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The sky was overcast the next morning as Cam and Leo trod down the path to first period.
Leo looked up at the thick blanket of slate-grey clouds and a small shiver ran down his spine.
‘What a dreary morning. Somehow, I can’t shake off the feeling that something huge is about to happen.’
Cam glanced at him as their soft footfalls echoed down the path. ‘Is it something good or bad?’
‘That’s the thing,’ Leo murmured with a small frown. ‘I can’t tell if it’s a good thing or bad thing but it’s definitely going to have some huge impact on our lives.’
‘Well, that certainly clears things up,’ Cam muttered sardonically but Leo wasn’t paying attention. His brows were still furrowed in a frown as his eyes stared off into melancholy landscape drowned in muted hues of greys and black.
They turned off the path and met Paul and Noel walking up from the cafeteria.
‘How are you guys holding up?’ Cam asked as they fell into step.
‘Relatively well considering the circumstances,’ Noel answered. ‘Did you guys come up with any ideas?’
Cam shook his head regretfully. ‘No luck, I’m afraid. Maybe Jayden and Samuel have something.’
‘There they are right now,’ Leo spoke up as they approached the school building only to come to a sudden stop when he was close enough to notice the expressions on their faces. ‘Is it just me or do they look unreasonably happy?’
‘Happy isn’t what I’ll call it,’ Cam replied. ‘Excited would be more accurate. It’s almost scary.’
‘Do you think they’ve got a plan?’ Noel asked, feeling the faint stirrings of hope beginning to rise in his chest.
‘I suppose we’ll find out,’ Paul answered as they drew closer.
‘Why hello there!’ Samuel greeted brightly as soon as he set eyes on them. ‘Lovely morning, isn’t it?’
Leo went straight to the point. ‘Are you drunk?’
Samuel blinked in surprise. ‘What?’
‘Listen, don’t get me wrong, I love to drink as much as the next person -I even keep a secret flask in my backpack for emergencies- but to get piss drunk before class is another level of crazy even for me.’
‘But I’m not drunk. What makes you think I am?’
Leo stared pointedly at him as if the answer was blatantly obvious and he was right. Anyone who saw Samuel as he was now would not have been amiss for coming to the same conclusion.
His eyes were unusually bright, and he couldn’t keep still, alternating between bouncing on the balls of his feet and tapping his fingers against the strap of his bag.
Samuel shrugged off Leo’s pointed look. ‘I’m not drunk. I guess you can say I’m jacked up on adrenaline.’
‘Why?’ Noel asked eagerly. ‘You have an idea, don’t you? You must have some sort of solution with the way you’re acting. Please tell me.’
‘Patience, little one,’ Samuel replied in amusement. He glanced at Jayden. ‘Do you want to tell him or should I?’
‘You brought it up first, so I suppose you should do the honour,’ Jayden answered and though his features were calm and collected, his voice betrayed the excitement and anticipation that perfectly mirrored Samuel’s.
‘Jayden and I were lying in bed last night when it suddenly occurred to me -I suppose I should say us but I’m not sure when he got the idea- that those pictures were really not that good.’
Paul frowned. ‘What?’
‘It was at night and the room was not well lit and from the distance the pictures were taken you really can’t see much.’ Samuel shrugged. ‘Honestly, all that it had going for it was that it clearly showed that it was our dorm room, and the figures closely resembled you, but they could easily just be anyone else who had a similar build to yours.’
‘But it is more than enough to cause a scandal,’ Paul pointed out.
A sly grin appeared on Samuel’s face. ‘It is, or more accurately, it would have been if there were no one else to fit the description.’
It took a while before the full import of Samuel’s words finally dawned on Paul.
‘Absolutely not. I won’t allow it!’
‘Why? What’s he saying?’ Noel asked in confusion, looking from one to the other.
Noel wasn’t the only one lost. Leo was staring at them as if they were speaking a foreign tongue.
‘Excuse me,’ he cut in. ‘Could anyone be kind enough to please explain what’s going on?’
‘They are trying to sacrifice themselves,’ Cam answered slowly as his brain suddenly caught up with the situation.
‘Well, I wouldn’t put it like that,‘ Samuel said. ‘Sacrifice is a strong term. What we’re doing is taking control of the narrative.’
‘No,’ Paul stated firmly.
‘It’s a perfect plan. We have the same build, and we were lucky enough that the pictures didn’t catch your facial features. It’s a relatively simple thing to convince people that that was me in the picture, more so by the fact that it is my dorm room as well.’
Samuel glanced awkwardly at Noel. ‘As for the other part, it would be a bit of a stretch to say that Jayden was Noel since he is much taller than him. But we can play it down to angles or shadows or some other drivel.’
Paul refused to budge. ‘No.’
‘Do you have a better idea?’ At Paul’s silence, he sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. ‘I understand what you’re thinking, and frankly not only do I respect you for it, but it also makes me love you even more. Which is why I want to do this not only for you but for us as well.’
Paul’s face was a mixture of complicated emotions as he stared back at Samuel. ‘You don’t understand what you’re asking.’
‘I do. We talked about it last night and we’re not doing this just to protect you. We’ve wanted to come out for a while now and we’ve never had a good reason to. This, however, is the perfect opportunity to do so because it shows not only a testament of our love but the love we also have for our friends.’
Paul’s eyes were sad as he shook his head. ‘I’m sorry but I can’t let you do this.’
Jayden rolled his eyes and he stepped forward. ‘I told you he would be difficult.’ He turned to Paul. ‘We are coming out today whether you like it or not. Now, you can either make use of this opportunity to solve your problem or the three of us are going to be trending at number one by the end of the day. In your case, it could either be an engagement announcement or a scandal. Pick your poison.’
Paul’s jaw clenched as Samuel shot his boyfriend a disapproving look. ‘I told you to be gentle,’ he reproached in a slightly irritated voice.
Paul closed his eyes and reopened them with a sigh. ‘I don’t know how to thank you.’
‘Then don’t,’ Jayden replied.
Samuel smiled gently. ‘Everyone deserves to write their own coming out story and this is the tale we want to tell. One day, when you’re ready and would like to write your own, we will be there to support you.’
Cam and Leo who had been oddly quiet until now glanced uneasily at each other.
‘And how exactly are you planning on coming out?’ Cam asked with apprehension and the slow smirk that appeared on both their faces did nothing to quell it.
‘You’ll see,’ Samuel answered vaguely as they joined the stream of students who were making their way into the building.
Noel grabbed Jayden and held him back as the others passed through the large revolving doors at the entranceway.
‘What is it?’ Jayden asked as soon as they were out of earshot.
‘Nothing,’ Noel said, letting go of his arm. ‘I just wanted to thank you, so, thank you.’
A small smile played at the edges of Jayden’s lips. ‘Don’t mention it. But for the love of God, please don’t give that harpy, or indeed, anyone else anymore material to blackmail you with. We might not get away with it a second time.’
‘Don’t worry, I won’t.’
Jayden smiled. ‘Good. Now, let’s catch up with the others before they wonder where we’ve gone.’
The stream had slowed down to a trickle when they rejoined the flow and stepped through the doors.
‘Where were you?’ Samuel asked as Jayden walked up to his locker.
‘Nowhere important,’ Jayden answered flippantly. ‘Are you ready?’
Samuel placed his books in his bag and shut his locker with a sigh. ‘So, this is it, huh?’
‘We can still change our minds if you want to.’
Samuel smirked at the thought. ‘Not on your life.’
‘Then this is it,’ Jayden stated, holding out his hand. ‘Take my hand and together let us dangle our feet from the precipice before plunging into the depths of hell.’
Samuel shook his head in amusement as he placed his hand in Jayden’s. He wondered what his past self would think if he knew he was bound to fall in love with an artist who had such a morbidly twisted sense of poetry.
Cam had a thoughtful expression on his face as he watched Samuel and Jayden from his locker.
‘Leo, do you remember what you said earlier about something huge happening?’
Leo glanced over from his locker. ‘Yeah. That feeling is still there like a stubborn itch at the back of my neck.’
‘I think I figured out what it is,’ Cam said as Jayden and Samuel walked hand-in-hand to the centre of the bustling hallway.
Jayden looked into Samuel’s eyes. ‘Ready?’
Samuel smiled back. ‘Always.’
Time seemed to stop as they stared into each other’s eyes and when their lips locked together in an intimate kiss, it suddenly exploded back to life and their world burst into a thousand colours.
~
It took a couple of moments before the first person noticed what was happening in the middle of the floor and at first, they couldn’t believe what they were seeing. They sharply nudged their friend, and it wasn’t long before the entire hallway caught up.
A stunned silence had already descended on the room by the time Jayden and Samuel broke apart.
‘Do you think they got the message?’ Jayden asked with a smirk.
‘If they didn’t then we are definitely losing our touch,’ Samuel replied. ‘We should probably get going if we don’t want to be late for class.’
‘I don’t think we are going to be the only ones late for class,’ Jayden stated, glancing pointedly around them to the students who were frozen in their steps as they stared openly at them.
‘Have I suddenly stepped through the looking glass? What are you all doing still loitering around?’ a teacher demanded as she walked out of a classroom. ‘The siren went off ten minutes ago! Get to class now before I give the lot of you detention.’
‘Professor they,’ one student tried to explain, however, the professor cut her off.
‘I’m not interested in your excuses.’
‘But professor,’ another one tried but was silenced with a glare.
‘Why are you still here? Go!’
Excited muttering broke out as the students began to disperse to their various classrooms.
Samuel slipped his hand into Jayden’s as they turned to leave and at Jayden’s surprised look he simply smiled and said, ‘I don’t have a reason to hide anymore.’
Jayden glanced down at their interlocked hands and squeezed them softly. There were a few wolf-whistles as they made their way to class, and they received more than a few odd stares, but Jayden refused to let go of his hand until they were standing in front of Samuel’s first-period class.
‘Will you be alright?’ Samuel asked worriedly.
Jayden snorted. ‘No one’s going to mess with me. I’ll come back later to walk you to your next class.’
‘I don’t think you’d have to. People are taking it much better than we thought.’
‘That’s because they’re still in shock. Just give it a few more hours and we would be treated to the special brand of nastiness humans are so famous for.’
Jayden’s words were soon proved right by the end of the first period. He was walking Samuel to his next class when someone shouted from the end of the corridor.
‘Faggots!’
Jayden, however, remained nonplussed. ‘No need to expose your extremely limited vocabulary to us. All it takes is one look at you for any sane person to realize you possess as much intelligence as a severely brain-addled orangutan.’
‘You do know homosexuality is a sin, right?’ someone else came in.
‘So is being stupid yet you seem to excel at it.’
Samuel could almost swear that Jayden was enjoying this.
‘You’re going to hell!’
‘Anywhere without your face would be heaven.’
Samuel’s mind was soon made up. Jayden was definitely enjoying this.
‘Decide not to be gay!’
‘Decide not to be ugly. Doesn’t work that way, does it?’
‘I can’t believe I used to have a crush on you. I’ll pray to God to set you on the path to righteousness.’
‘While you’re on that, why don’t you pray for a brain as well since you seem to sorely lack one.’
‘You can choose to be straight; you know that right?’
‘Your mother had a choice not to have a drunken night with your father and your father had a choice to pull out, yet here you are.’
The worst of their encounters, however, happened during homeroom in third period.
‘Well, this is quite a fine mess you’ve put us in,’ Miss Alberta stated the moment she walked into the classroom.
‘What happened?’ Stacey asked curiously.
‘Look outside.’
The class crowded at the window and glanced down to see rows of reporters and TV crews setting up their equipment as a few journalists spoke into cameras, no doubt reporting on what was proving to be a breaking story.
Someone shouted and pointed up at the classroom window and all the cameras turned upwards and began to flash in their faces.
The curtains suddenly swung shut and they turned back to see Miss Alberta with the curtain cord in hand.
‘Let’s not give them anymore material though I doubt they need our help. They come up with their own stories well enough.’
‘But how?’ Noel asked in shock. ‘It’s barely been four hours.’
Miss Alberta snorted. ‘Whispers started to fly within ten minutes of it happening. In an hour, the story had already spread through the school like wildfire. By the second hour pictures were already floating everywhere on social media and by the third hour the phones were screaming their handles off. Trust me, four hours was more than enough.’
One word took Samuel aback. ‘Pictures?’
‘I’m sure it won’t surprise you to know that many of your colleagues possess phones on school premises even though they are contraband. This incident just highlighted how porous the system had gotten, but I suspect that is the least of the headmistress’s worries.’
She looked directly at Jayden. ‘I don’t know what influenced your decision but I’m not sure it was an entirely wise one.’
‘Fags ruining everything as usual,’ William stated with a snicker.
‘We are not going to use that language in my classroom, thank you.’
‘Don’t worry Miss A. Anyone who behaves unnaturally like they do doesn’t deserve our respect.’
‘Get out of my classroom.’
William could hardly believe what he was hearing. ‘What?’
‘Intolerant bigots do not have a place in my classroom. Get out.’
‘Miss A, you can’t be serious. You can’t possibly condone their disgusting behaviour.’
Miss Alberta looked up at him. ‘Not only do I condone it, I fully support it. The only disgusting behaviour here is the one you are exhibiting right now. I can assure you that there are far worse things in the world than two people deciding to love each other. And until you learn to be more accepting you are no longer welcome here.’
A hurt look appeared on William’s face. ‘But Miss A, I’m your favourite.’
‘I don’t have favourites,’ Miss Alberta replied reflexively. She shook her head. ‘But you were which makes my disappointment even greater.’
The hurt look disappeared to be replaced by a sneer. ‘The feeling is mutual. You can’t force me to accept whatever twisted thing they are.’
‘I’m not forcing you to,’ Miss Alberta pointed out. ‘I’m sure there are other classrooms in this building that are as closeminded as you are and would love to take you in.’
William grabbed his backpack and marched out without another word.
‘Anyone who shares his opinions is free to join him.’
The class glanced uncertainly at one another as first one, then two, then a few more students stood up and walked out until less than half the class remained.
Miss Alberta waited until the final person had walked out before slumping tiredly in her chair.
Jayden met Samuel’s sad eyes and shook his head slightly. He knew what he was thinking.
Miss Alberta was a good woman who loved all her students as dearly as if they were her own children and this must have her cost her a lot. For the first time, Jayden was truly sorry.
He didn’t regret coming out, but he was sorry about the inadvertent effect their actions were beginning to have.
He was about to say something when Miss Alberta’s hand slowly raised up, palm outward, toward Stacey.
‘Pay up.’
Stacey made a face but took out her purse and placed a nice wad of cash into Miss Alberta’s eagerly awaiting hand.
Samuel’s face was full of confusion as Miss Alberta greedily counted the money, and he wasn’t the only one.
‘What’s happening?’ someone asked, voicing everyone’s question.
‘Stacey and I have been having a little bet going on. You see, after the play I knew that something was going on between our young Romeos -I’ve been in theatre for many years, I know acting when I see it and that kiss… that was not acting. Stacey over here disagreed so we decided to play a little game.’
She looked up and caught the looks on their faces. ‘Don’t judge me. I feed all of you without complaint, where do you think the money has been coming from? My salary? With the way you lot eat; I would have been thrown out of my home by the end of your first year.’ She placed the wad of money into her breast pocket and patted it happily. ‘It’s my little trips to the casinos and races that keep you fed so I would appreciate a little more gratitude and a lot less cheek.’
‘Thank you,’ Samuel said, and he meant it.
‘Oh no, don’t think you and your boyfriend are getting off that easily. We’ve already had an emergency staff meeting because of you two and I’m about to be late for the next one. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for self-empowerment and living your truth but did you really have to do that?’
‘Yes,’ Jayden answered before Samuel could speak.
Miss Alberta sighed and stood up. ‘Come on, then.’
Samuel looked up. ‘Where are you going?’
‘We are going to the second emergency meeting. You two are the cause of all this mess and the headmistress wants to speak to you both personally. Now hurry up, I already said we were running late.’
Jayden and Samuel glanced at each other before getting up to follow Miss Alberta to the door.
‘I suggest the rest of you use the time to study. Drama or no drama, finals are still on their way and a public scandal is not going to change that.’
It was a relatively quiet walk to the administration building since most of the students were still in class. It was when they walked into the building that the silence was abruptly shattered by a mad cacophony of phones ringing off the hook.
The noise blended in with the rapid tapping of computer keys and the steady cadence of voices as frazzled secretaries worked themselves to the bone in a heroic effort to keep up with the persistent demand of the ringing phones. Miss Alberta led them past desks that were strewn with hurriedly jotted notes and half-empty coffee cups until they had moved away from the scene of organized chaos.
Things quietened down after they had gone past the main lobby and from there it was a short walk to the conference room where everyone was already seated and waiting for them.
‘Thank you for joining us,’ the headmistress greeted from the head of the table. She waited until they had taken their seats before turning back to the table. ‘Where were we?’
‘The security team would like to know if they should eject the reporters from campus.’
‘Let them stay. If we don’t allow them to get an accurate report of the events, they will just make up rumours to sell their stories which would be much worse. However, be sure to fully import that their stay is conditional on good behaviour. If I receive any reports of them harassing any student or staff, not only would I have them thrown from school grounds, but their firms would also be receiving a visit from our lawyers.’
‘We have also received requests asking for our official statement on the issue.’
‘That is easy enough,’ the football coach answered. ‘Our stance is very clear. We unequivocally condemn that kind of behaviour and the students involved would be facing disciplinary action.’
Samuel immediately tensed up and as his eyes met those of his former football coach, he saw the undoubted disgust that lay in them.
The headmistress noticed the look on his face and shook her head slightly in reassurance. ‘Do not worry. You were not summoned here for disciplinary action, neither would you undergo any such measures in the future.’
The coach’s face filled with disbelief. ‘You can’t possibly be serious, headmistress. You of all people have always been firm when it came to school rules.’
‘To my knowledge, they have not broken any school rules. The rules allow for relationships between students. They did not go into detail on what nature those relationships should be.’
The coach was almost spluttering with indignation. ‘Even if the school rules do not speak about that, it is clearly against the law.’
The headmistress’s voice was unwavering as she fixed him with a steady gaze. ‘In this school, the rules are the law.’
‘I can’t believe what I’m hearing!’ the coach exclaimed shooting to his feet in pure outrage. He jabbed a beefy finger at Samuel and Jayden. ‘What they are doing… what they are, is not only unnatural but a crime!’
Jayden had had enough. ‘You exist, which one might argue is a larger humanitarian crime than what I get up to in the privacy of my own bedroom.’
The coach almost choked on his rage. ‘Do you think this is a joke?’
‘I’m looking at a joke. Does that count?’
‘That’s enough. Thank you, Mr. Mills.’ The Headmistress interrupted. ‘And while you’ve no doubt proved more than capable of spearheading your own defense. I would appreciate it if you left this particular battle to me.’
Jayden nodded reluctantly and the headmistress turned to the still-vexed coach. ‘Please take a few minutes to compose yourself.’
‘I don’t need to-‘
‘Your judgment is deviating from the sense of propriety and my patience is diminishing even further. That was not a suggestion. You are excused.’
The coach took one look at the headmistress’s steely gaze and stomached the rest of his complaints, leaving the room without another word.
‘I hope we can now continue this meeting without any further lapses of discernment.’ She turned to the teacher who had originally asked the question. ‘Our official statement on the matter is to say nothing. The school has never had an opinion on who our students decide to date, and I see no reason that should change now.’
A small erudite-looking man with a wizened face steepled his fingers on the table and leaned forward. ‘There is also the pressing matter pertaining to the students’ safety. If the incident in today’s meeting is any indication, they have already faced a barrage of verbal assaults due to their… unique identity. This is no doubt only the beginning and we can be certain that in the coming days, they would also have to deal with physical attacks on their persons.’
‘What do you suggest, Dr. Abaka?’
‘As Mr. Mills’ head of house, it is my duty to ensure his safety. However, I cannot guarantee it if he continues to stay in residence. I do plan to place more prefects on duty, but I can’t be certain that they won’t turn a blind eye to any attacks.’
‘Do you really think that prefects would be so bold as to allow attacks on students?’ one teacher asked horrified.
‘My dear, Carolyn. In my long life, I have learned to never underestimate humanity’s capacity for stupidity.’
‘Dr. Abaka is right. Coach Robert is Mr. Asamoah’s head of house and after his performance, I do not trust him with his safety. Indeed, I no longer trust him with the safety of any of my students but that is a matter for another day. For now, I shall be directly responsible for their safety.’
The entire table stared at the headmistress in surprise.
‘Headmistress, do you mean…?’
‘Both of them would be under my direct supervision. Starting tonight, they shall move into the Headmistress’ Manor which would guarantee their safety for the night. During the day, after the end of every class, the teacher of that previous lesson is responsible for escorting them to their next class. I do not want them unsupervised for a single second.’
‘Yes, headmistress.’
The headmistress stood up. ‘That is all for now. I am sure the rest of you are as busy as I am so I would leave you to go about your duties. This meeting is adjourned.’
‘I was their last teacher so I would walk them to their next class,’ Miss Alberta said as the rest of the table got up to leave.
‘Thank you, Miss Alberta. Mr. Asamoah, might I ask you to step with me into my office. Your mother is on the line and would like to speak with you.’
An apprehensive expression filled Samuel’s features as he stood up and followed the headmistress out of the meeting room.
Miss Alberta tapped her fingers against the table to the beat of what sounded suspiciously like “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga as they waited for Samuel.
He came back twenty minutes later and they walked back to class together.
‘What did your mother want?’ Jayden asked in a whisper.
‘Mhm?’ Samuel replied, lost in thought. ‘Oh, she just wanted to make sure I was doing alright.’
‘She heard then.’
Samuel chuckled. ‘I don’t think there’s anyone in the country who hasn’t heard the news by now. You’d think they’d all have better things to do with their time.’
Jayden didn’t share his amusement. ‘How is she taking the news?’
‘Okay, I guess. I don’t think she cares much. Gay, straight, bi, or even pan, they are all the same to her. Her main issue was my supposed lack of proper education.’
Jayden gave him a look of confusion as his mind went back to the odd conversation with his mother.
‘Oh finally, there you are! Sam, honey, how are you doing? Your father and I heard it on the news. Are you doing okay, darling?’
‘I’m fine, mum. Sorry, I worried you.’
‘I’m your mother. I’m worried every time you are out of my sight. Are you sure you are alright though? Do you want us to come get you?’
‘I don’t think that’s necessary yet. Besides, I can’t leave Jayden behind.’
‘Oh right, I forgot about that part.’
‘Are you… you’re okay with it right?’
‘Honestly, I’m a bit miffed I had to find out the news as if I was Mrs. Jenkins who lives down the street, and not the woman who gave birth to you. But that’s fine, the important thing is you came out the way you wanted to.’
‘Thanks, mum.’
‘The second important thing is safe sex.’
‘Mum…’
‘You are in totally new territory here! If I had gotten a little heads up, I would have covered it during our sex ed talk.’
‘Mum!’
‘I..’ He could hear noises coming from the background. ‘It seems I’m embarrassing him, John. No, it’s important. Listen Sammy, I know it’s uncomfortable to talk about, but it is very important. For starters, did you know that the best way to hygienically prep before anal sex is to-‘
‘Goodbye, Mother!’
‘I… wait… very well. But we are going to have this conversation when you get home whether you like it or not.’
‘I love you, mum.’
‘Love you too, honey. Please stay safe.’
He shook his head with a shudder and at Jayden’s weird look he said, ‘Don’t ask.’
‘Sorry to interrupt this little domestique but we are here,’ Miss Alberta announced, stopping before the door to Samuel’s next class.
‘Good luck, with the rest of your day,’ Samuel said as he gently squeezed Jayden’s hand. ‘I’ll see you later, okay?’
‘See you,’ Jayden responded.
‘Ah, young love,’ Miss Alberta stated with a wistful sigh. ‘I suppose to you four hours without him seems like a lifetime.’
Jayden just stared at her until she cleared her throat awkwardly and turned to lead him to his class.
The day passed quickly after that with very little incident. The reporters had set up camp outside every school building and tried to get a comment from anyone who would speak to them which was more than half of the student population. By the end of the day, they had gotten enough to fuel the rumour mill for several weeks.
The ones they wanted to speak to the most, however, were Jayden and Samuel but they were now always accompanied by teachers, so they had to settle on second and third-party accounts.
At the end of the day, several prefects followed them to their dormitories to help them pack and by seven o’clock at night they had moved into the headmistress’s manor.
‘Do you think it’ll be awkward staying here?’ Samuel asked as they stood in the foyer.
‘Probably,’ Jayden whispered as the butler came to lead them into a sitting room. ‘Though that hasn’t stopped us before.’
Francesca Fontaine looked up as they entered. ‘I trust everything went smoothly during the move?’
‘Yes, it did,’ Samuel answered politely. ‘Thank you again for opening up your home to us.’
‘You’re very much welcome. I’m afraid you just missed dinner but I’m sure we can whip up something if you’re hungry.’
‘We already ate, but thanks for the offer,’ Jayden replied. ‘Can we be shown to our room now.’
‘Crowe would take you up to your rooms,’ Francesca stated, making sure to stress the last letter.
Jayden held back an eyeroll. ‘The cat is out of the bag. There is no longer any need to put up a pretense.’
‘There is every need, Mr. Mills. While I am sympathetic to your situation, it does not negate the fact that what you two get up too is a triable offence. To maintain my plausible deniability and to prevent this house from being held complicit, I cannot be seen to be aiding and abetting a crime under my own roof.’
‘I’m still going to sneak into his bed when everyone’s asleep though,’ Jayden muttered under his breath earning himself a sharp elbow to the gut from Samuel.
‘I did not hear that, and I would appreciate it if you would refrain from repeating it. Now, off to bed. I daresay, we would need all the rest we can get to face the coming day.’
It was a clear dismissal, and the two boys followed the butler, Crowe, up the short flight of stairs into the east wing of the house were the sleeping quarters where located.
After making sure that they both entered their own rooms Crowe nodded his head in satisfaction before heading back downstairs. A few minutes later, the knob on Jayden’s door turned and he boldly walked out across the corridor into Samuel’s room.
‘I thought you were going to wait until everyone had fallen asleep,’ Samuel said with a grin as Jayden climbed into his bed.
‘I grew impatient,’ Jayden replied with a shrug. He snuggled close to Samuel and muttered, ‘What do they think we would be getting up to anyway? Do they think we’re some sort of sex-crazed rabbits who go at it every single second?’
‘I suppose to them all teenagers are sex-crazed rabbits.’
‘As if anyone could have sex in this situation,’ Jayden mumbled crossly.
Samuel smiled and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. ‘Don’t get worked up. You know you can’t sleep when you’re cross.’
‘I’m always cross,’ Jayden muttered.
‘That’s why you never sleep,’ Samuel said as he smoothened out Jayden’s furrowed brows with his fingers. ‘There, that’s better. Now, go to sleep. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.’
‘Do you think Paul and Noel would be okay without us?’ Jayden asked worriedly. ‘We didn’t get a chance to speak with them much after everything happened.’
‘I’m sure they’ll be fine. They have Cam and Leo to keep them out of trouble.’
Jayden snorted. ‘Leo is more likely to get them into trouble than keep them out of it.’
Samuel smiled. ‘True, but there’s nothing we can do about it now. We’ll see them tomorrow. Goodnight, Jayden.’
‘Goodnight.’
But Jayden was unable to go to sleep. He was therefore awake when a few minutes after midnight he heard the sound of running footsteps and urgent shouts.
He glanced at Samuel’s peaceful sleeping face before gently untangling himself from the covers. He walked out of the room to investigate and was met with the sight of panicked chaos.
Servants darted quickly around in a flurry of hurried movements as doors opened and closed all over the manor. He tracked the butler through the din and found him belting a series of frantic orders to the panicked staff.
‘What’s going on?’
Crowe’s voice halted midway as he looked around to find the source of this interruption.
‘Oh, it’s you. Never you worry. We have everything under control.’
‘I didn’t ask whether you had everything under control. I asked what was going on.’
Crowe was beginning to grow impatient. ‘Shouldn’t you be in bed?’
‘Shouldn’t you? Now are you going to tell me what’s happening, or should we do this the hard way?’
They stared at each other for a few heartbeats before Crowe sighed in defeat.
‘Very well, if you must know a fire broke out in one of the residences.’
Jayden’s blood ran cold as Noel’s face flashed into his mind.
‘I’m not clear on details -we don’t receive a lot of updates being so far out of the way but-‘
‘Which one?’ Jayden demanded, cutting him off.
‘Huh?’
‘Which house?’ Jayden demanded impatiently.
‘Weren’t you paying attention to anything I said? I don’t know the details. The headmistress is at the scene now and…. Wait, where are you going? You are not supposed to leave the manor unsupervised!’
Jayden ignored his shouts as he rushed out of the manor and into the cool night air. There was only one thought in his mind as he raced toward the quad where the four house buildings were located and that was a single prayer.
The quad was a hive of activity as emergency personnel rushed about and alarms wailed in the background. The orange glow projected eerie shapes that danced and jumped on the side of the buildings and the flickering flames distorted the silhouettes of the students scattered out on the lawn.
The air crackled with energy as emergency lights from the vehicles of the first responders threw the scene into sharp relief. In the centre of the chaos, Francesca Fontaine stood with imposing serenity in her nightgown as her eyes roved over the scene.
Jayden walked up to her, and he let out a sigh of relief when he saw the building that had caught fire.
‘I should have known better than to hope you would stay still,’ the headmistress said without turning her head.
Jayden watched as the firefighters slowly brought the blaze under control. ‘Do we know what happened?’
‘I have formulated my hypothesis, but I shall say nothing until I have all the facts. If I’m not mistaken, there are your friends now. Why don’t we ask them?’
Jayden moved his eyes away from the fire and sure enough, he could see Paul and Leo coming towards them from across the lawn.
‘Are you alright?’ Jayden asked as soon as Noel got close enough to hear.
‘I’m fine,’ Noel assured him. ‘It’s Cam and Leo you need to worry about. The fire started from their rooms.’
‘Don’t worry,’ Paul said, catching the look on his face. ‘They’re fine but Leo is utterly pissed to hell and rightfully so.’
They soon heard Leo’s loud voice.
‘Esos malditos cobardes! If they want me, they should do it face to face, not hide between their mother’s faldas like puta mierdas. Malditas perras!’
Cam walked up to them with a look of relief. ‘Glad to know you all are okay. Can’t say the same about him though,’ he added, glancing at Leo.
Leo suddenly saw them and quickly came over. ‘Everyone is alright? Good. Those bastards are lucky nothing happened to any of you.’
‘What about you?’ Noel asked with concern. ‘You don’t look alright.’
‘Of course, I’m not alright! ¿Cómo puedo estar bien después de esto? Esos malditos perros. Si encuentro a alguno de ellos, los convertiré en polvo y los estrangularé con sus propias intensidades!’
Noel glanced around in confusion. ‘Erm…’
‘¡Malditos idiotas! ¡Están pidiendo su propia muerte! Si estás tan cansado de la vida, ¡déjame enviarte al encuentro de la Virgen Bendita!’
For the first time, none of the others could tell him to shut up when they all knew that this event had undoubtedly brought back unpleasant memories of how his parents died in the fire that burnt their house down.
Paul placed an arm on his shoulder as Cam tried to help him through his breathing exercises.
‘Leo. Leo, look at me. It’s me, Cam. I’m right here, and I’m not going to leave you. Now let’s take deep breaths. Remember? Breathe in… hold… and out.’
‘Right, right.’ Leo said, nodding as he took several deep breaths. ‘I’m sorry for cursing in front of you, headmistress.’
‘I’m flattered you think me so dainty a lady who cannot handle a few choice words. Alas, Mr. Ferras, my ears are long past that.’
They turned to look back at the blaze that had threatened to engulf the Draco building was finally subdued.
The chief firefighter took off his helmet as he came up to them. ‘Everything is under control now, headmistress. Luckily no one was hurt, and we were able to contain the flames before putting it out, so the damage is not extensive.’
‘Thank you, warden. You have our gratitude.’
The warden bowed his head humbly before placing his helmet back on. ‘I must say, whoever raised the alarm deserves a medal. If they hadn’t done so as early as they did… I cannot stress enough how terrible the situation would have been.’ He looked around at the students who were sitting on the grass in their pajamas. ‘It’s safe to say they all owe them their lives.’
‘I will let our hero know but I doubt they would be pleased. I hope so, but I doubt it.’
‘Headmistress,’ the warden saluted before walking off.
‘What did you mean when you said you hoped they would be pleased?’ Jayden leaned over to ask. ‘Why won’t they be pleased? Who even is it?’
A faint smile appeared on Francesca’s lips. ‘You’ll see.’
‘Look what I found,’ Azrael’s voice came in pleasantly. ‘I was taking a stroll and made some new friends.’
Everyone turned to see him walking up to them with his arms slung lazily over the two students who stood on either side of him.
The students, however, looked terrified out of their wits. As soon as they saw the headmistress, they immediately tried to run up to her, but Azrael held them back with a disappointed tut.
‘Tired of my company already? How hurtful.’
Francesca’s gaze sharpened as she took in the condition the students were in. ‘What did you do to them?’
Azrael seemed almost offended by that question. ‘What makes you think I did anything? They’re alive, all limbs intact, and not a single scratch on them.’ He turned to his two captives. ‘Have I treated you unfairly?’
They quickly shook their heads, causing Azrael to flash them a charming grin. ‘Now are you going to tell the nice old lady what you did or shall I?’
‘I… we… I’m so sorry… I didn’t… we didn’t…,’ one of the students stammered shakily.
‘What my little friend is trying to say is they were the ones who started the fire. Well, part of them. Their associates got away, but I was able to get a hold of these two and after a little friendly persuasion they were very forthcoming with the identities of the members of their little arsonist club.’
Jayden’s gaze narrowed dangerously. ‘You were the ones who did this?’
Leo crossed himself and began to pray. ‘Ave María, Madre de Dios. Perdóname, pero estoy a punto de matar a golpes a una perra.’
‘We’re so sorry.’
‘Please help us. He-‘
‘Hmm?’ Azrael raised a curious eyebrow. ‘I what?’
They immediately shut up though scared tears fell down their faces as Azrael gave them a warm smile.
Jayden’s voice was as cold as steel as he asked, ‘And what were you hoping to achieve by setting my friends’ rooms on fire?’
They glanced from Jayden’s thunderous expression to Azrael’s smiling face and didn’t know whom to be more frightened of.
‘We… we just wanted to send a little… a little message. It was just meant to be a friendly prank that’s all.’
Cam couldn’t control his anger. ‘That wasn’t a prank, that was a hate crime.’
Noel shook his head in disbelief. ‘I really can’t understand it. Walk me through your thought process. Did you not know the fire would spread or did you really think you could only set their dorm on fire without the entire building going up in flames?’
They had nothing to say to that and just stood shivering as Azrael’s arms held them in place like a vice.
‘En el nombre del padre, del hijo y del espíritu santo. Amén.’ Leo finished praying before suddenly launching himself at the two boys.
Paul and Cam quickly pulled him back but not before he had left both of them with a bloody nose.
‘Let go of me,’ he screamed. ‘Lo juro por Dios, los voy a matar. Let me go!’
Paul and Cam struggled to hold him in place and Jayden looked close to swinging his fists as well.
The headmistress watched this all unfold with steely calmness and when Leo had almost broken away from Paul’s grip, finally decided to step in.
‘Please leave them to me, Mr. Ferras. I give you my word that they and their co-conspirators would not only be expelled but also face the full rigour of the law. Mr. Rutherford, would you be kind enough to transfer those two into the custody of the police?’
‘How boring,’ Azrael muttered, rolling his eyes in disappointment as he led his two captives away.
‘What are we going to do now?’ Leo muttered forlornly as he stared up at the smoking ruins of his dorm.
‘You can sleep over at my place if you like?’ Noel offered.
‘I think it’s safe to say that the rest of you would have to join Mr. Mills in staying at my residence, if only to prevent a repeat of tonight’s occurrence.’
Leo looked up at the headmistress. ‘Are you sure?’
‘I’ve always wanted to meet the person who would be brave and stupid enough to torch my home. Who knows, this may provide me with the opportunity.’
‘Thank you,’ Cam said gratefully. ‘Come on, Leo. Let’s see if there’s anything we can salvage. I’ll call Mum in the morning to bring us new stuff from home.’
Leo nodded despondently and followed Cam back to their old dorm. Paul and Noel gave each other a sad look before also leaving to pack the things they would need for the night.
The headmistress glanced at Jayden. ‘Why don’t you run along and help your friends.’
‘In a moment,’ Jayden said. There was a burning question in his mind he was meaning to ask. ‘You knew this was going to happen, didn’t you?’
A sad smile appeared on her face. ‘No, Mr. Mills, I did not because I do not know the future. However, I am well acquainted with human nature, and I am sad to say I was proved right.’
‘Is that why you asked Azrael to stand guard?’
Francesca Fontaine turned to look up at the twinkling stars. ‘Now, that is a curious case. I did not ask him, he volunteered himself for the task. I had not communicated my hunch to anyone but in the middle of the day, Mr. Rutherford barged into my office and told me in a quite matter-of-fact way that he knew what I was thinking, and he was the best person to carry it out.’
‘Why?’
‘I would say he is the best person to answer that question, but I have a feeling that he is not quite sure about the answer himself.’
~
An hour later the friends were crowded on Samuel’s bed as Leo broke down the events of the night.
‘I can’t believe I was asleep while all this happened,’ Samuel muttered in disbelief. He glared at Jayden. ‘Why didn’t you wake me up?’
‘I didn’t want to disturb your sleep. You’ve already had enough to deal with?’
‘And you don’t?’
Jayden shrugged. ‘Like you said, I’ve always been the stronger of the both of us. Besides, it worked out for the best. You know what happened, they’re fine now, and you didn’t have to worry.’
Samuel decided he didn’t have the strength to deal with him anymore and turned to Paul.
‘Did anyone try something at our dorm?’
Paul shook his head. ‘No, and they didn’t at Jayden and Noel’s either.’
‘But why Cam and Leo,’ Samuel mumbled. ‘It doesn’t make sense.’
‘I think I know why,’ Cam stated. ‘Remember the guy we got into a fight with today at the gym?’ he asked Leo. ‘The one who called Jayden and Sam, fags.’
Leo wrinkled his nose as he realized who Cam was talking about. ‘Yeah, what about him?’
‘One of the boys who Azrael caught is his best friend’s brother.’
‘You think they wanted revenge?’ Noel asked.
‘It’s very likely.’
‘Crazy bastards,’ Leo muttered. ‘I knew I should have punched them harder.’
‘It’s punching them that got you into this mess in the first place,’ Jayden pointed out.
Leo’s suddenly stomach rumbled loudly. He clutched it and groaned painfully. ‘See, my stomach agrees with me. Being mad always makes me angry.’ He perked up. ‘Do you think the headmistress has ice cream?’
Samuel shrugged. ‘I don’t know. Why don’t you ask her?’
Leo turned hopefully to Jayden. ‘Can you?’
‘Why me?’
‘Because you’re her favourite.’
Jayden snorted. ‘Does she seem like the type to have favourites?’
Leo considered it for a moment and realized Jayden was right. ‘Okay, maybe not. But if she did it would be you. Please?’
‘No.’
‘You’re asking the wrong person,’ Cam said. ‘If you want Jayden to do anything Samuel is the one to ask.’
Jayden rolled his eyes. ‘Who do you take me for?’
‘Samuel, can Jayden get us ice cream?’ Leo asked hopefully.
‘The answer is still going to be no.’
‘Jayden, can you get us ice cream?’ Samuel asked.
They stared at each other for a few seconds before Jayden stood up in defeat. ‘Fine, but this doesn’t prove anything.’
The other waited until Jayden had left the room before dissolving into a fit of laughter. Jayden stood behind the door as a small smile played across his face.
He tore himself from the door and was making his way to the kitchens when he heard the front door open.
He hid behind the banister and watched from the stairs as a tall powerfully built man strode into the reception hall.
His voice boomed loudly in the hall as he spoke. ‘Where is the headmistress?’
‘She is in her office, sir.’ Crowe answered, taking his coat. ‘Would you like some tea?’
‘No time.’
Jayden briefly glanced in the direction of the kitchen before changing his destination to stealthily trail their pre-dawn visitor.
The man stopped before a large oak door and after knocking, turned the handle and walked in.
Jayden quickly rushed toward the door and caught it with the tip of his finger before it swung shut and through the less-than-an-inch hole, he was able to hear the conversation that ensued.
‘This is a crisis, headmistress. There is no other way to put it. This is an extremely large crisis, and the board is very worried.’
The unmistakable echo of footsteps told Jayden that their unexpected visitor had started to pace up and down the room.
‘We need to navigate this crisis delicately if we are to have any hope of emerging unscathed.’
‘Naturally,’ the headmistress’s voice came in.
‘The first order of business is to send a clear message that the school is and will always be a place of discipline, morality, and light. That the actions of those students in no way represent our values.’
‘I fail to see how that has changed.’
‘I’m glad you think so, headmistress because we’ve had a concerning report from a staff member that you are against expelling the students involved in the scandal.’
‘Correct me if I’m wrong, but from my knowledge, we only expel students for a clear breach of school rules. As far as I’m aware, the students in question did not break any rules.’
‘I do get where you are coming from, and it is an odd issue right enough. Almost all the rules are in line with the law, so we’ve never had to deal with a case where one is broken but the other is upheld. However, it stands to reason that the law should carry precedence.’
‘I have to admit I am disappointed.’
The pacing stopped and the sound of a chair creaking came through the door.
‘Come now, headmistress. I have never been a bigot and I don’t think it fair you should accuse me of it now. “Live and let live” has always been my watchword. But the fact remains that our investors do not take kindly to that sort of behaviour. Two of them have already pulled out.’
‘It seems to me that “Money comes first” would be a more apt maxim for you.’
Their visitor’s voice lost its conciliatory tone. ‘I’ve tried to play nice, but you are insisting on being difficult. I want those students gone, headmistress, and that is non-negotiable.’
‘You certainly have a lot of demands. When you speak like that, I remember the snotty-faced boy who used to stomp his feet and I am tempted to give you detention.’
‘With so many memories, it is clear to me that you have been headmistress for far too long. It is our fault; we grew too attached to a relic of the past and thus have been unfair to you. Maybe it is time we let you go to let in younger blood.’
‘You have never been good at making threats.’
‘As chair of the board, I am ordering you to expel them.’
‘And as headmistress, I must respectfully decline.’
‘You do not have an option. You are under the direction of the board.’
‘I am Francesca Fredricka Fontaine. I am under no one’s direction. You may forget your place but do not forget who I am. My family built this school. We have been around for three hundred years which is far longer than that board has ever existed.’
There was a loud unmistakable thud of chair hitting in the ground, which suggested that the guest had risen to his feet in anger.
‘The board will hear about this.’
‘Run back to your board and tell them that if they want to get rid of me, they would do better than to send an overgrown man-child who is still wet between the ears.’
‘You-‘
‘If you’ll excuse me, I have another guest to attend to. Mr. Mills, you may come in now.’
Jayden hesitated before opening the door wider.
‘Very well,’ the visitor said. ‘I can see you’re busy, headmistress. I shall bid you a good day.’
Jayden stepped aside as their guest pushed brusquely past him and out of the room.
The headmistress waved him closer, and Jayden let the door close behind him as he walked deeper into the room.
‘I would have thought that you had better things to do with your time than to eavesdrop on other people’s private conversations.’
‘How did you know I was here?’
Francesca’s eyes glinted behind her half-moon spectacles. ‘When you get to live as long as I do you end up picking a few things. Might I be privy to the reason why you are wandering the corridors at this hour instead of being in bed?’
‘I was looking for ice cream.’
Francesca glanced around her. ‘I’m afraid I do not make it a habit of storing confectionery in my office. You would have had better luck in the kitchens.’
‘I was… nevermind.’ Jayden picked up the fallen chair and sat down in it. ‘Will you be alright?’
An amused look came into the headmistress’ eyes. ‘If this is about the threats you overhead, do not worry. His barks are worse than his bite. He was, however, right about one thing. You cannot stay here.’
Jayden’s eyes fell. ‘I see.’
‘Cheer up, Mr. Mills. I do not mean to expel you.’
Jayden looked up at that. ‘You’re not?’
‘I hope you do not think me so weak as to capitulate so easily.’ Francesca shook her head. ‘No, I am not. But while you shall remain a student of Lumière, I am afraid you and your friends will have to continue your studies at home.’
Jayden frowned. ‘That is giving up.’
Francesca hummed thoughtfully. ‘Yes, I suppose in a way it is, but not in the way that you think. I am sad to admit it but the events of tonight have shown me that Lumière is no longer a safe place for any of you. You see while I expected tonight’s attack, not even I could predict that it would be on such a scale. You heard what could have almost happened.’
Jayden nodded.
‘I do not wish to place any of my students in such a danger ever again and I’m sure you do not want to endanger your friends on a stand of principle.’
‘I don’t.’
Francesca closed her eyes and when she opened them again, they were so clear that Jayden was filled with a wave of unwavering certainty.
‘Your continued presence here is a catalyst for danger but it could also be a catalyst of great change. In a slightly better world, Mr. Mills, I would have wanted you to stay and fight.’
‘In a slightly better world, headmistress, I would not leave.’
A smile appeared on Francesca’s face as she nodded. ‘Good.’ She suddenly sighed and leaned back against her chair. ‘You are not the only one leaving Mr. Mills. I’m afraid my time as headmistress has also come to an end.’
Jayden stared at her in surprise. ‘I thought the board wouldn’t be able to-‘
‘Oh no, it’s not that. If it was, I would stay until my bones turn to dust.’
‘Then?’
‘I have been alive for close to nine decades and I have been headmistress for six of them.’ She looked up at a portrait of a wizened old man staring haughtily down at the room. ‘My grandfather died in this office and so did my father. For a long time, I believed that was my fate, but you have inspired me.’
Jayden was taken aback. ‘I have?’
‘There is a little cottage on the edge of the estate with the loveliest little stream bordering it. I am not going to spend the rest of my life chained to this desk, instead, I am going to retire, move into the cottage, and take up gardening. Later, if I’m still alive and if my old joints will allow, I shall take up crocheting. I’ve always been meaning to learn but I have always been too busy.’
The thought was enough to make Jayden grow subdued. ‘It seems strange to think of a Lumière without you at the helm.’
Francesca smiled. ‘You will be pleased at who I’ve selected as my replacement. It’s none other than your homeroom teacher, Miss Alberta.’
‘Miss A?’ Jayden asked in bewilderment. ‘But I thought only a Fontaine would be able to become head of the school.’
The headmistress gave him a strange look. ‘What do you think her last name is?’
‘Oh…’
‘Exactly. She is my sister’s granddaughter, Alberta Sophia Fontaine. She goes by her first name because she didn’t want her students to get frightened of her before getting to know her.’
Jayden’s lip quirked upwards. ‘She would be a great headmistress.’
‘That she would. Now run off to bed. I have already contacted your parents and they would be here tomorrow morning to pick you up. I am going to trust you to break the news to your friends.’
Jayden stood up and nodded. ‘Goodnight, headmistress.’ He walked up to the door but paused with his hand on the handle. ‘No matter what, we will always think of you as the headmistress of Lumière International School. Your stern gaze would be looking down at us from every portrait, your authority would boom from every speaker and your imposing presence would echo in every hallway making sure we always step up to the mark.
Francesca looked up at him with a fond smile. ‘I appreciate your sentiments but that sounds terribly dreary. I would rather prefer to be forgotten to enjoy my retirement in peace.’
Jayden nodded and walked out of the room, and just before the door shut behind him, he cast one last look back to see Francesca Fontaine smiling off into space. He, however, did not see the old woman she was or the image of unperturbed majesty that he had come to associate with her but rather a little girl excited at the thought of coming home to play after a long day of school.
Author’ Note:
The beauty of life is that we are all capable of change.
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