Page 48 of Don't Fall in Love (and how to break the rules)

“None of us are perfect,” said Rae. “And on that note, I need to tell you about Clodagh.”

“Oh yes,” said Chrissie, remembering the cold look Rae’s girlfriend had given her. “Is everything ok with you both?”

“Really good,” Rae said, grinning. “But I think I ought to explain something. When you met her a few weeks back, no doubt you noticed she seemed a little ‘off’ with you.”

Chrissie nodded, unsure of what was coming next.

“I asked her about it,” said Rae.

“God, you’re so good at just having the difficult conversation, aren’t you?” said Chrissie, genuinely impressed at her young friend.

“So, it seems she’s pretty friendly with Kiera, your ex.”

“Ah,” nodded Chrissie, a frown forming. “That would explain it. And of course it’s her right not to like me.”

“Well, yes,” said Rae, “her right not to like you, but not her right to be gittish about it. You didn’t hurt her.” They steepled their fingers. “We talked about it, and Clodagh realised she’d been a bit cold and unpleasant towards you. She said she wanted to apologise.”

“Oh hell, don’t let her do that,” said Chrissie, “that would be mortifying!”

Rae chuckled. “I thought that might be the case.”

“Let’s just start again next time we meet.” Chrissie looked up before continuing. “Assuming there will be a next time.”

“Yes, there will,” said Rae. “I’m sure of it. She’s threatened to turn up at my yoga class next week, which could be entertaining. She’s very bendy, but she’s not very co-ordinated.”

Chrissie dissolved into laughter. “I really don’t want to know any more about this woman!”

“It’s nice to hear you laugh,” said Rae. “I think this Nisha could be good for you. Maybe you’ll introduce us?”

“Maybe,” said Chrissie, “although it’s still very early days.”

“I have a good feeling about this.” Rae shot Chrissie a wink. Chrissie could see why they were a hit with the bubbly-seeming Clodagh.

“But in the meantime, I need to think about my future more generally,” said Chrissie.

“Oh yes?” Rae put their head to one side, the back of their mullet drooping over their shoulder.

“Yes. An opportunity’s come up at the school for a graduate teacher training place. I thought I’d need to give up working there if I was going to train as a teacher, but apparently not.”

Chrissie had been thrilled when she’d spotted the opportunity advertised on the noticeboard. It would of course be promoted outside the school too, but it was a chance to train to be a teacher on the job.

“I keep meaning to talk to the head about it, but if I’m honest, I’m sort of afraid of what she’ll say.” Chrissie bit her lip.

“Training to be a teacher?” said Rae. “What a great idea. You should so go for it.”

“I’m not sure,” said Chrissie. “It’s been a long time since uni, and training to do something new feels really daunting.”

“But you’d get to train while still working at your school, right?” Rae pointed out. “That sounds ideal. You know the people, they know you. And it sounds like you’re well respected there.”

“Well, I guess so, but as a teaching assistant. Being an actual teacher is a whole different ball game. What if I’m not up to it? What if they tell me I’m not good enough to do it? I’d still have to work there after that.” Chrissie fiddled with a serviette absentmindedly.

“But what if youareup to it? And what if it means a whole new career for you?” Rae paused to suck up some milkshake through an unfeasibly wide paper straw. “You enjoy what you do, and you like your colleagues. How many times have you told me you’ve been left in charge of a class? They just wouldn’t do that if you weren’t any good.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers,” said Chrissie, ruefully.

“Oh shut up,” said Rae. “What does Nisha think?”

Chrissie looked down. “I haven’t told her. I’m most nervous about what she has to say about it, to be honest. She’s been teaching for years and knows so much more about it. I don’t think I could bear it if she didn’t think I was up to it.”

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