Four... five weeks.
Had time passed so swiftly?
A brief glance at the calendar informed him that, yes, it has.
Five weeks since they had arrived, as it neared September's end, Rose fell ill.
He's sure she thought him oblivious, yet he's indeed aware of how often she's left the school grounds. While, contradictorily, has completed her tasks diligently. He's often wondered where she receives this sudden influx of energy every morning. Surely tea, while a caffeinated beverage, could not keep her ready on the dot.
With the chilling weather, he surmises she has come down with a cold or... or the flu. The risk was evident. Still, with all her duties that maid will go off on a wander. Fatigue atop fatigue. Repeatedly to the same route between work. Perhaps a fitness walk? Or -could it be?- to meet someone. The idea itself was a bitter pill to swallow, but upon her reappearance there is always a glow about her. As though freshening up, but if following his assumptions, perhaps an afterglow of-.
He swallowed.
Who would dare court his maid?
John raked his gaze over his rigid students, hands spread wide over the desk, as if to pounce the first sign of guilt. However every one appeared riddled with suspicion. Although they are silently reading, as per his orders, their eyes skip about the room. Licking their lips, finding the exit something delectable.
This is ridiculous. Surely a student would be scandalous for Rose, a maid, to proffer her hand to. Then again, he has never known age to be a matter for her. Or skin for that matter.
Always so friendly, his Rose.
He collapsed into his chair. Time cannot pass slower than here, in his classroom, as Rose lays bedridden mere minutes away.
Curse Jenny. Singing like a bird this morning of it all. Right as John picked up the days lesson, filing the students in, she rushes to him. Feathers fittingly ruffled, breathless and squawking of how Rose fell flat on her face as they were scrubbing the floors only a moment ago. Right in the filth water, very unbecoming for her lovely appearances.
Needless to say other than her personal opinions of the matter, Jenny rather conveniently, knew nothing of why she collapsed.
So, here John waits.
Tapping his fingers. Unbidden images of Rose's features twisted in anguish slided to the forefront of his mind. No hand to hold. John turned to read a personal novel. Ignoring the passage of time. And failing. Feeling impossibly impatient his foot soon joined. The collective sounds bounced off the walls. Whispering in his ear to calm down. He did so with a sigh.
Ten till the end of this session. Releasing the students five minutes early would do no harm. They must only read the remainder of the chapter, and such an assignment can be taken care of during their own time. Right. No harm.
Or he could release them now.
"Class is dismissed!" John announced. And a flood of relief spread like wildfire.
Five... ten. Same difference.
Ever so timidly their shoes dragged across the hardwood floor. Please, please, stick a needle in his eye, it would be more bearable.
"No dillydallying," he commanded, herding them through the door. "Off!"
A/N
That awkward moment when I try to abbreviate my fic name with an acronym, and it comes out just as awkwardly long...
MissShadowBolt: Thank you! And as my first reviewer for this fic, I shall aim to please!
Hediru: Thanks! The fic's definitely going somewhere, and a bit everywhere, after it goes somewhere through the TARDIS. And we all know how that usually goes.
LilyMayRose: Thank you! :) :) :) And okay! :) :) :D
Anonymous: Ohh Anonymous, you chose that name, Anon. I like it. Not a guest, but a mystery. Thank you for the review! And thank you for the compliment, I'm flattered you appreciate my 'voice' in this.