Night School

‘OK,’ Carter said, panting after their rush through the woods, ‘here’s what we do: I think the front door is the least likely entrance to be watched right now. Sprint as fast as you can across to it. I’ll be right behind you.’


Allie gave him a challenging look. ‘Like you could pass me.’

He couldn’t repress a smile. ‘Fine then. I’ll race you.’

‘What does the winner get?’ Allie asked, raising an eyebrow.

Carter chuckled. ‘I’ll think of something.’

‘Or maybe I will. OnetwothreeGO!’ Allie caught him off guard as she took off, her arms pumping and her legs powering her across the lawn; he scrambled to react before she gained too much ground.

‘That’s … cheating,’ he panted behind her.

‘Deal with it,’ she replied, speeding up.

She had to admire his power – despite her head start they reached the steps at almost the same time. Fighting to be the first to the door, they sparred for space and grabbed the door handle at the same time, Allie’s hand on top of his. Playfully, they shoved at each other to be the one to open it.

‘Shhh!’ Carter hissed suddenly, and they both froze, listening.

Then she heard what he’d heard first: footsteps inside. She didn’t dare move. They were all tangled up – his arms wrapped around her grabbing for the door, while she had one hand on the door and the other on his arm. The muscles in his arms and chest were hard against her body. Her heart pounded as she inhaled his distinctive scent of coffee and spice. She felt him tremble, and looked up to find that he was watching her, his eyes as dark as the night above them.

‘I think they’re gone,’ he whispered, his eyes still locked on hers.

She nodded, not daring to speak.

‘Ready?’ he asked.

‘Yes.’ Her whisper was almost inaudible.

Tearing her eyes from his she turned to face the front, pressing back into the warmth of his body for just as long as it took to turn the handle. Then the door swung open silently – the entrance hall was empty.

‘Act cool,’ Carter hissed, giving her a light shove into the room.

The push seemed to bring her back to reality.

‘Always,’ she replied, raising her chin and sauntering across the stone floor.

He latched the door behind them and they strolled down the hallway.

Allie was still recovering from whatever had just passed between them but Carter talked in his usual laconic fashion as if nothing had happened at all.

‘You’re fast,’ he said.

‘I’ve always liked running.’ She tried to strike the same casual tone. ‘I like knowing I can get away.’

A smile played on his lips. ‘Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me.’ They were near the staircase now. ‘Right. I’m off to the guys’ dorm. You OK from here?’

‘Totally,’ she replied.

‘All right,’ he said, holding up his fist. ‘See you later, then.’

She bumped her fist against his and then turned towards the stairs. But as he disappeared down the wide hallway, she whispered after him so quietly there was no way he could hear: ‘Good night, Carter.’

Sun poured through the windows on the main staircase as Allie bounded down the next morning, her hair damp on her shoulders. She’d been so worn out the night before that she’d fallen asleep within minutes. She must have slept soundly, because she had no memories of nightmares, or any dreams at all for that matter. Now, after a hot shower, she felt like herself for the first time since the summer ball.

The dining room was busy, if less raucous than normal, but neither Jo nor Gabe were anywhere to be seen, so she sat down next to Lucas.

‘Hi,’ she said, barely glancing at him as she focused on the scrambled eggs and bacon piled high on her plate.

Lucas barely waited for her to sit down. ‘Gabe and Jo have been MIA since last night. Is something up?’ Lucas asked.

Chewing enthusiastically she shook her head. ‘Haven’t seen them today,’ she said, swallowing with effort. ‘Seriously, I’m so hungry.’

‘Have you been to see Lisa yet?’ he asked.

‘No, have you?’

He nodded. ‘This morning. She’s pretty beaten up, but she’s awake and talking.’

For a moment, Allie was so relieved that she forgot to eat. ‘Oh Lucas, that’s great! I’ll find Jo after breakfast and we’ll go and see her.’

After rushing through the rest of her breakfast, she hurried back upstairs to find Jo, moving so fast she was nearly running when a door opened right in her path. She had to skid around it as Katie stepped out, blowing on her nail varnish.

‘Will you watch where you’re going, Allie?’ she snapped, holding a hand tipped in perfect pale pink up out of harm’s way. ‘You’re always thundering down this hall like a herd of wildebeests.’

‘Sorry bi … I mean, Katie,’ Allie said keeping her voice sweet as she walked by at a slower pace.

But Katie followed her. ‘Where are you going? Are you looking for Jo?’

Allie didn’t turn around to look at her. ‘Why, Katie? Are you her press officer?’

‘Don’t be stupid. I was just … worried about her.’