School Trip

Fahmeen's POV:

I woke up early, partly nervous, mostly excited. It was 7, and I showered, ate a quick breakfast and spent most of my time getting ready. It was scary just how sickening my stomach was feeling. I really don't know what for, was it because both Rolf and Emilio would be there. For the whole day?

I chose a jumper and dress combo, and some comfortable boots. Couldn't go wrong.

"Have you eaten yet? Take some bananas please." My mother has always insisted on bananas for any trip. Road trip, school trip, family trips. I think because they were a filling snack or something? It was her thing.

"Yep. Got a couple." I always took them, never ate them.

...

"I'll be here from 6, and tell Georgia I'll drop her off at home too."

"Okay, will do. Bye."

"Enjoy yourself. And keep your phone close to you please." I was about to close the door.

"Make sure you check your phone! I will be texting. I want to know when you get there."

I just nodded, smiling at her overprotective tendencies. I met Georgia at the academy gates. We seem to be the first few.

"Hi! Excited?"

"Mmhmm. Have you got snacks?"

"Yup!" She showed me the insides of her bag and it was a beautiful sight. M&M peanuts, wine gums and much more. Georgia was the food plug.

"Come on, let's go in. I want to make sure we get the good seats." Georgia says and we walk into the school, heading for Professor Rolf's classroom.

Indeed we were early, only the professor was there.

He exaggerates his double take and stares. I roll my eyes at him and we laugh, taking a seat as we wait for the rest of the students.

"I must be dreaming." He shakes his head, and stands by the door with a register.

"Georgia... Fahmeen." He mumbles, ticking our names off. I hid my smile as I saw him look at me as before ticking my name off.

We got into the coach and people were rushing to the best seats. Emilio and his friends took the back row and it was quite intimidating walking down the aisle as he looked towards me and Georgia. Sure he was a nice boy but his friends were the popular type.

"Let's sit here." I tell her, choosing the window seat.

"Georgia, sorry but I'm gonna need to steal your spot. Apparently this has the best vantage point for a teacher." Rolf holds his hands up, looking slightly guilty. Slightly.

"Oh it's no problem Professor." She tries to wink at me but my hard stare stops her and she giggles, sitting behind us. I feel too nervous to move away from him and I kind of didn't want to.

Rolf sits besides me with a sigh after checking all students have boarded the coach.

"Hope you don't mind?"

"No, it's fine." I smile at him. I feel him watching me as I get out a book I bought specifically for this journey. I loved buying books.

I feel him relax and our arms are touching. These seats were snug.

Gosh, his arms were big next to me. He wore a shirt with an open plaid styled one on top. It felt soft against my arm. His hair was tied away. He looked very casual, hardly like an English teacher.

We probably had 45 minutes left of our journey. I was surrounded by loud conversations and faint music leaking from earphones.

Me and Georgia have stuffed ourselves silly with snacks. I even offered some M&M's to Rolf but he politely declined. Apparently he was on a diet. I asked why and he laughed saying,

You gotta maintain it, right?

I nodded even though I could never relate.

We had conversations here and there, but they seemed to be shorter than we'd like as he had to keep answering questions from students or it was something else.

The coach parked up and the time was half past ten. We were told of a well known place and that we were to all meet up there to then go to the National Theatre. The play began at 1:30 and would run for three and a half hours. So we had till 1 to sightsee the city and eat lunch.

"Alright everybody, go and have fun. I'll meet you back here for 1pm, sharp!" Rolf says, meeting some more than others with sharper looks. Emilio's friends chuckle and pull him away.

"And be safe." He says firmly and I'm glad I didn't miss the way he glances at me then.

"Come on." Georgia whines and I can't help but look back at him. He smiles at me, his hands going into his jean pockets.

Fahmeen's POV:

Georgia and I were really enjoying our freedom in London city. The hustle and bustle was a welcome contrast from the dead silence of our hometown.

Chinese tourists smile eagerly as we walk past, posing for pictures and pointing at the many monuments surrounding us.

"Ooh I fancy fish and chips." Georgia exclaims, distractedly looking around.

"Me too." Suddenly the aroma of frying fat chips and vinegar hits my nose. We were close to a quaint stall which was parked near a canal. We picked a scenic spot after retrieving portions of food each and sat on a bench overlooking the busy crowds.

Halfway through my meal, I watch as Emilio and his gang approach the food stall. I smile his way but he doesn't smile back and looks away. That was odd. I brushed it off and returned to my conversation with Georgia.

Come to think of it, Emilio seems bolder and... boisterous today. Maybe it was the influence of his friends? But it wasn't what I was used to. I was accustomed to his sweet and gentle side. Admittedly I grew to enjoy his attention. But maybe I got it all wrong? I look his way again, he's laughing with his friends. Maybe I got him all wrong?

...

The time was approaching 1pm and we didn't want to disappoint the professor with tardiness. Well, I didn't.

There was a tall lamppost and we stood next to it. Rolf was leaning against the black pole, watching us. He glances at his watch.

"I'm impressed ladies. Turning a new leaf?"

"Just excited for the show, Professor."

Georgia nods.

"Care for gum?" I see his peppermint offering and accept along with Georgia.

I feel his heated gaze on my lips as I place the gum in my mouth. I hesitantly chew and am too nervous to look at him. Georgia is busy talking to a passerby during this exchange. I don't want to acknowledge it in such a public setting but I feel his intensity wavering my resolve. Daring me to submit.

He's devilishly amused and victorious as I finally look at him.

More students arrived and the last few were Emilio's group. This was their meeting place too and it would be now when they go off onto their own activity.

Rolf tenses as one of Emilio's closest friend Zane approaches him. I didn't understand the tension.

"We'll be going now."

"Make sure to meet back here at 5." Zane gives him a firm nod and I see him wink at his friends as he turns away. What were they up to? I grew anxious and more uncomfortable and looked back at Rolf. His expression mirrored my own. Suspicious.

...

Fahmeen's POV:

There was a busy queue inside of the National Theatre. Antony and Cleopatra attracted a large audience.

We were directed to our seats. Me and Georgia were next to each other thankfully, at the end of the row. This was convenient, easy access to toilets.

The main lights shut off and the stage was warmly lit. I grew excited as the spotlights slowly illuminated the characters in the first scene.

I wondered where the professor was? I looked down the row and he was seated in the middle. Harriet seemed to stick to his side, and I grinned watching him trying to keep an appropriate distance. He caught me staring and winked. Embarrassed, I looked down and continued watching the play unfold before me.

It was almost an hour in and Rolf stood. I assumed he was going for the toilets. His leg purposefully brushed my knee as he exited the row and I glanced at him. He only looked back as he was at the double doors. His expression was expectant. He wants me to follow him? After he leaves, I give it a minute before I follow.