They drank their coffees and chatted about this and that. Ruby made them toasted sandwiches for lunch, which Mel ate with gusto. That made Ruby grin, although she tried to hide it. Sex obviously makes her hungry. I’ll have to remember that.
The door banged open and a scampering sound reached them. Barney pricked up her ears and got out of her bed to greet Jasmine, who looked as if she’d run all the way. “Morning!”
Ruby lifted an eyebrow but resolved it quickly by rising to hug Jasmine. “Afternoon. How was your evening?”
“Great. Everyone had fun.”
“Everyone?”
Jasmine blushed. “Oh. I mean we had fun. And Laura’s sister was there too, just in her room, you know?”
“More on this later,” Ruby said, pointing at Jasmine.
To her credit, Jasmine lowered her head. After a moment of guilt, she smiled, however, and turned to Mel. “So, what did you watch?”
“Juno.”
Jasmine stuffed her hands in her pockets. “Good film. Funny.”
“Yeah, it’s sweet. Kind of…” Mel twisted her lips. “Comforting.”
“I like indie films too,” Chloe said.
Ruby took in the way Jasmine stood, her hands in her pockets in a strangely similar position to how Mel often stood. It made her chuckle inwardly. It seemed like both her daughters were comfortable with the fact that she was dating Mel now, and that sometimes Mel would stay over.
It was still a slightly baffling concept to Ruby herself, if she were honest.
The garden on campus was growing steadily, leafy green filling every area they’d planted things. Ruby was getting used to the terminology too: cuttings, fertiliser, suckers, tubers, and embryonic leaves. Mel was a great teacher; she was patient with the children and spoke to them in a way that didn’t seem patronising. They seemed to really respond to being treated like small adults. Ruby couldn’t help watching her, without the worry of a certain school teacher picking up on every little glance.
She had no idea what had happened to Mrs Denzie, only that she was no longer bringing the children to campus. A new teacher, Mr Stephens, had been sent to replace her, and he seemed a much better fit. He pretended he knew nothing about plants, and although the pretence was obvious to Ruby, it wasn’t to the children, who delighted in teaching him the knowledge and skills they had learned so far. And he seemed oblivious, or otherwise unconcerned, with any affection Ruby and Mel held for each other. It was a massive weight off her shoulders.
Ruby felt content with that part of her week. Wednesday-afternoon gardening had begun again after Easter, and the kids were ecstatic with how the plants were thriving under their care. Michael was on top form every week, carefully running mini groups himself regarding the care of tomato plants, and how long they would take to produce fruit. Ruby thought perhaps she’d make him a certificate to acknowledge his hard work. Chelsea continued to help the shyer children and seemed to know instinctively when they needed assistance. Becca’s onion had grown the tallest leaves, although she appeared unsure whether this meant the bulb would be the biggest. Such scepticism in a nine-year-old!
Frank’s potato plant was most impressive. His leaves were so huge they weighed down the entire plant and he’d had to borrow some canes to prop them up. His chubby fingers were careful as he tied the thick stems to the canes, and his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. I wonder what certificate I can make for him.
The entire garden had surpassed Ruby’s expectations, especially those she had held at the beginning. Mel’s bright enthusiasm seemed to permeate the plants and make them thrive; or perhaps it was the “extra special” feed they were giving them each week. Whatever it was, everything was going to plan, and so far, nothing had withered. Ruby found herself in the garden on days that were not Wednesdays, checking the plants for slugs and plucking off any suckers from the tomatoes. Maybe I’ll try to grow something in my own garden. I think Chloe would enjoy helping me with that. Jasmine too, perhaps. She sat for long minutes, drinking coffee and gazing lovingly at her clematis, secured firmly to the side of the shed. Mel bought that especially for me. The flame-like flowers had opened, and they stood proudly in the sun. Ruby loved it.
Chapter 28
The boot of her small Mini Cooper full of sandwiches, packets of crisps, and random donations from the various shops she’d sent letters to, Ruby pulled into the car park with a thrum of excitement making her whole body tingle. Today is the day. The fruit of our labours.
Chloe went immediately to the boot, hauling platters of sandwiches into her arms, her face alight and her trousers, as usual, dragging on the dusty concrete.
Jasmine ignored her and folded her arms, until Ruby shot her a look. She rolled her eyes and took several bags of crisps from her mother.
“Thank you, lovely,” Ruby sang, as if Jasmine had intended to help all along.
They made their way through reception. Ruby noticed Chloe lingering by the various leaflets detailing each course before she blinked hastily and followed her down the corridor and back out into the sunshine.
The children and their selected family members and friends were already there. Francesca, fresh from her assessment and looking a lot less tired, stood slightly awkwardly near the shed. Various other students and lecturers from the university had also arrived. So had Mel, and Ruby couldn’t help the grin that swept onto her face as she took her in. Gone was her usual gardening attire of walking boots and old jeans. She was dressed in a buttoned-up blouse, dress trousers, and shiny boots. Her hair was neat but down, the ends fluttering in the breeze. Ruby thought she recognised the outfit from the first time she had met her, all those months ago, in the canteen of the university. How we hated one another. And now look at us.
The urge to go up to her and kiss her full on the lips was strong, but she pushed the feeling away, aware of the large group of people occupying the space. Michael was holding court, apparently giving a guided tour of each section of the garden. As he reached the sunflowers, yellow as the morning sun, and stretched his small hands upwards, a hum of amazement drifted through the sunshine. They really have done such a good job.
Jasmine and Chloe set the food on the long tables Mel had brought from her garage and then went to join James and his girlfriend, Jade, who were standing with Chelsea’s parents and blatantly raining praise down on the small girl.
Ruby took it all in. The garden was lush and green, with flowers all over, and a few remaining potato plants amongst fresh earth, left behind after last week’s harvest. The onions had been pulled up a couple of weeks ago and were now tied in seven bunches, ready to be taken home by the kids who had cared for them. Flowers sparkled from each bed, nasturtiums and poppies, and smaller sunflowers, and marigolds. The bursts of colour made the whole space look luminous, warm, and friendly.
Suffice to say, the entire student population of the university had begun using the space to socialise a lot more over the last few weeks. Ruby had never seen it so busy; sometimes she’d had to shoo people out when the kids had been hard at work, unsure whether they would want to be watched or not.
The greenhouse was full to bursting with fruit, most of which still needed to be harvested. Michael led the Tomato group and their respective followers into the greenhouse, and his gestures told Ruby he was giving them the all-clear to pick what they liked. Chelsea noticed and skipped over to the greenhouse too, her group, responsible for pepper management, following at her heels.
Onion and Potato groups sat on the grass, enjoying the sunshine. Mr Stephens had helpfully taken it upon himself to take the harvested vegetables home to wash, cook, and mix with mayonnaise and chives. The potato salad bowls were laid out on the table, and Ruby was amazed at how much food there was. Her mouth watered, and her stomach groaned. Oh goodness, I didn’t have breakfast.
A warmth behind her made her turn, and a pair of shining green eyes met her own. Mel gri
nned and passed a hand over the scene before them. “Quite a turn out.”
“You’re not wrong.” Ruby laid a palm over Mel’s upper arm and leaned in close. “Is the whole of the county here?”
“Just about.” Mel’s gaze left her. “Um. Would you mind just… giving me a hand to grab some stuff from the shed?”
With a raised eyebrow, Ruby watched as Mel walked over to the shed, her hand resting on the door as she turned back. Mel beckoned to her.
Ruby rolled her eyes and walked purposefully across the grass. Someone wolf-whistled, and she turned around, her arms folded and her face stern. “Just getting some… something.”
Whoever had whistled remained anonymous, but Ruby reckoned it was probably James.
Mel pulled the door open and held it open while Ruby stepped inside. The shed was dark except for the small window, which had taken on a mucky and more than a little opaque look. It faced the university building, rather than the rest of the garden, and they were quite hidden from the party. The door creaked closed behind them.
Ruby turned around. “What’re we—”
She didn’t have time to finish her sentence. Mel crushed her lips to Ruby’s and wrapped her arms around her. Ruby faltered momentarily but regained her senses in time to kiss her back. She murmured wordlessly and gripped Mel’s shoulders.
When they broke the kiss, Mel’s hands remained at Ruby’s waist. “I’m sorry. It’s unprofessional, I know. But dear God, woman, can you see what you’re wearing?”
Ruby looked down at herself and furrowed her eyebrows. “I can.”
“That top,” Mel said, indicating the floral wrap-around top with short sleeves currently adorning Ruby’s top half. “And those jeans.”
Ruby looked down further and frowned, shaking her head. “This is sexy to you?”
Mel caressed her hips with her thumbs and nodded, the blush creeping across her cheeks visible even in the dim light of the shed.
“In that case, I’ll wear it every day.”
Mel smiled. “Sounds good to me.” She kissed Ruby again, more softly this time, her tongue running teasingly along her bottom lip.
Ruby started to melt into the kiss, but her brain took over after a few seconds. “Ahem. We have work to do.”
“Oh, um, also… I passed all of my assessments.”
“That’s wonderful. So it’s just your portfolio to get back now, and then you’ll be a fully-fledged ECP?”
“Come over later to celebrate?” Mel asked. Her gaze shot down again. “And don’t change your outfit.”
“Okay,” Ruby said. She stroked Mel’s cheek and stepped away, brushing down her clothes as if they had dirt on them. She looked about her and grabbed a long-handled fork, handing it to Mel before she took up another for herself.
When they emerged, several grins greeted them. The kids, apparently, were not naïve, and even some of the parents were giving them knowing looks. Ruby ignored them and threw herself into pulling people together. It’s fine if people know we’re together. I don’t need it to be a secret anymore.
Everyone gathered on the lawn, a sea of beaming faces all focussing on Ruby.
She plunged the fork into the ground, as if she had a flag that she was using to claim a newly discovered country. Her heart thudded with speed, and her palms were clammy. But she could feel Mel standing close to her; not so close as to be noticed, at least by those that didn’t know them, but close enough that she could feel her support and warmth. She’s right there, and I don’t need to be nervous.
“Welcome, everyone, to Sutton Primary’s very special garden party.” She introduced herself, then Mel, and finally the garden. She spoke about the different areas, and the flowers and fruit and vegetables. She talked about the care each group had taken into looking after their respective plants and how everything was now ready to eat.
“But, before we tuck in,” she continued, “I have a few certificates to give out.” Fumbling in her briefcase, she pulled out a wad of A4 sheets, all laminated by Alexander the day before. “Becca Robinson, you get the award for the most sensible gardener. You helped everyone who needed it. I’m very proud of you.”
Becca came forward, shock and pleasure shining from behind her black fringe.
“Frank Marshall. For growing the best potatoes, and the tallest sunflower I’ve ever seen.”
Frank’s pink face popped out from behind a taller boy, and his podgy fingers clasped his certificate to his chest.
“Chelsea Smith. You get the award for the most improved gardener. You’ve learned a lot this year, well done.”
The blonde girl skipped towards Mel and Ruby and waved her certificate in the air, amid her own glee.
“And to my right-hand lad, Mr Michael Harrison. You’ve been a great help, and you get the award for the best leader. Most likely to become Prime Minister, I reckon.”
A huge cheer, from parents and his teammates alike, rose throughout the garden as Michael walked up proudly. He shook Ruby’s hand, then Mel’s, and then turned to his adoring fans, his certificate held high above his head. The cheering became a roar, and he laughed into the sunshine.
Once the noise had dissipated, and Michael had re-joined his family, Ruby stood with her hands clasped. “I’d just like to say a final thank you to Mel. She didn’t have to help on this project, but she did. She’s taught me more about gardening than all the kids put together I think, and for that I am eternally grateful.” Ruby turned to Mel and beamed at her.
Mel blushed as red Ruby’s clematis flowers, leaning proudly on her pitch fork, and took in the kids before her. “It was a pleasure.”
Everyone clapped, and Ruby leant close to her ear. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“I know you couldn’t,” Mel replied, laughing.
Ruby stuck her tongue out briefly but then caught herself. Not very professional. She pulled the pleased but professional mask back on and swept her hand towards the tables full of food. “Please, tuck in, everyone.”
Michael launched himself towards the tables, and the rest of the children followed, grabbing plates and forks and crisps and cupcakes. Francesca stood close to Chloe, and Ruby noticed their gazes meet and a shy conversation begin, although they were too far away for Ruby to hear. That’s good. Maybe Chloe will be a good influence on her—they’re only a year apart.
Ruby and Mel stood back, nodding modestly to a few parents as they came up and thanked them. The band that James had arranged—a few of his mates—had set up in one corner and were beginning to play. Some of the children took their food over to the band, and their knees began to bend in time.
James and Jade approached them with impressed looks, and James clapped Mel on the back. “Get you, all teachery and stuff,” he said.
Mel smacked him around the head. “Shut up, pea brain.”
They laughed like naughty kids until Mel quietened and pursed her lips, eyeing Ruby with embarrassment. “You’ve met my crewmate, James.”
“I have,” Ruby replied, pulling the memory of their amusing drinks together the week before to the forefront of her brain.
James gathered Ruby up in a bear hug that knocked the air from her lungs. He rubbed her back and let her go. “You’ve done a brilliant job. Both of you.”
“Yeah. It looks amazing,” Jade said.
“It was a joint effort,” Ruby replied.
Mel beamed at her.
“And I totted up the donations. We’ve already made over a hundred pounds.”
“That’s amazing.” Mel was gaping. “That helicopter can fly another day.”
“Are you going to have some of these sandwiches, Mum, or what?” Jasmine tottered over to them on her high heels and stood with her hands in her pockets.
Ruby looked her up and down, and then took in Mel, who was standing in exactly the same way.
Mel must have noticed the fact, because she pulled her hands out and instead folded her arms across her chest. The black shirt she wore pulled a bit across her small breasts, and Ruby had to look away. I thought when you slept together some of the allure was supposed to fade? Perhaps not.
Ruby focussed on her daughter. “You worked very hard filling those sandwiches with ham. Do I look like someone who passes up an opportunity to taste your culinary delights?”
Jasmine nodded in satisfaction and stepped up to Mel. “Um. I made you some with pickle, because I know you like pickle.”
Mel’s lips twisted as she tried not to smile. “Oh. Thanks, Jas.”
Jasmine seemed to almost burst with joy and hopped away across the grass and back to the food. She turned back to them and pointed to a plate.
Rolling her eyes, Ruby took Mel’s elbow and steered her towards the other end of the garden. “Looks like you have an admirer.”
“Can I help it if she thinks I’m amazing?” Mel asked.
James and his girlfriend were running the tombola, with Jasmine handing out prizes. Becca won a stuffed monkey, and Frank bagged himself some delightful perfume. They swapped prizes, and everyone laughed.
The kids and adults all filled their bellies, then Michael and Chelsea went into the greenhouse with empty bowls which had contained crisps, to pick the remaining tomatoes and peppers.
They brought them outside to flurries of applause and handed them around for people to taste. The juice from many chewed tomatoes dribbled down chins for the next few minutes, and Chelsea flapped at her mother, who was chasing her around the garden with a napkin.
Ruby took the tomato she was offered, and the sweet tangy fruit exploded in her mouth as she bit down. She placed a hand over her chin to catch any juice and closed her eyes, humming out her pleasure at the delicious fruit. She swallowed. The pepper she tried next was crunchy and sweet as well, and she was glad that Mel had not insisted they grow hot chillies, as it would have meant they wouldn’t have been able to eat them straight from the plants.
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