Page 68 of The Teacher

I smile at her and she smiles back. She’s right. I know she’s right. I can’t listen to Skipper’s promises, no matter how sincere I feel like they are. No matter how much I want to trust him. I have to see him show his love by what he does. If he truly loves me, then I’ll be able to see it. I’ll know when I do.

“It’s good to see you, Ripley,” I say.

“It’s good to see you too.”

The next series of waves approach. I steady myself and bite my lip in anticipation. I want to enjoy this morning of surfing with my best friend. I will.

“Let’s catch this wave,” I say. And we do. Together.

25

SANDY

I get the message from him just before I set off.

Hey, Sandy. I’m getting there early. No rush.

I grab my car keys from the ceramic bowl I keep them in by the front door and head out to the car, replying on my phone as I skip outside.

No problem. See you soon x

So, Skipper’s there at Miss Tweed’s house nice and early. What fun that’ll be for him, just them two together.

Now, that’s a party I’m sure he’ll enjoy.

I get into my car and turn on the ignition. I reverse out my driveway and onto the street, following my phone’s GPS to Miss Tweed’s house.

The fundraiser. What a great way to spend my Sunday night. Well, at least Skipper’s going to be there to make it slightly less painful. Seeing him will get me through the next few hours of agony.

I can picture the scene at her house already, plates of cheese and crackers with cheap wine and Miss Tweed’s strong perfume clogging up the air. I’ve never been to her house and I plan to never again, but I can really imagine what it smells like even before I arrive.

Just get through tonight. Stick to Skipper. You’ll be fine.

When I told her, in passing, that Skipper was going to make an appearance, Miss Tweed seemed to not be able to contain herself with the news. I reckon she’s in love with him. Great. Another weird thing to do with Miss Tweed, she wants to fire me and steal the man I’m with.

How can she get worse?

It takes a while to get to her house as she lives on the other side of town. My phone guides me around the narrow suburban roads until I’m at her front door. A normal-looking house. I park out on the street and sit in the car for a moment, composing myself. Readying myself to go inside.

You’ll be fine. Stay with Skipper. Let him take care of you.

I need to be ready to face Miss Tweed. I check my makeup in the car mirror like it’s an armor I’ve put on to protect myself from the teacher. I’m all good. I look good.

“You’re sexy, Sandy,” I say to myself. “You’ve got this.”

I take in a deep breath and exit the car. The sun is setting, it’s getting dark. It’s time to go in and face Miss Tweed.

Just get this night over with.

At least Skipper will be there to hold my hand and guide me through.

I step up to her front door and ring the bell. Miss Tweed opens the door. Her fake smile immediately disappears once she sees me.

So, it begins.

“Oh, hello, Miss Finn. I’m glad you’re here. Do come inside,” she says, standing aside to let me through. Her house is like an extension of her school office. Photos of sunsets and old family members line the walls. The place smells of her cheap perfume, just as I predicted. It’s all a bit… tacky.

Just get this over with. In and out.