A memory of the past

The three of you stroll, the girls chattering. Grace occasionally bumps against your hips 'by accident' apologising for her clumsiness each time. You wonder if there is any hope that the smitten redhead can keep her infatuation and your relationship secret, and you begin to see your future as a teacher being measured in days rather than months. She seems almost certain to give the game away, and once again you feel a pang of regret for getting involved with her, no matter how delicious a fuck she is.

The three of you reach your cottage and you start to say goodbye when you notice Julia staring at your cottage.

"This is Ms. Bell and Ms. Hawley's old cottage," she says, then adds when she sees your puzzlement. "They were teachers here last year and got fired. Well Ms. Bell just disappeared and supposedly resigned by email, but she would have been fired too I heard."

"Really?" you say with interest, curious how the young blonde's story fits with what you heard from the Boston Globe reporter earlier.

"Yeah, you hear all kinds of stories, right Grace?" Julia bubbles. "Someone even said they saw her taken away in a car. Like **** into it you know? Ms. Bell I mean."

"That's just made up," Grace scoffs. "It's like that bitch Valerie claiming that Ronnie was ****......" She goes suddenly silent, and both girls look at each other in embarrassed shock.

"Who is Ronnie?" you ask into the sudden silence and see both girls stiffen.

"She was killed in an accident last year," Grace mutters, not meeting your eye. "She fell in front of a train."

"Yeah, just outside of town," Julia adds with a shudder. "Horrible."

"Was she your friend?"

"Not really," Julia says.

"She was kind of a bitch actually," Grace adds. "But it's creepy when someone you know gets killed, especially like that." She gives a little shudder as she speaks. The vivacious mood of the two teens has dissipated, replaced by a quiet sadness. You feel inadequate to restore their cheerfulness, and sense that trying would be a mistake.

"I need to prepare for the faculty meeting," you tell them with a polite smile. "Thank you for being such charming escorts."

"You're welcome Mr. Carter," Grace answers, giving you a yearning look that you studiously ignore.

"Yes, it was great to meet you Mr. Carter," Julia adds. "I'll see you in class, or if you come to another cheer practise."

The two pretty teens sway up the path towards the main campus, their hips flicking and skirts swaying. Grace gives you a quick smiling glance over her shoulder before your turn towards your cottage.