Page 60 of Don't Fall in Love (and how to break the rules)

“Cos of the stinky inspectors,” replied Dottie, at the top of her voice. It was as if she knew that at that moment a grey-hairedman in an ill-fitting suit was entering the classroom via the other door.

“Good morning,” said Nisha, rushing towards the inspector and leaving Chrissie to finish the whispered pep talk for the class.

Once the register had been taken, it was literacy hour, and the children cracked on with work that they might or might not have already done a few days earlier, in a bid to ensure none of them felt overwhelmed by something new.

Chrissie and Nisha roamed the room, checking in with the pupils, who were working in an unnatural silence. It was helpful for first impressions, but slightly unnerving to Chrissie who had never known this group so quiet.

They met strategically at the furthest point of the room from the inspector, and Nisha grabbed a book from the shelf as if to show it to Chrissie. “Well, at least we’re getting our bit out of the way early doors,” she whispered.

Chrissie pointed at a picture of a frog in the book as she whispered back, “Yes, although the silence in this room is making me nervous.”

Nisha smothered a giggle and put the book back on the shelf before heading over to help Francis, whose hand had gone up.

Chrissie hovered by Hardev, who, based on past experience, was the pupil most likely to do something ridiculous. But for once, he had his head down and was concentrating on his work.

The staffroom was quiet at lunchtime, as so many teachers had opted to continue with prep in their classrooms. Chrissie was on playground duty, so she had donned her thick coat and was walking around clutching her thermal cup of tea and keeping the children in order. Meanwhile Nisha was triple-checking the paperwork that the inspectors would spend the evening examining.

“Last one to the pub’s a green turd,” said Dan as the end-of-the-day huddle broke up.

“Very funny,” said Chrissie, but she and Nisha both followed him.

It was midweek, so the Vine was quiet. It was a good antidote to the last few days. “I’m not having much to drink,” said Nisha. “We have another day of this tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I know,” agreed Dan. “Just a cheeky half to ease the nerves and help us relax.”

“Yep, sounds ideal,” said Chrissie. Her eyes met Nisha’s, who smiled at her. Nisha seemed more present today, less distracted. She’d obviously made up her mind. Chrissie knew this might be the beginning of the end for them, and she tried to push the thought away.

Chapter Fifty-Seven

At three o’clock on Friday afternoon, the children left school, and the staff got away from the site quicker than they ever had before. The inspectors had departed earlier that day, having left Mrs Hemingway with a verbal update. She had explained she wasn’t able to share what she’d been told, as it was still to be confirmed, but had added with a wink that she was sure all the teaching staff would have an ‘outstanding’ weekend. This had resulted in a cheer in the staff room.

“I guess we should have that talk,” said Chrissie, as she and Nisha left school for the last time that week.

“We should,” said Nisha. Her face was serious but unreadable. Chrissie had had plenty of time to think, and she already knew what she wanted to say, in spite of the fatigue of the hardest working week of her life. “Is it ok if we go back to yours?”

“Yes, of course,” said Chrissie.

“My place is still covered in paperwork from the inspection prep, and I don’t think I can face it right now.”

Chrissie took Nisha’s hand and wondered if they’d be doing this walk together again after the Christmas break.

Chrissie’s house was cold, so the first thing she did was put the heating on. “I know it’s only mid-afternoon,” she said, “but in the circumstances, I think it would be reasonable for us to have one glass of wine.”

“Or perhaps more,” suggested Nisha with a grin.

They settled themselves under a blanket on the sofa with their wine. Chrissie put her arm around Nisha and spoke first. “Ok, Nisha. I know you have things to say. But I need to say things, too.”

“You do?” said Nisha.

“Yes. I’ve done a lot of thinking, and I want to be honest with you.”

Nisha swallowed. “Ok. I’m not going to lie, you’re making me a bit nervous.”

“Sorry. Look, I’ll just say it. I’m not going to come to London with you. The offer of a training place is one I simply can’t turn down.” Chrissie turned her head to look at Nisha as she spoke. “But I love you, and I want to be with you. Both of those things are true. And while I have abandoned my ‘rules’,” she continued, using air quotes, “I do need to hold onto myself. It took me a long time to build my life in Birmingham back up after I burned it to the ground. I need to stay here and continue to put down my roots.”

Nisha opened her mouth to speak, her brows furrowed. “Sorry, please,” said Chrissie. “Can you just let me finish? This isn’t easy.”

Nisha pursed her lips and nodded.

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