Page 32 of Poles Apart
He walked back to where Abby was sitting and drew her in for a hug. “I’ll always come back for you. You’re my sister, kiddo, and I love you.” He kissed the top of her head. “Now, homework, food and bed. I’m not rushing in the morning.”
* * *
Jacob was cursing Abby the following morning as they were again rushing to battle the school run traffic to get to work on time. He’d tried to hurry her along, but she was as stubborn as usual, spending forever it seemed on her hair and make-up. It was school, for goodness’ sake.
“Oh my God, Jacob. I can’t go to school without my make-up on. What will the other girls say if I turn up looking like something the cat dragged in?”
He held his tongue, trying not to point out that this was school and not a fashion show, and smiled as he waited for her to get in the car. He dropped her off in time and drove the rest of the way to work. The gods must have been smiling down on him because when he walked through the door, he met Jodie.
“Could I have a word later?” he asked her as she opened the door to her office.
“Of course. What’s wrong?” She looked concerned, and he wondered if she knew what he wanted to speak to her about.
“Maybe nothing, but I wanted to make you aware of an incident that happened on Saturday while I was out with a friend. I can come and see you later, though, if that’s ok?”
“Come and see me at break time, and you can fill me in then. I have a meeting with the Governors now.”
“Break time is fine. I’ll see you then.” Jacob left the office and almost ran to his classroom. He was cutting it fine today and tomorrow; he’d need to put a rocket up Abby’s backside. He had to try and get here earlier than this.
His morning passed by uneventfully. Noah’s mum wouldn’t meet his eyes, so he had no doubt Noah’s dad had filled her in on Saturday night’s events. Well, he wasn’t going to take the blame for how that dickhead had acted when he’d seen him with Dom.
At break time, he knocked on Jodie’s open door and entered when she indicated, even though she was on the phone. She hung up after a few seconds and gestured for him to sit.
“So, care to explain what this is all about? Is it anything to do with a phone call I’ve had from Noah Wilkins’s father?”
Fucking hell, that bastard was out to make his life a misery, but he wasnotgoing to let him ruin the good thing he had here.
Jacob nodded and explained what had happened the week before and the comment that he’d heard from Mr Wilkins and then related the events of Saturday night with him and Dom.
“I’m not being funny, Jodie, but I don’t see why what I do outside of the school has anything to do with him. Being gay doesn’t affect my ability to teach. Most of the parents know, and not one has ever said anything to me before. I also don’t see why I should be called an, excuse my French, ‘fucking queer boy’ in my classroom and especially not when there are children present.”
He hadn’t realised how angry he was. Sure, he’d been on the receiving end of homophobia before, and he usually shrugged it off, but he didn’t see why he had to. He was sure straight people didn’t have to explain themselves. But this had seemed personal. An uncomfortable feeling stirred inside.
“Do you wish to register a complaint, Jacob? We can take this as far as you want to and as you have witnesses to his behaviour, know that the complaint would probably be upheld. I’d be more than happy to speak to him if you would prefer and tell him that it’s unacceptable.”
Jacob thought about it for a moment. Did he want the hassle? Could he be bothered with it? It wasn’t just him that had been affected. It was Dom too.
“Actually, would you maybe have a word with him? I can ask Ellie’s mum to speak to you, and I’m sure my friend wouldn’t mind if I asked him to come in too.”
“Leave it with me, Jacob.” She stood up from her desk, essentially dismissing him. “I’ll bring this up with the Governors as I think they have a right to know, and then we’ll speak to Mr Wilkins and advise him that this is not acceptable.
“I won’t tolerate this type of behaviour, but next time, and let’s hope there isn’t one, try not to react in a negative way. I know it’s hard, and I know you shouldn’t have to, but for the sake of the school and for your own reputation, try to turn the other cheek. I’d hate to lose a teacher like you because of some ignorant parent.”
Jacob was happy with the way their meeting had gone, and when he got back to the classroom, he dropped Dom a quick text, letting him know that all was well, and he didn’t need to worry. He’d see him tomorrow. He couldn’t wait.
Chapter Seventeen
Dom
The following couple of weeks passed quickly enough. Dom’s days were filled with physio appointments for Jordan and helping him with his exercises. Since the Sunday they’d spent with their mother, Jordan’s pain had gradually worsened, and his mobility had taken a nosedive. He was back to walking with his stick, a thing he hated with a passion, but Dom insisted he use it.
The times he wasn’t with Jordan, he was either meeting up with Seb or putting his set together for Heaven. Toby and Owen texted him most days, asking him about music, what he would be wearing and did he need anything brought into the club to help him? He’d messaged them back saying there was nothing else he needed, that he’d be there before eleven to start, but could he have a room to change in beforehand? There was no way he was walking through town wearing his dance outfit.
He’d met with Jacob at Abby’s lessons, and the more he saw of him, the more he knew he wanted to spend time with him. He tried not to let it show, but the little touches, the damn fine coffee he brought to every session, the texts and ridiculous dad jokes… all of it made him fall for him more.
He knew without a doubt that Jacob felt the same and appreciated that he was holding himself back. He had asked for time, after all. He’d see Jacob reaching for him, but then he would pull back at the last minute, giving Dom space.
He was starting to hate Jacob’s fucking composure and his promise to just to be his friend, though. He wanted more, craved more, and it was making him horny as fuck. He’d started snapping at his brother and ignored the texts he was getting from Toby. He wouldn’t give it a rest, and the innuendos and veiled offers of sex with not only him but any number of other men, including his husband, were starting to irritate him.
