Abigail was so incredibly nervous that she could already feel her hands trembling. She knew it was stupid. After all, she'd entered this building so many times in the past that it should be a breeze. But then, she's been a student. Now she was returning as a trainee teacher. Her university hadn't been able to arrange any other placement, so here she was back at the gates to Hamstock High. It was only 3 years since she'd left at the age of 19; now she was back as a 21-year-old, but feeling more worried than ever.
Just at that moment, a voice came from behind her.
"Abigail? Abigail Harper?"
She swung round to see her old History teacher behind her.
"Mr Dawes - hello. Yes, it is me. I'm surprised you remember."
"Oh, I never forget a pretty face," he replied, "But call me Matt, please."
Abigail knew that was his name. In fact, she could picture her old homework diary now with its secret messages emblazoned on the front: "AH loves MD". She just hoped that he hadn't realised at the time.
Matt was not much older than Abigail. He had only started teaching at the school the year before Abigail left, so even now was probably only 24. And he still had the same rugged good looks that Abigail remembered. The same good looks that distracted her all through her final year. Abigail followed Matt into the building. Suddenly she realised, if he was still here, then the chances are she'd be working with him. After all, History was what had brought her here. And sure enough, as she entered the building he guided her straight to the History classrooms.
"Right," he began, "I've made sure that you haven't got any classes for the first few days, and today you have my undivided attention. We want to make sure that you get off to exactly the right start. You can wander about the department freely, but it's fairly quiet on a Monday."
Instantly, Abigail recalled the way her small school had worked - some departments were so small that they only taught classes on a few days each week. Matt continued to explain,
"It's only me and Mary - you remember Mrs Howell - in on Mondays, and even she goes home at 11.30. Apart from that, it's just a chance to read the plans I'm afraid. But, any questions you have, I'm here in my office all day."
Abigail began her day, sat at a space desk in the office, reading through plans, policies and documents about every element of her new role. Except, she didn't read more than a few words; she merely turned the pages of the document as she recalled the angst she felt in her younger years, yearning after the handsome man sat at the next desk. Occasionally she glanced across to him, wondering how much he remembered of her. Then, completely without warning, he spoke as if to answer her questions.
"So, it must be strange being back here, Abi?"
Instantly, she remembered that he was the only teacher she ever let call her Abi. Almost as if she were including him in her inner circle. But he probably didn't remember, did he?
