Waterfall
Right, this story has been banging about in my head for far too long now, and therefore I've been forced to start typing. Unfortunately, I think I've gone all pretentious while I wasn't looking.
If anyone cares to read, opinions would be appreciated. Would you want to read more after this beginning?
The substitute stands at the front of the class, trying to look as if she should be here.
“So, you’ve been studying Lolita, is that right?”
There’s a general murmur of assent that nonetheless gives the impression that ‘studying’ might be an overly generous term. ‘Reading’,perhaps, although for many, ‘enduring’ would be a more accurate description of the weeks spent with Humbert Humbert and his unnatural predilection.
She picks up on the mood.
“It is a very advanced book.”
Too advanced for the likes of us, she means.
“But Mr Terrance has assured me that you’re more than up to the challenge.”
A hand goes up.
“When’s he coming back, Miss? After the holidays?”
She shuffles her papers. Apparently awkward questions weren’t in the lesson plan, and she’s a poor improviser.
“I’ll be taking you right up to your exams. Mr Terrance has had to take some time off, I’m afraid.”
A groan ripples out, mutters and snatches of complaints whispering around the room. Mr Terrance was far more popular with my classmates that his choice of study material. A brilliant teacher, one of the few in this place. Even I’ll admit that.
One voice crests the wave. Jack Richie. We used to be friends, kind of.
“That’s fucking nonsense, Miss. He didn’t do anything. Everyone knows.”
He glares in my direction. I’ve got a feeling we’re not friends any more.
“Well, I wasn’t told the details, just that there was a class that needed covered.” Her gaze flicks over to me, just for a second. Liar. “And while this is my class, we will have no swearing, thank you.”
Jack looks like he wants to protest further, but he’s smart enough to realise the uselessness of it. Instead, he whispers something under his breath to Amy, the girl sitting beside him. She looks over at me, before shaking her head in response to whatever’s been said. Amy used to be my best friend, but I’m not sure whether or not I’ve lost her too. I probably don’t care. At least I don’t seem to.
The substitute looks around at the class, clears her throat loudly, then pitches her voice to rise above the commotion.
“ Right. Now, who can tell me what’s interesting about Humbert’s narration?”
I raise my hand.
* * * *
“Jess! “
I keep walking.
“Jess, wait up, would you?”
I sigh, and pause for a moment, hands curled tight around the straps of my backpack. I turn to see Amy, her own bag slipping down her arm as she runs. She pulls it back up onto her shoulder once she’s caught up. Her nails are painted a bright purple.
“Hey, what’s the rush?”
I shrug.
“Parents said to hurry back. Off to the country.”
She grins, almost catching my eye.
“Hard luck. How long for?”
“Whole Easter break. Wasn’t going to go, but…”
I trail off, make the mistake of looking at her.
“You know, you could say it was a mistake. Everyone would forget, once Mr Terrance was back. ” She takes a breath. I wonder if someone put her up to this. “He wouldn’t tell what happened, I’m sure.”
I shake my head.
“Dunno what you’re on about.”
“Jess…”
“Got to go.”
I step away from her, turn and keep walking.
“Bye.” She sounds sad. Not sure why. “Miss you.”
* * * *