Teacher's Pet

by Shelley Ellerbeck

  Allie took a sip and winced. Liz had put sugar in. She put it down for a moment.

  “Any sign of my mobile?” she asked, wondering if she could politely leave the tea to go cold.

  Liz shook her head.

  “None,” she said. “It’ll turn up, I’m sure.”

  “I could always phone myself up from the landline. Then I’d locate it.”

  “Why don’t you drink your tea first?” Liz’s voice had taken on a cajoling tone. Seeing Allie’s hesitation, she added: “I put sugar in because it’s good for shock.”

  Allie lifted the cup to her lips.

  “I’ll make an effort then.”

  “So,” began Liz, smiling broadly at her. “When did lover boy leave?”

  Paul finally lifted his head when he heard tapping on the windscreen.

  “Are you OK, Paul?” A deep voice rang out, muffled by the glass. He blinked at the face staring in at him. Surely this must be a very bad dream. The voice continued: “Open the window, will you?” No, it wasn’t a dream. He took in James’s worried face and wondered how long he had been there. James carried on, oblivious. “Is everything alright, mate?”

  I’m not your mate, thought Paul, opening the door and getting out. James stepped back instantly. Paul attempted a smile, although smiling at the man Allie had chosen over him was the last thing he felt like doing at the present time, given the circumstances. He sighed inwardly. Taking in his surroundings, the peaceful park, the leafy maple and beech trees, and the imposing church behind James, he made a little more of an effort with the smile.

  “I’m, er, I’m fine, thanks,” he began, somewhat unsure of what he was going to say. “I was, um…” Suddenly, inspiration struck. “I was having a power nap. Marking wore me out today, so I came out for some fresh air. But what I really needed was a sleep.” He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Hence the nap.”

  “Uh-huh.” James sounded unconvinced. Paul couldn’t say he blamed him. He noticed the look of worry hadn’t gone away. “How’s Allie?” James asked.

  Pushing down the feeling of anger that had begun to rise in his chest, Paul answered as calmly as he could.

  “She was fine last time I checked.”

  “Which was?”

  “This morning.” Paul’s voice had taken on a cold tone. He knew he couldn’t really get violent in front of a church, but the desire to punch James in the face was overwhelming. He had to accept it: he was a bad loser. But surely it was natural not to want to have your nose rubbed in it.

  “This morning?” James sounded puzzled. “But I phoned her after lunch and she said you were still there.”

  Paul thought for a moment. Why would she possibly say that?

  “I wasn’t. I left before lunch.”

  “Why? I thought she needed someone with her?”

  “She said she was fine.” God, was the man trying to drag it out of him? “She, er, she said she didn’t need me around anymore.”

  “Oh. She felt better, then.” James hesitated. “That’s good.” Glancing down at the passenger seat, he went on: “But you’re obviously on your way back to see her now.”

  Here we go, thought Paul. Yes, I was on my way to see your woman. But now she wants you and not me, I’m not.

  “I was,” he said, warily. “But obviously, not anymore.”

  “What do you mean?” A half smile was spreading across James’ face. “Now would appear to be a good time to go and see her. Especially as she’s been on her own all afternoon.”

  Paul decided to get straight to the point. He could see no advantage in skirting round the issue, as his rival seemed to be doing.

  “Look, James. She told me she didn’t want to see me anymore. That she preferred….” He took a deep breath. “That she preferred, someone else. So, yes, I was on my way to see her, but now I’m not. OK?”

  “Calm down, mate,” said James, moving back slightly. “When did she tell you that?”

  “Just now.” Paul could feel his patience beginning to run out. “What is it to you, anyway?”

  “Hey, I’m only trying to help. I care about Allie. I care about what happens to her.”

  “And?” Paul took another deep breath.

  “Well, if you don’t mind me saying, when you say she told you just now, how did she do that? If you haven’t seen her since this morning?”

  The idiot was clearly hell bent on humiliating him.

  “She sent me a text message.”

  James raised an eyebrow.

  “She… What? That’s not like Allie.”

  Paul shook his head and turned to go. He had had enough of this. James was pushing it now.

  “No, Paul, mate, don’t go. That’s weird. Allie doesn’t really send text messages, does she? Do you think she meant to do that? To end a whole relationship by text?” He shook his head as he spoke. “Allie would never do that.”

  Paul stopped in his tracks and turned slowly to face James again. He had had enough.

  “Well, she did. And she told me she wanted you and not me.” His tone was icy. Dangerous.

  To his surprise, astonishment registered immediately on James’s face.

  “What? No way would she do that. We’re history.”

  Paul could feel his muscles beginning to tense up.

  “Now look, mate. I’m -”

  “No, you look. I know you hate me. I’m the big, bad ex-husband, and all that. But I do know Allie, and I know she wouldn’t do that.” He took a step towards Paul, then stopped. “I’m not going to argue with you in the street. But you, my friend, are stupid if you think that Allie would pack you in by text. That’s…. absurd. And as for preferring me to you, I know that’s not true. She told me so herself.” Paul was shocked into silence by James’s tone. It was obviously not easy for him to say what he was saying, but he carried on regardless, his colour rising with every syllable. “So, if you’re half the man Allie thinks you are, you’ll get round there and sort it out. Find out, face to face, what’s going on. And don’t let her tell you she doesn’t want you. Because she does.” He stopped suddenly and looked round, aware of how bizarre his outburst must seem. Paul could see the vicar in the background on the front step of the vicarage, staring over at them in bemusement. Before he could say anything, James turned away abruptly and strode off down the road. He was shouting now. “Now, if you don’t mind, you stupid bastard, I have beer to buy and sons to get back to.”

  Paul stood for a moment and watched James go, then waved at the vicar, whose puzzled expression had gradually turned into one of horror. He got into the car, turned on the engine, and pulled away. He had to sort this out. Once and for all.

  Jeremiah felt the cold, hard tiles beneath his cheek before he opened his eyes. Blinking in the hot glare of light that assailed him, he tried hard to remember what he was doing lying in the middle of his kitchen floor and why he felt so groggy and weak.

  He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. Then tried to stand up. As he did so, the pine dresser in the corner lurched towards him. All of a sudden, he realised things were not quite as they should be, and sat down again quickly.

  “Liz?” He was amazed at how hoarse his own voice sounded. “Liz? Are you there? I don’t think I’m very well. Liz?”

  There was no answer. The house felt empty on every level. Complete silence surrounded him. He couldn’t even hear birdsong, and surely, he reasoned, the birds must be singing on such a hot summer’s day. He changed tactics and began to crawl towards the hall, concluding that Liz must have closed all the windows, and that the double-glazing must be doing its job. Keeping out sound. And air. Keeping out unnecessary air.

  More slowly now, because he was feeling drowsy again, he made his way towards the front door, still on all fours. He couldn’t smell anything, but that didn’t quell his rising sense of panic. The last time Liz had tried to take her own life, closing all the doors and windows had been an essential part of her plan. Otherwise, she had explained rationally afterward
s, the gas would escape, and she would be left alive. Her plan would fail.

  What was her plan now? Jeremiah wondered as he finally reached the door. How was she planning on killing herself this time? And what was her plan for him?

  Looking up in despair from where he was kneeling, he realised that he would have to stand up again to open the door and that this would require a gargantuan effort on his part. An effort he was feeling less and less able to make as the seconds ticked by.

  He put out his hand and felt for the letterbox, pushing it open and taking gulps of fresh air through it. The air outside tasted fresher than that in the house, which suddenly seemed cloyingly sweet.

  Jeremiah took a deep breath and finally stood up, reaching for the door handle to steady himself. He turned the latch and pulled it towards him, savouring the air rushing in when the door finally opened, which made his head spin even more. He tried to focus on the street, but could only see the rows of cypress tress either side of the drive. Was it just his imagination, or had they suddenly got bigger? Liz had insisted on planting them for privacy and seclusion from prying eyes. This meant that the only house he could see now was Allie’s, directly opposite. If he wanted to get help, he would have to walk to the end of their short driveway, a task he knew was beyond him at this moment in time. His feet didn’t seem to want to move. And his head wasn’t letting his eyes focus for any amount of time.

  With a supreme effort of will, Jeremiah managed to get one leg out of the door and onto the front step. He winced as he tried to follow with the other. It was almost as though somewhere in the deep recesses of his consciousness he knew what was going to happen. He put out his hands to shield his face as the paved drive came up to meet him. Here we go again, he thought, as the sunny day turned black.

  Allie took one final sip of her tea before putting it down. She had to concede defeat. Although there was sugar in it, it had a bitter edge, which bordered on the unpleasant. If there was one thing she hated, it was stewed tea. Not wanting to upset Liz, she picked up a biscuit and began to nibble politely.

  “So, that was it?” Liz asked incredulously. “That was all he said? And he left?”

  “Well, yes.” Allie suddenly felt an urge to defend Paul. “I suppose he just felt I’d kept him in the dark. He must have wanted to protect me, I think.”

  Liz snorted.

  “Protect you, my foot. He was just upset, in his male way, that you had kept something from him. Typical man. They don’t like secrets.”

  Allie smiled, trying to ignore Liz’s serious tone.

  “That’s probably it.”

  A vision of Paul came into her mind. He was leaning against the wall in her bedroom and smiling warmly at her. She realised, with a sinking heart, how much she missed him. An uncomfortable feeling began, deep in her stomach. She brought her attention back to Liz, who was getting into her stride.

  “Yes, after keeping the real nature of his relationship with Melanie secret, he blows up at you for not wanting to worry him with this stalker business.” She was beginning to sound angry. “Bloody typical man.”

  “Oh, I suppose we’ll make it up,” said Allie, with a lightness she didn’t feel. “If not today, then tomorrow. I can’t imagine not ever seeing him again, Liz. I just can’t.”

  Liz’s eyes glittered for a second. They seemed to have become darker. When she next spoke, her voice was low.

  “But he walked out on you. When you needed him most. He’s obviously stopped caring, don’t you think?”

  Allie considered this uncharacteristically blunt remark from her friend, and decided she must be having a bad day.

  “Oh, I don’t know, Liz. I’m sure he’ll be back.” She decided to change the subject to something more cheerful. She was beginning to feel depressed. “How’s Jeremiah? Still trying to decide how to celebrate passing the exam?”

  “He’s a bit tired today.”

  Allie continued, despite the cold note she detected in Liz’s voice.

  “You do know that if you want to go out, just you two, I can baby-sit for you. I don’t mind.”

  Liz was staring at her, unsmiling.

  “Thanks, Allie. But I rather think that Jeremiah would like you to come out with us to celebrate.” She moved up next to Allie on the sofa. “He would insist on it. Really.”

  Allie suddenly felt awkward. Something wasn’t quite right. Liz was too close to her. She tried to move back a little, but her back hit the arm of the settee. Liz was still talking, and Allie tried to focus on what she was saying.

  “…. Aren’t you going to drink your tea? It’ll do you good.”

  Allie glanced past Liz at her cup, which was still half full.

  “I think it’s gone cold now. I’ll make us another one, shall I?”

  She tried to get up, but suddenly, Liz’s arm shot out to block her movement.

  “No, Allie, stay here. We need to talk.”

  “OK, Liz, but….”

  “But what?” Liz’s face was very near hers, and she noticed a strange detachment in her eyes. Something made her think it was best to sit back, so she did, and waited for Liz to speak. She was beginning to feel tired again. “I need to ask you something, Allie,” Liz said, after a few moments of uncomfortable silence.

  Allie nodded:

  “No problem, Liz. You know you can ask me anything you want, don’t you?” She tried to keep her voice calm. “I am your friend, after all,” she added.

  Liz’s serious expression didn’t change. She leaned back a little, as though reassured that Allie wouldn’t try to escape. When her question came, Allie was totally unprepared for it.

  “What exactly is going on between you and Jeremiah?”

  Allie reeled inwardly. She felt as though she had been struck in the face.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “You heard.” Liz’s voice was harder now. “Are you having an affair with Jeremiah?”

  Allie gasped.

  “Are you joking?”

  Liz smiled for a split second, but not with her eyes.

  “Do I look like I’m joking?”

  Allie shook her head.

  “No. Liz, I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say. The whole idea is preposterous. Really, it is. You can’t be serious.”

  “But I am.”

  Allie hesitated for a moment, trying to think of the best thing to say. She was aware that there was something odd about her friend today, but didn’t know what it was. Something in Liz’s eyes worried her. She took a deep breath.

  “I’m not, Liz. I’m not having an affair with your husband.” She looked at Liz as she spoke, trying to gauge the emotion in her eyes. To her surprise, she saw nothing. Only darkness. Sudden fear prompted her to add: “Honestly. There’s nothing going on.” Then she amazed herself by yawning. “Oh, God, Liz, I’m sorry. I….”

  “You’re feeling tired, aren’t you?” Liz’s tone had softened.

  “A bit.” Allie tried to sit forward. Her body didn’t want to obey her. All of a sudden, it seemed to be too much of an effort, and she sank back to one side into the welcome softness of the pillows.

  “Are you more comfortable now?” Liz asked, looking strangely relaxed, considering their previous topic of conversation.

  “Yes. But Liz... I’ve spent a lot of time asleep lately, so I shouldn’t be tired, should I? I’m sorry. I’m not making much sense.”

  Liz shook her head slowly, leaning in to get a closer look at Allie.

  “Do you want to go to sleep again?”

  Something in her words made Allie more uneasy.

  “No,” she said, as firmly as she could.

  Liz continued to speak, no longer looking at Allie, but now seemingly distracted by something she could see out of the window.

  “You should sleep, you know. Jeremiah’s asleep. Or he was when I left him.” Allie struggled to locate Liz. Her eyelids felt like lead. Liz’s voice was getting faint. “You should definitely sleep. It’ll do you good. Lie back.”

&
nbsp; She felt herself being put into a prone position, and when she closed her eyes and opened them again, she saw Liz walking over to the window, as if to check something.

  “But I’ve done nothing to make me tired.” Allie felt herself beginning to drift away and began to blink furiously. She was exhausted with the sheer effort of keeping her eyes open. “Liz?”

  She was vaguely aware of Liz’s voice floating over to her out of the dazzling sunlight:

  “Go to sleep.”

  “Call the doctor, Liz. This isn’t normal. I don’t feel well. Please, you will call the doctor, won’t you?”

  As she gave in to the all-pervading drowsiness enveloping her, she heard Liz’s voice one last time.

  “No, Allie, I won’t.”

  Paul was beginning to feel a lot better as he drove slowly down Allie’s street. He pulled up outside her house and turned off the engine, humming softly to himself. Picking up the roses and chocolate, he got out and locked the door. His line of vision took in the tarmac of the pavements, the cherry trees bordering them, lined up like pink sentinels, and the tall cypress trees across the road. As his gaze swept over all this, he noticed a dark object by the bins of the house opposite. At first, his mind registered this as a jacket, strewn carelessly onto the drive. Maybe it was meant to go out with the rubbish, he thought, as he turned away to go up Allie’s path. Then, suddenly, his brain caught up with his eyes, and he fully realised what he was looking at. He spun round abruptly, dropping the presents he was holding and ran over to the shape on the ground.

  “Jeremiah? Hey, Jeremiah! Wake up!” He crouched down and carefully rolled Jeremiah over, then checked his pulse and breathing. If he didn’t know better, he would have said he was in a deep sleep. “Jeremiah,” he began, more softly now. “Are you OK?” Jeremiah’s eyes opened briefly in response to his voice. Paul noticed that the pupils seemed huge and the whites abnormally bloodshot. “Can you sit up?” he asked, shaking Jeremiah gently until he opened his eyes again. The other man nodded and slowly struggled upright. Once he was in a sitting position, Paul carefully helped him move back until he was leaning against the front wall of the house.