A Continental CHRISTMAS

Tess wasn't keen to go to the festive market with Ken- until she had an idea

- Elizabeth Caine

Ho! Ho! Ho!' boomed the all-too-familiar voice as its owner came crashing through the staffroom door, his arms laden with books.

Tess grimaced momentarily. 'Oh, please,' she thought, 'don't let him stay long.' 'Any tea going?' asked The Voice otherwise known as Ken - as he dropped his books on the pile of exam papers Tess was marking. She pointed to the teapot while she retrieved an exam paper from under the books.

'Want a cup?' he asked.

'No, thanks, I really need to get on with marking these.

As if he hadn't heard her, he poured a cup and placed it in front of her. He then plopped himself down in the chair beside her. So, how's your first term of teaching been?' he asked, not taking her hint.

Tess gave a fixed smile and resigned herself to marking the remaining exam papers at home later. She sensed she would be here for a while.

Ken's popularity with both teachers and pupils baffled her. Admittedly, he'd been supportive during her first term of teaching, always quick to listen and offer sound advice. But she found him overbearing. It was difficult to avoid him, though, with them both working in the English department.

Memories of yesterday's school production of A Christmas Carol were still fresh in her mind. Ken had played the role of Mr Fezziwig. Oblivious to his lack of singing ability, he'd belted out Annual Christmas Ball.

She had cringed as he danced clumsily round the stage. It only seemed to endear him to everyone else though.

"To be honest,' she said, 'it's been so busy, I've hardly had time to think about how it's going, but I'm enjoying it. I used to work in IT, but I always wanted to put my English degree to better use. Her reason for changing career wasn't entirely true, but it was something she didn't want to dwell on.

'Well, IT's loss is our gain, Ken grinned.