Part 18 (1/2)

”That it was.”

”We should do something nice for the students to thank them when it's all done.”

I was thinking that myself. ”We'll think of something.”

”I think most of them are just happy to have their names in the paper,” Katherine jokes and she's not wrong. ”It's funny, because half of the kids that are working on this are the kids I'd consider the naughtiest. They're the ones I'd least expect to help a good cause.”

My mum sighs softly. ”It just goes to show that these kids are good kids. They just need something to focus on.”

She's not wrong.

As I'm driving Katherine home, the subject that is Eloise's pregnancy comes up. I wish I had never said anything. It wasn't my business to share.

Katherine believes differently. ”Maybe you could leave a note for her father or mother... I just feel so bad knowing what I know and not being able to do anything about it.”

”I don't see why. It's none of your business; keep it that way.”

”I overheard her and her friends talking about a possible night out clubbing. If she goes, she's endangering that poor foetus.”

”And again,” I snap, my hands tightening on the wheel. ”It's none of our business. Besides, they haven't even made plans for her birthday.”

”Oh, and how do you know that?”

”Because when I dropped the costumes off, Hayley, Eloise's closest friend, told Eloise to make a plan for her birthday.” I'm exasperated. ”Look, I told you that in confidence. If you say anything, you'd be breaching student confidentiality, which could cost you your job.”

Her mouth drops open. ”You're the one who told me, remember?”

”Yes, but because as a fellow teacher I know I can trust you to do the right thing by the law. If you break that trust, it's on you.” I finally pull up outside of her house, hoping she'll climb immediately from my car and b.u.g.g.e.r off. ”Goodnight, Katherine.”

”I won't say anything, okay?”

”I'm tired; it's been a long day.” I lean over her and pull on the handle to open her door. She huffs but finally exits my vehicle, storming towards her house.

I drive away quickly, wanting to put as much distance between myself and that woman as possible. Lord knows I can't stand her anymore. Sure she's nice enough and she cares about her students, but sometimes she can be intolerable.

When I pull up to my apartment building, I make quick work of grabbing the rubbish that is littered across the floor of my car. I stuff it into an empty carrier bag and dig under the seats for more. My hand connects with something small and soft.

Pulling it out from under the pa.s.senger seat, I frown in confusion.

Did Katherine leave her bag in the car?

I'm almost certain she grabbed it on her way out. Plus I'm sure it was bigger than this one.

I turn the overhead light on and run my fingers over the dark red velvet. It's a very small bag. I doubt it could fit more than a purse and a phone.

Opening it up, I find nothing but two packets of chewing gum, a purse and an empty carton of apple juice. The second I see the carton I know who it belongs to, but I open the purse to check. It's empty, save for Eloise's ID and, hidden between the card slots, a condom. Nice. I thought only men carried condoms this way.

It's a shame she didn't use it when she needed it.

I immediately make note of the girl's birthday. She turns eighteen the day before Halloween. How unfortunate for her, having to share her birthday back to back with a famous holiday.

I'll give it to her tomorrow. She seemed to forget about it, so it's not like she needs it urgently. Although I am pa.s.sing her house, it might be a bit odd if I take it so late. She could be at work.

I'll just drive by and see if any of the lights are on, though I don't know what that will prove.

Her house, which isn't huge but is larger than most and definitely fancy with its fresh paint job and controlled ivy climbing the walls by the main door, is completely dark. I pull up by the gates guarding the long driveway and notice a lack of cars. I'm sure she mentioned that she uses her mum's car on occasion, which means her dad probably has his own car.

I should just knock. I don't know why I'm making a huge deal out of it.

Eloise I pull my dressing gown tight around me and pad down the stairs, flicking on the light as I go.

Maybe Mum forgot her keys. It wouldn't surprise me, although her coming home this early would definitely surprise me.

I open the door and almost slam it shut again when I see who's standing on my porch.

”Mr Price.” I run my fingers through my hair as my other hand clutches my gown closed. ”Is there a problem?” He holds up a small bag and a memory hits me. ”I completely forgot about that.”

”I figured you did. I just found it in my car and was driving past so...” He holds it out, a smile on his face. ”Here.”

I take it and place it on the table by the door. ”Thanks for bringing it back.”

”No problem,” he answers and chews on his thick lower lip. He stands there for a moment and I'm not sure why. When he realises that he's lingering, he blinks and stuffs his hands in his pockets. ”Well, goodnight, Eloise.”

”Elle,” I tell him before he turns away. ”You should umm... call me Elle. Everybody else does.” My heart stutters and panics before fluttering with a thousand b.u.t.terfly wings when he smiles that charming smile I think I might have a mini crush on.

”Right...” He clears his throat and takes a step back. ”Goodnight, Elle.”

I nod, my face flus.h.i.+ng. ”Goodnight, Isaac.”

His shock is apparent but I close the door before I can apologise and then lean my forehead against the cool plastic. I can't believe I just said that and with a smirk too... what is wrong with me?

I don't move away from the door until I hear his car drive away and even then I can't seem to steady my heavy beating heart.

Chapter Fourteen.

Isaac I can't believe I agreed to this.

Seriously, why did I agree to this?

As I stalk behind the latest group of unsuspecting people, I sc.r.a.pe my prop knife against the lockers, barely stifling my laughter when the lights flicker, showing them my form for only a brief second. The lights go off, plunging us into darkness. Not a single light can be seen and only their screams can be heard.

I stand beside one of the young girls in the group and tug on her hair. The lights flicker and, still screaming, they take off towards the next area and I quickly return to my original position to wait for the next group.

I have to admit, this job does have its perks.

The ear piece glued to the inside of my ear crackles before I hear my father's gruff and quiet voice. ”Be ready. Here they come.”