Life has moments where everything is calm and peaceful and moments of chaos and pandemonium. The week had been the latter. Not catastrophically bad but an illness swept through school, hitting staff and students alike. Thankfully, the whole family had been spared but Caroline was forced to do the unthinkable, spend most of each school day teaching. To make matters worse, each night after dinner and putting Flora to bed, she spent the rest of the evening doing the work she didn't get to during the day, all for a school that no longer valued her.
After dinner on Friday, Kate turned to her wife, "why don't you go up and relax, take a bath, read, go to sleep early, whatever. I'll put Flora to bed and finish cleaning up down here."
"Will you put me to bed after my bath?" Caroline smiled.
"Yes, of course, and I'll tell you a story, kiss you goodnight and cuddle with you until you fall asleep."
An hour later, Kate walked into their bedroom and then to check on Caroline who was out of the bath and wrapped in her robe.
"Give me a few minutes to get ready for bed and I'll join you," said Kate.
"Take your time, I'm going to tell Lawrence we are going to bed early," replied Caroline.
"I already did and I reminded him you had a long week. Told him that he shouldn't stay up too late and if he did anything to wake Flora, I'd bring her into his room early tomorrow morning while he is still asleep and she has energy to burn."
"You are beautifully devious, remind me not to cross you."
A few minutes later, as Kate climbed into bed, Caroline looked up and smiled, "what story are you going to tell me?"
Kate stood back up and pressed play on Track 5 before getting back into bed to be the big spoon. "Once upon a time there was a beautiful blonde head teacher…"
(July 2012)
The staff choir practice had ended and Kate was playing 'Pachelbel's Canon' on the piano when Caroline walked in. She stopped near the doorway, just watching Kate, her beauty as she was lost in the music, under a spell. A few minutes later, she began to feel bad, like she was intruding, being too voyeuristic.
After a few steps towards Kate, there was a sudden shift in the music as Johann Pachelbel gave way to the theme song from Jaws. Duunnn naaaah, duunnn naaaah…duunn naaah, duunn naaah, duunn naaah…
"Very funny Ms. McKenzie," said Caroline as she reached the piano.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it."
"Doesn't the staff choir normally practice on Tuesday afternoon? I needed a break, so I came to listen."
"Normally, but there were some conflicts and one illness, so we just had a quick one. Sit, got any requests? Classical, pop, whatever, if I know it, I'll play it for you."
"What about 'Piano Man' or something by Billy Joel," suggested Caroline.
"I don't know that one, I mean, I know the song but never played it. I know 'She's Got a Way,' not perfectly, but I'll give it a try."
Caroline nervously sat on the piano bench next to Kate.
Kate silently chastised herself, why did she mention this song. She had played it a few weeks ago because she heard it and couldn't stop thinking about it together with Caroline. She knew she put Caroline on a pedestal, she knew Caroline didn't feel the same, she knew Caroline never asked anything about her life but the heart wants what the heart wants and it wanted the magnificent woman sitting next to her.
Kate began to play, doubling up on the intro, a few extra moments to compose herself before she began to sing.
(Verse 1)
She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her
She's got a way of pleasing
I don't know what it is
But there doesn't have to be a reason
Anyway
(Verse 2)
She's got a smile that heals me
I don't know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me
And she's got a way of talking
I don't' know what it is
But it lifts me up
When we are walking
Anywhere
Caroline was surprised; she had only expected the instrumental portion. She realized she had never heard Kate sing but it was divine. She didn't know the song well but every word described Kate perfectly. It went well beyond the lyrics though and for just a moment, she allowed herself to imagine dancing with Kate to this song, to tell her she was falling for her, to hold her, to kiss her, to…her daydream was broken.
"Ohhh, messed up those last few notes," said Kate. It was self-inflicted sabotage, not an accident, as she needed a moment to calm herself. Singing those words to Caroline as they sat next to one another, physically touching on the small bench while trying to pretend she wasn't thinking about her, it was too much. A few moments later, she began to play again.
By the end of the song, both were emotionally exhausted, their hearts ached for one another, neither knowing nor even imagining the other would feel the same way. Needing a distraction, Kate began to play the first song that popped into her head.
Caroline smiled and listened for a while, "Hmmm, 'Dancing Queen,' I'm not sure anyone would call me that."
"You're right, perhaps not at school, here maybe this," as she began to play the theme from The Godfather.
Caroline laughed, "That's probably a bit more accurate. Should I make you an offer you can't refuse?"
"I feel like I should say yes," said Kate.
"Good, dinner tonight? Take away, my treat, in about an hour, hour and a half? I know it's early but I had a late meeting which was pushed back two hours and I have to stay for it."
"Sounds good."
"I'll text you when I'm ready to order but I need to get back and finish a few things first."
Caroline stood up and began to walk out as Kate started to play 'The Imperial March' from Star Wars.
Caroline laughed and turned around to walk back towards the piano. With a big smile on her face, "Ms. McKenzie, we spoke about this," while gently nudging her on the shoulder.
A while later, Caroline closed her office door as the pair sat down to eat. They chatted about what happened at school that day and eventually, Kate began to tease her. "Just think of all the money we could raise for charity if you were willing to walk into assembly as 'The Imperial March' played. Agree to dress as Darth Vader and we could raise thousands, maybe millions."
Kate made her smile like nobody had in a long time, like nobody ever really. Each time she was in her presence, she felt the attraction grow. At first, it was slow and steady but over the last few weeks, it was happening with a speed and intensity that was equally thrilling and frightening.
The song ended and Kate got up and stopped the cd. "You got a story…" she kissed her wife, "…and a kiss…and now I get to hold you until you fall asleep."
Caroline yawned, "Mmm…you know…that day, well, that night…it was the first time I…while…you know."
"What?" Kate questioned before suddenly realizing what her wife was trying to say.
"You're going to make me say it?"
Kate whispered, "You had a solo expedition while fantasizing about me. I bet you looked beautiful, so sexy, I wish I had been there to watch, to listen. I need details but not tonight, you need to sleep."
"I think I might have been a little loud as I…"
"You are always a little loud, but I love it," said Kate huskily.
"When we…during that time…when did you first…you know, while…did you ever…thinking of me?" Caroline asked shyly.
"Many times but the first time, do you want to continue listening to the cd Caroline? If so, spoilers."
Notes:
She's Got a Way – Written and performed by Billy Joel. The song was originally from the album Cold Spring Harbor (1971) but released again on the live album Songs in the Attic (1981). I read that the song was originally recorded at the wrong speed so if you only listen to one version, in my opinion, the Songs in the Attic version is better, it has a much richer sound.
Pachelbel's Canon (aka Canon in D, P37) – Composed by Johann Pachelbel
Jaws (1975) – Theme composed by John Williams, Directed by Steven Spielberg.
Dancing Queen (1976) – Written and performed by ABBA.
Godfather (1972) – Theme composed by Nino Rota. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back (1980) –The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme) – Composed by John Williams. Directed by Irvin Kershner
