Sorry for those waiting for my other story. That will be updated next but I was in a good mood and felt like writing this one.
Chapter Six
Amelia was worried. The pain that Constance appeared to be suffering from when she stood for a long time seemed to not be getting better, and there was many times Amelia caught her having to breathe heavily through it to try and recover. Despite her protests, she refused a doctor, saying she was alright. Amelia knew she couldn't drag her there, but told herself if it still wasn't getting better by the next week, she would try her best to get her to the doctor.
This worry ate away at Amelia, but somehow before she knew it, the first day of term approached. Constance, who naturally seemed quiet and withdrawn anyway, fell practically mute as it got closer, and Amelia wondered if that was her way of coping with the fears she would be having, Amelia tried to reassure her she would be alright, as she was there to help her through it, but she never responded to her.
Before they knew it, it was the morning of the new school year. Amelia was up at half seven, she still felt a little nervous for a new year, even after all her years of teaching. She entered the staffroom, seeing Constance was already sat there, looking paler than ever.
"Hi lovely" Amelia said as she walked to the seat next to her and took it "How are you feeling?" Amelia asked even if it was obvious by glancing at her, she was so pale she looked sick. Constance didn't respond but left the room quickly and returned a few minutes later looking drained.
"Are you alright?" Amelia asked her concerned.
"Apart from throwing my guts up I suppose" Constance said. Amelia nodded, understanding her fears.
"Don't worry, it's just nerves, I think I spent the entire morning throwing up my first day teaching as well" Amelia reassured her. "Have you had anything to eat?" Amelia asked her.
"I'm not hungry thank you" Constance replied. Amelia nodded, knowing the last thing she felt like doing would be eating.
"I know you are nervous, but you will be alright, I'm here, and all them worries you have are going to go once you start teaching" Amelia told her, feeling for the youngster but knowing her nerves were completely normal.
Time passed slowly, and for once Amelia wished term didn't start in afternoon at Cackles and she was concerned as was Constance leaving to throw up often, she wouldn't settle for long and just sat there overcome by nerves. Finally, at twenty to five, the staffroom door opened and two women who were deep in conversation entered.
"I told him but he wouldn't listen, I honestly think men have worse selective hearing than cats sometimes" the younger women said which was met with a laugh, as the older witch closed the door.
"Oh good evening Miss Cackle" the older of the two greeted. Amelia told Constance she would be back and made her way over.
"Hello ladies, good summer?" Amelia asked them.
"Yes, apart from the holiday from hell" the younger said.
"I am sorry to hear that Zena" Amelia said
"How was yours Miss Cackle?" the older witch, Agnes said.
"Eventful, remember I told you we are taking on an apprentice?" Amelia said.
"Ahh yes" Agnes said looking behind her and seeing the teenager "She looks about to throw up" Agnes said.
"Who doesn't on their first day?" Zena replied.
"She's incredibly nervous so I would appreciate it if you both showed her a lot of support, Agnes she is going to be mainly sheltering you, as her specialist subject is potions" Amelia told her. Agnes nodded.
"Alright, I could use the help, with the likes of who the third years are this year" Agnes said.
"Should we introduce ourselves?" Zena commented.
"That would be nice, she has already met Skye so she is feeling apprehensive about the staff" Amelia explained.
"Of course she bloody is, my first day Skye told me she would not help me if I had any difficulties, lovely person our deputy" Zena said sarcastically as she followed Agnes over to meet Constance.
Constance had not been paying attention to the conversation as she was distracted with her nerves, therefore she jumped as she suddenly felt the presence of the teachers next to her.
"Hi, I am Agnes Darkmore, potions" the woman said, offering her hand to shake. Constance shook it as she looked at her. It was clear she was nearing retirement age, she had brown eyes and greying blonde hair, in a pixie cut.
"Nice to meet you" Constance said quietly, afraid to speak in case she threw up again.
"And I'm Zena Bloodgood, PE" the younger said now offering her hand to shake. She wore her hair in a ponytail, with strands that had fallen out, properly from exercise, Constance thought as she said the same greeting to her.
"You don't need to be so nervous, you will be fine, the scariest thing in this place is Skye Nightfall, she's a little loopy but don't worry she is always like that" Zena said trying to help her with her fears.
At that exact moment, Skye entered the room, clipboard in her arms. Upon seeing her colleagues, she made no comment about holidays and no greetings.
"Why are we all standing around? The first years will not be set a good example if we aren't there on time, and you two are meant to be supervising the older girls" Skye said before anyone even had a chance to move.
Zena looked at her watch before she replied "Chill out Skye, it is only ten to five" Zena said shaking her head. Skye ignored her and spoke to Amelia.
"Headmistress we best get going to meet the first years" she said still worked up.
"Yes I know Miss Nightfall, we won't be late don't worry" Amelia said before turning to Constance "Constance dear, why don't you come with us, the first years are new too so everyone will be nervous" Amelia said knowing her meeting the new kids who were also too nervous to give anyone trouble yet was a great way to settle her in.
"We have always been capable of settling the first years alone Miss Cackle" Skye responded as Constance silently stood and went to join them.
"It's her first day, let's not make it more difficult than it needs to be" Amelia responded, glaring at her deputy.
"Yes good idea, she doesn't need the older kids cheek yet" Agnes said.
"Would you two go and do your actual jobs?" Skye replied frustrated. Zena saluted her, not having any respect for her.
"Yes headmistress" she mocked with an eye roll. "Good luck Constance" Zena said as she headed out.
"Yes good luck love" Agnes said following the younger teacher out.
"Can I touch your shoulder?" Amelia asked Constance seeing she looked to nervous to walk herself and it was best someone led her, Amelia honestly thought she would sprint if she didn't. Constance nodded, but still jumped a little when she did.
"Why ask her?" Skye asked her.
"Constance doesn't like physical contact" Amelia explained.
Skye rolled her eyes this time "Kids these days are so sheltered, can we just go before we are late?" she said fed up of the antics.
"Yes come on my love" Amelia said to Constance keeping her hand gently on her shoulder as she led her out.
"Hopefully we are not late" Skye said following behind them.
"It's eight minutes to five" Constance said trying to be helpful.
"Who asked you?" Skye said loudly.
"Miss Nightfall control your tone!" Amelia raised her voice slightly and glared at her again.
Skye breathed out twice then spoke "I'm calm, can we go?" she said. Amelia nodded and monitored for her to go ahead of them.
"I am sorry about that love, don't let it upset you" Amelia said as she led Constance outside to the courtyard as Skye practically ran out as if she was going to be late.
"Bloody woman is insane" Zena said as she stood on the stairs with Agnes as they waited for the students who weren't actually there yet to arrive.
Constance was glad at least she wasn't the only one who seemed not to like the deputy head. She focused on her breathing and staying calm as Amelia led her outside to the courtyard and her few minutes teaching began.