Lost Love

COME and meet my colleague,” Robbie says.

I roll my eyes but let him lead me to the group by the drinks table.

I’m used to Jess and Robbie trying to match me up with suitable males.

What I’m absolutely not expecting is this.

I hear my heart pounding in my head; I can’t breathe.

“Hi, Georgie,” he says. I am torn between

running for my life and putting a fist in his face. But we’re surrounded by people, so I smile and say, “Hello”, as if little pieces of me are not splintering inside.

“What are you doing here?”

I can’t help how savage it sounds.

“Robbie invited me. We work together. I honestly didn’t know you’d be here, Georgie. Trust me.”

“Trust you?” My laughter holds no joy.

The air between us prickles. I glance around to see if anyone has noticed the tension between us, but everybody is watching Robbie carry in a decorated cake with candles.

“Happy birthday!” Robbie shouts.

Everyone cheers and clinks glasses.

I put down my drink.

“Excuse me. I have to be up early. Nice meeting you again, Carl.”

“Was it?”

His eyes hold me helpless, but only for a second.

“No, actually. It wasn’t. Not at all.”

I speed to the hallway to collect my coat.

“Morning, ma’am.”

Tony tips his cap as if to the Lady of the Manor. Our consultant always calls Forest School my kingdom because he knows how close to my heart our work is.

We get city kids who come here having barely been near trees before. It’s rewarding to see how they rise to the woodland challenges we set them.

Although I loved mainstream teaching, I feel that here I can make a special difference to children who don’t always have a lot going for them.