You know how I like to shout."

Sagging in relief, Rachel clasped her hands together. "Oh, thank you, Eddie. I really needed that."

Plus, she was desperate for the toilet but she didn't think he needed to know.

He grinned. "Go on then. Don't be too long."

"I won't," she promised.

She half ran up the stairs, although she was called back again by Eddie. Turning around, she saw him holding out a pair of gloves.

"Oh, there's no..." she began.

"Take them," he urged, knowing she had said it from politeness. She was never one to admit that she needed help. "Once you come back out, you'll need them. Much more than I do."

"Thank you."

She took them, flashing him a grateful smile before darting off.

Yet, as she returned back outside, having refreshed herself and having bought a large cup of coffee, she glanced down at the gloves on her hands. They were too large and they hung a little limply from her, but she was pleased, all the same.

It was almost the equivalent of him giving her a jacket, she reasoned. And that thought kept her warm for the rest of lunch.