Chapter Text
“Well, that was an alright meeting, don’t you think?” Rita asked. She paused on the staircase and waited patiently for William to join her.
“I suppose,” William sighed. He tugged at his tie, and then undid it altogether in a fit of frustration. “All except for that Elizabeth Allen!”
Rita took the tie from his hands and smoothed it out. “Calm down. She’s new. She’ll learn.”
“I do hope so!”
“Oh, don’t tell me you don’t remember what it was like to be a new student at Whyteleafe.” She cocked one eyebrow knowingly and almost cracked a grin. “Of all people, William Robinson can’t forget.”
William hesitated. For a moment it looked like he was going to get angrier; then he smiled and bumped Rita with his shoulder. “Alright, so I had my dark days. But I had you to help, didn’t I?”
Now it was Rita turn to flush.
“Well,” she murmured, trying in vain to hide her smile, “I’m sure Elizabeth Allen will find someone to help her too.”
“I hope so.” William passed a hand over his face and yawned. “I think I’m going to have an early night. See you tomorrow?”
“Sure. ‘Night.”
“Goodnight.”
They hovered in the hallway for a moment. Their hands brushed as they turned to leave, but both pretended not to have noticed.