Disclaimer:
This is an original story. The main characters and the story are the product
of the author’s imagination.
Rated NC17:
For profanity and sex
Feedback:
If you enjoy the story please let me know:
weebod@mac.com
Acknowledgements:
As always, a big thank you to Jan, my beta reader, for her time and
expertise. And to Trish, who is constantly encouraging and supporting me.
You're both fantastic!
By weebod
Chapter 31
The following Saturday saw Gill and Emma arrive early for the Scottish cup
finals. Theirs would be the penultimate game with a starting time of 2 p.m.
Followed by the men's final. The final would see the top two teams in the
Scottish women's game battle it out for the final piece of silverware.
Peffermill was a very busy place, with four finals taking place over the
course of the day.
“This is going to be a tough game, Glasgow ladies won the league.”
“I know, but we only lost the league by four points, and in the game they
beat us at home, I wasn't exactly on top form, I think we have a good
chance.”
“They have eight players in the Scotland team.”
“And we now have four. They are the established team, following years of
dominance and we are the up and coming new girls. The amount of Scottish
players doesn't count for much, we are a match for them on our day. We just
need to get past the nerves, that's where they will have the upper hand.
They have been here before several times, this is our first Scottish cup
final.”
Emma had to admit that Gillian had hit the nail on the head, she was tense
and she could feel it running through her teammates. “Are you nervous,
Gillian?”
Gill shook her head, “Not today. I'm excited and I can't wait to get
started, but I'm not afraid to win. We are already playing in European
competition next year even if we lose. This is about us as a team being
ready to challenge the dominance of the top two and we have already split
them this year. This is about proving we are serious and that means
believing in ourselves.”
Emma nodded, Gill was making a lot of sense.
Gill squeezed her hand, “Play your usual game, you are one of the most
consistent performers for Dunedin this season and a big part of why we are
doing so well.”
“Thanks, Gillian.”
The pair watched part of the men's Rose Bowl final, the competition
contested by every team that was knocked out in the first round of the cup.
Gradually the Dunedin players gathered in the same spot until it was time to
begin their own preparations. Gillian had never seen them all look so
serious. The tension was definitely building. In direct contrast the Glasgow
players looked relaxed and confident, they knew they were already ahead
before the game started.
Walking into the designated changing room, the first thing Gill noticed was
all the new tops hanging on pegs. She walked over to number eight, knowing
it was hers. “Ooh, these are nice.” Holding the shirt up for perusal, she
noticed the front. “We have a sponsor? Since when?”
Fay Williams spoke up, “The owner is a business associate of mine, she was
more than happy to sponsor us when I told her we were in the cup final and
would be playing in Europe next season.”
“So, she owns this night club?”
“Amongst other places in Edinburgh, yes. This is her latest venture. If all
goes well, she may give us money towards our European challenge, but that
kind of sponsorship would involve a name change. For today, it's the shirts,
with the name of her latest night club on them.”
Sheila threw a bag onto the floor, “That's a debate for another day. There
are new socks too, pick a pair from the bag.”
Socks were thrown around as the players checked the foot sizes. “Isn't there
a nine?” Hilary asked, as she sifted through the remaining pairs.
Gill was sitting with two pairs in her hands, debating which size to select.
“Give me the bigger ones, Gillian.”
Gill liked her socks a little long, but Hilary needed the bigger size, so
she threw a pair and they bounced off the doctor's head.
“Let's hope you're as accurate on the pitch.”
“I'm surprised you didn't feign injury. Do you need a plaster?”
“Five minutes, ladies, then the warm-up begins.”
Gill glanced at Sheila, she was being super efficient and clearly not in the
mood for any fooling around from the players. Shrugging she finished getting
ready and made her way out to a strip of running track, away from the main
pitch.
“Sheila is wound up a bit tight,” Hilary remarked as she stood next to
Gillian and stretched her calves.
“She's nervous.”
“We all are, I really want to win this, Gillian.”
“Me too.”
Hilary glanced over at Glasgow Ladies. “It's going to be tough. Eight
Scottish players and three of them also play for Great Britain.”
Gill nodded, “We can win.”
Dunedin ladies gathered back in their dressing room to strip ready for the
game and a few final words of wisdom from Scott.
“Okay girls, this is your moment. A Scottish cup winner's medal is within
your grasp. Now you have to ask yourself the question, do you want to walk
away a winner or a loser? If you want to be a winner then you go out there
and give your all. If anyone comes off the pitch thinking they could have
done better, then you will have let yourself and the team down if we lose.”
Scott looked around the changing room. “You have the ability to win today,
now you need to believe you can win.”
Gill nodded at the strong words from the coach knowing belief would play a
big part in the day's proceedings.
The first half turned out to be a disaster for Dunedin. They found
themselves two nil down. The penalty corners weren't working, passes were
going astray and they were second to every fifty-fifty ball.
The large crowd were subdued, hoping for a closer contest. The shouts
of encouragement had become sporadic and half-hearted. Scott and Sheila did
their best to offer words of encouragement and made a substitution at the
start of the second half, swapping in Fay for the teenage striker, Melinda.
It wasn't the switch Gill would have made, but it was Sheila and Scott's
decision. The strikers were seeing little of the ball and the problem lay
with the distribution from the midfield.
Scott added a few final words, “The
next goal in this game is absolutely crucial – we
must score it.”
Gill knew that going down three nil would effectively be game over, leaving
Dunedin with little chance of getting back into the match. She took up a
position at the centre of the pitch, ready to take the pass back with
Scott's words ringing in her ears.
The opening minutes of the second half saw Dunedin fair a little better.
They had yet to manage one shot on target, but they were stringing some
passes together. They were also living a little dangerously at the back with
Lindy making two vital saves in goal, keeping them in the game.
Dunedin definitely had a little more purpose and belief about themselves and
an interception in defence saw Hilary breaking out with the ball. She
threaded a perfect pass through the opposition leaving Gillian running full
pelt on to the ball. With only the keeper to beat, Gill touched the ball
past her.
“Oof!” The air left Gill's lungs as she landed heavily on her back, looking
up at the sky, wondering what had hit her. There was chaos all around and
the crowd were on their feet. To add insult to injury, a covering defender
slammed the ball hard against Gill as she lay prone on the Astroturf,
causing further mayhem to break out. The Dunedin players, who had been
rushing towards the umpire to complain, suddenly rushed instead towards the
defender who had hit the ball at Gill. It had been a cheap shot to smack the
ball into a grounded player.
The umpire, rapidly losing control of the situation, blew hard on her
whistle, calling her fellow umpire over to assist her in sorting out the
unfolding melee. Meanwhile Gill was struggling to catch her breath and the
physio had come rushing on to the pitch to attend to her.
“We meet again.”
Gill looked up into the smiling face of Annabel, the physio who had treated
her last summer.
“Hi.” Gill wheezed, “I think....winded.”
“Just relax.” Annabel slowly helped Gill to her feet, checking her
appendages as she stood.
“My back...hurts.” Gill held the base of it, rubbing away the pain.
Meanwhile, the umpire called over the Glasgow goalkeeper and issued her with
a yellow card as the crowd chanted, “Off! Off! Off!” then booed when the
card wasn't red. The umpire then called over the defender and issued her
with a green card of warning. Sheila protested at the leniency, but the
umpire explained that she couldn't be sure how much intent was involved in
hitting the ball at Gillian after the whistle had blown.
With no reserve goalkeeper on the bench, Glasgow elected a kicking back, who
put on a facemask. They would have to see out the next ten minutes with no
goalkeeper and a player down. The umpire then awarded Dunedin a penalty
corner as the original offence had taken place outside of the shooting
circle. The downside was that Gillian was still off the pitch, and Melinda
had come on to take her place. The usual corner routine was changed and
Dunedin failed to get a strike on goal, Glasgow hastily clearing the ball
out for a push in.
Gill was on the sidelines being treated, valiantly trying to get the air
back into her lungs. Scott called to the physio, “Take five minutes with
her.”
Annabel smiled at Gill as she worked on her diaphragm, “You never called.”
“You did … such a great … job, I didn't need to … come back.”
“I meant after the night we spent together.”
Gill recalled that evening vividly. Annabel had given her the all clear to
resume full training and discharged her. Gillian had then asked her out for
a drink. The rest was history and a very memorable evening. “I'm sorry about
that.”
Annabel nodded, “You're breathing better now, let me see your back.”
Gill turned to allow the physio access. “It's a bit red, you will probably
have a nice bruise.” Annabel instructed Gill to move certain ways as she
checked out her mobility. “That's you done, another successful discharge
from physio.”
Gill smiled, “Thanks.”
“You have my number, call me.” The invitation was clear.
“I have a girlfriend now.”
“And I have a boyfriend.”
Gill hadn't known that, but it certainly made her feel less of a shit for
not calling, she shook her head, “I think my five minutes are up.”
Annabel nodded, “Good luck.”
“We need it.”
She made her way over to Scott and the Dunedin bench. “Swap back in for
Fay,” Scott instructed.
“Scott, I think we should keep Melinda and Fay on.”
“We need you back on the pitch, Gillian.”
“Then swap me on for Sheila.”
Scott took a deep breath, taking his captain off would be a very brave
decision.
“Scott, she is having a nightmare, just give it ten minutes and see what
happens.”
“Alright, but you will have to take over as captain.”
Gill held up the number six and Sheila's attention was soon drawn to the
change, the shocked look on her face would have been comical in a different
situation. Gill shouted for her to remove her captain's armband and hastily
put it around her right bicep, before taking up Sheila's position alongside
Camilla in the centre of midfield.
After a period of concerted pressure, Dunedin were awarded a penalty corner.
With no kitted out goalkeeper this was a great chance to get back into the
match. As Camilla stopped the ball dead for Gillian to shoot, she instead
flicked the ball directly into the midriff of the kicking back. She doubled
over at the contact and Fay had a simple tap into the goal to pull one back
for Dunedin. Gill held her stick up in a simple gesture of apology, but it
was all part of the game. If you stood on the line, you knew you were
putting your body at risk of being hit by the ball.
A minute later the Glasgow goalkeeper was waved back on to the pitch having
spent ten minutes in the sin bin. With the numerical balance restored the
game was more evenly matched with both teams cancelling each other out. As
the clock ticked down it looked like Dunedin would run out of time.
A final attack saw Melinda hit a hopeful shot that struck the foot of a
Glasgow defender giving Dunedin a penalty corner in the dying seconds of the
game. As Laura bent low to take the corner, the hooter went signalling the
end of time. That meant that this was the final play of the game. When the
ball was cleared out the circle, it was over. Laura drove the ball out and
Jane Dodds trapped it for Gill to strike, the keeper saved it and the ball
rebounded and again hit the foot of a defender. The game was still alive and
Dunedin would have another penalty corner. The tension around the pitch was
unbearable, but Gill knew she had to stay focussed. The players quickly
discussed which corner routine they would attempt to execute and Laura again
placed the ball on the back line. It was a clean corner, with the push and
the stop executed accurately, that left Gillian with the ball to strike, but
the defenders were out fast. Gillian, with nowhere to pass, dribbled past
two runners and had a shot on, she faked to hit it and the goalkeeper
committed herself. As she went to the turf Gill flicked the ball over her
and into the goal. Dunedin, against all the odds, had forced a penalty shoot
out.
There were muted celebrations as the players knew the game was far from won.
Both teams were in conversation with their coaches, selecting the players
who would take the penalty strokes. After a heated discussion the five
players were picked. Camilla would be up first followed by Gillian, then
Sheila and Laura, leaving the final flick to Emma. As Scott filled out the
slip of paper, Sheila had a last minute change of heart. “Wait, put me last
and Emma third.”
Gill gave Sheila a questioning look, the captain had been out of sorts, in a
rare off game for her.
“I'm the captain, Gill, I need to shoulder this responsibility.”
Gill nodded and all the players gathered at the halfway line. Glasgow ladies
would be taking the first penalty. After six penalties, it was three all, no
one had missed. The fourth Glasgow penalty taker stepped up and slotted the
ball low and hard towards the bottom corner but Lindy was down quickly and
produced a fine save, handing the advantage to Dunedin for the first time
that afternoon. Laura scored her flick, and the final player from Glasgow
scored hers too. It was four each as Sheila walked up to take her flick. If
she scored, Dunedin would lift the cup.
The umpire asked Sheila and the goalkeeper if they were ready, then blew her
whistle. Sheila flicked the ball straight at the keeper and Gill buried her
head in her hands.
“It's a retake, Gillian, the keeper moved off the line before the flick was
taken.”
Gill looked up and couldn't believe it. Sheila would get a second chance.
This time the captain made no mistake, flicking the ball into the top right
corner of the goal. The place went wild and the Dunedin players were
screaming and hugging each other. The cup was theirs.
The presentation got underway just minutes later. Glasgow Ladies walked up
dejectedly to collect their runners up medals, then Sheila was called
forward to lift the cup, quickly followed by the presentation to each
Dunedin player of a winner's medal. Gill looked at the heavy bronze object
in her hand. A female hockey player stood out from the circular object, and
the reverse was inscribed with the event stating it was a winner's medal.
Gill kissed it.
**********
The Dunedin changing room was rocking. The jubilant team had returned there
to find six bottles of champagne waiting for them, courtesy of their new
sponsor.
Emma turned Gill around and began looking at her back. “Let me see you, that
goalkeeper almost broke your neck.”
Gill burst out laughing.
“What's so funny? She nearly killed you!”
“Are the Irish always so dramatic?” Gill had a twinkle in her eye as she
teased her girlfriend.
Emma had been about to object, but instead smiled, “Only when it matters.”
Gill pulled Emma to her and kissed her full on the lips right there in the
middle of the changing room. There was a roar of approval and the pair were
soaked with champagne.
“About time.”
“Get a room!”
The pair broke apart and rejoined the celebrations. A bad rendition of
'We Are The Champions', was
followed by chanting of 'Championees,
championees. Ole, ole, ole!' Accompanied by lots of jumping up and down.
**********
Three hours later, all the Dunedin players were gathering at the clubhouse
for the end of season dinner. The first team was understandably in buoyant
mood, some already a little tipsy from over indulging in the champagne. Gill
and Emma arrived together and took a seat at one of the tables, joining a
few of their teammates.
After the meal, Yvonne Reynolds, the club president, gave a speech about the
season. The most successful to date for Dunedin. Gillian was given a special
mention as the first ever Dunedin player to be selected to join the Great
Britain squad and Yvonne said she was in no doubt that a cap for GB would
follow in due course. The four players selected for the upcoming Scottish
international were also congratulated, Gillian amongst them. After Yvonne's
speech each team captain spoke and awards were made until Sheila, the first
team captain, took centre stage.
“Where to start?” Sheila waited until the laughter receded. “Well, it's been
one hell of a season, ending on a high with our first ever Scottish cup
win.” There was more applause. “I want to thank everyone who has been
instrumental in our success this season. Scott, our coach and the many other
people who have contributed in lots of other ways, from the folks who do our
match teas and, especially, to the people who have come out in all weathers
to support us. We came second in the league this year, splitting the top two
clubs who have been dominating Scottish women's hockey for the last decade.
Our obvious goal for next season is to go one better, winning the league and
defending the cup that we won today.” There were cheers yet again for the
mention of the cup win that afternoon. “Now we come to player of the year
and I doubt there has ever been a more obvious winner. Not only was she the
driving force behind the teams success, she finished top scorer in the
league yet again. Added to that, she has been called up for Scotland
after being invited along to the
GB training squad. I'm sure you would all agree with me when I say only
Gillian could have managed that one. Ladies and gentlemen, the first team
player of the year, Gillian Rae!”
Gill walked up to receive her award to raucous applause. Yvonne Reynolds
kissed Gill on the cheek and handed her the crystal statue of a hockey
player. “Well done, Gillian.”
“Thanks.”
“Speech! Speech! Speech!”
Gill was notably embarrassed by the attention, but she held her hand up to
quieten her noisy friends down. “I'm very honoured to be the recipient of
this award. I'd like to join Sheila in saying that it has been a team
effort. You guys have been outstanding this year. Here's to more of the same
next season.” Gill held her award aloft, before returning to her table and
receiving a kiss from Emma.
“Well done, Gillian, you thoroughly deserve it.”
“Thanks, Emma.”
As the evening wore on the alcohol was flowing, particularly amongst the
first team. Most of them wouldn't see each other for around ten weeks and
Gillian was doing the rounds, making sure to say goodnight to her friends
before leaving.
“Hi, Julie, how are you doing?”
Julie beamed her megawatt smile at Gill, “Well done, you!” She hugged her
friend. “I'll be back next season, I can't believe I missed out on all of
this.”
“You had other things to occupy your time. How is wee Harry?”
“Fantastic, Gill. This is my first night out, but I'm not staying much
later. I miss him already.”
“You look fantastic, motherhood suits you.”
“Thanks, I really am enjoying being a mum and Neil has taken to fatherhood,
he adores Harry.”
“That's great, Julie, I'm really happy to hear that.” Gill thought back to
Julie's husband's behaviour at the couple’s barbecue last summer, she was
glad to hear he was at least happy to have a child.
“I hear you're settling down, now that is surprising news.”
Gill looked over at Emma who was chatting with a couple of first team
players. The Irishwoman was sitting straight in her seat, with one leg
crossed over the other, her hands resting casually in her lap. She looked
beautiful in her little black dress. Gill turned her attention back to
Julie, “I just might be.”
“A lot of changes for both of us since this time last year.”
“Goodness, yes.” Neither of them chose to mention ending up in Gillian's bed
after last year's club dinner.
“Well, I'm heading home to my boys, would you like a lift?”
“No thanks, Julie, I don't think Emma's quite ready to go. Will I see you at
summer hockey?”
Julie laughed, “Don't tell me you're still going to be playing?”
“Nothing else to do.”
“You're crazy, Gillian, I'll be seeing you soon then.”
“Night, Julie.”
**********
An hour later Gill was opening her front door and inviting Emma inside.
“What a day,” Gill remarked as she took Emma into her arms.
“It was a great day.”
Gill kissed Emma, taking time to savour her lips, the sweetness of the
liqueur Emma had been sipping still lingering on them. Gillian pushed her
tongue into Emma's mouth and it was eagerly welcomed and sucked on. Gill had
wanted Emma since they had shared a brief kiss in the changing room that
afternoon and now she was determined to have her. As she kissed her hotly,
Gill massaged Emma's breasts through the material of her sexy black dress,
feeling her nipples harden in response to the attention. Emma was squeezing
Gill's buttocks hard, pulling the teacher into her, needing more contact.
“God I want you so much,” Gillian whispered hotly as she tore her mouth from
Emma's. Dropping to her knees, she swiftly pushed Emma's dress up her thighs
and buried her face into the piece of lace covering Emma's crotch. She
wasted no time in practically ripping the small piece of material from the
Irishwoman's body, before burying her tongue within her folds. Gripping
Emma's hips strongly, Gill used her tongue to stroke and lick Emma until she
came hard, jerking and sobbing Gill's name as she struggled to keep upright.
She slumped back against the wall, Gill's head resting at her stomach, her
strong arms helping Emma remain upright.
**********
Gill awoke the following morning with Emma in her arms. She was deeply
contented, the previous day having been one of the best she could remember,
and now she was with Emma, the Irishwoman's back cradled against Gill's
front. Gill placed a soft kiss on her bare shoulder and Emma stirred,
“Morning.” She turned to face Gillian, a smile on her lips, lips that Gill
couldn't resist kissing.
“Mmm, do you have any plans for today?”
Gill lazily scratched her tummy as she stretched, “I'm going to visit
Charlotte after lunch.”
Emma yawned, “How is Paws?”
“Growing.” Gill looked at her, they had both missed the little dog since he
had become Charlotte's pet at Easter. “Do you want to come along?”
“I don't want to intrude...”
Gill placed a finger gently on Emma's lips, “You won't be. Charlotte really
likes you and I'm sure Paws will be happy to see you.”
“Then I would love to.”
“Great.”
“You know, my parents almost came over to watch yesterday, I kind of wish
they had. I would love for you to meet them sometime.”
“Did they go to see you play when you were in Dublin?”
“Occasionally. What about your parents?”
Gill laughed, “They have never seen me play.”
Emma sat up, which afforded Gill a great view of her pert breasts, her
attention fully diverted there. “Never?” There was no answer, “Gillian? They
have never seen you play?”
Gill looked back up at Emma's face. “No, never.”
“Why?”
Gill considered her answer, “It's just not their thing. I never tell them
what's going on with hockey.”
Emma frowned, “Don't they ask?”
“No.”
“I don't understand.”
Gill sat up and gave Emma her full attention. “Do you want to spend the
entire day with me?”
Emma wondered where Gillian was going with this. “Okay,” she answered,
slightly confused about what might be happening.
“Great, can you be ready to go at eleven o'clock?”
“Where to?”
“My parents.”
“Gillian!”
“Look, it will be fine, and the visit will also help you understand things.”
“What should I wear? What should I bring?” Emma asked with a hint of panic.
“Relax, they have no expectations in that regard, you can wear whatever you
feel like, they will offer no comment or judgement.”
Emma was more confused than ever with that answer.
At almost eleven thirty, Emma found herself standing outside an ageing
townhouse on the east side of Edinburgh. The garden wasn't quite overgrown,
but it was untidy, with the grass a little long, and plants and trees
growing freely over fences and creeping up the stonework.
Gill looked over at Emma and laughed quietly. The woman had made quite the
effort with her clothing, dressed very conservatively in a longish skirt,
with a wraparound top, her hair up in a
loose fashion. Emma looked great. “You look lovely.”
“Then why are you laughing?”
The door opened and a woman in her sixties stood at the door. “Gillian, how
lovely.”
“Hello, Mum.”
“Come in, your dad is out in his shed, I'll call him in.”
Gill's mum headed off leaving the two young women standing on the doorstep.
Gill motioned her head to Emma, “Come on in.”
Gill led Emma to her parents' sitting room. The house had a worn feel to it,
tidy, but the sofas and chairs were well used and the paintwork beginning to
flake. Many bookshelves surrounded the walls, creaking under the volume of
books crammed onto their shelves.
“Have a seat, Emma. This is the home I grew up in.”
Emma sat down just as Gill's parents entered the room. “Hello, Gillian.”
“Hi, Dad. Mum, dad this is my girlfriend, Emma.”
Emma's eyes almost popped out of her head at the casual introduction. She
watched Gill's parents, waiting for some kind of reaction.
“That's nice of you to bring a friend, Gillian. Would you girls like some
tea?”
Emma nodded, unable to find her voice. Gill answered for her, That would be
lovely, thanks, mum.”
“Nice to meet you, Emma.”
Emma looked at Gill's dad and all she could think of was a mad scientist. He
wore a frayed shirt with a hunter green tank top sweater over it and a pair
of worn brown cords. On his feet were what looked like a pair of comfortable
orthopaedic shoes. “Nice to meet you too, Mr. Rae.” It was hard for Emma to
take her eyes off the older man's hair. He was bald in the middle and on
each side of his head were two fierce clumps of curly grey.
Mrs. Rae returned to the room with a tea tray, which she placed on a coffee
table. On it were Wedgwood china cups and saucers in blue and white style,
with a matching teapot and jug, they were antiques. Mrs. Rae poured tea for
everyone and Gillian handed out the cups and saucers.
“How's life, Gillian?” Her father asked.
“It's good thanks. I've been picked to play hockey for Scotland.”
“Oh, I hadn't realised you still played. Did you, Margaret?” Gill's father
asked his wife.
Emma almost choked on her first sip of tea.
“How have you both been?”
“Well, Gillian. We were recently at a science fair in Spain, it was very
interesting, and your dad has been working on his latest idea for a biofuel.”
Gill nodded, “Wonderful.”
“We are going to London next month where I will be presenting a paper on the
research I did regarding nanoparticles.”
Emma watched as Gill's father picked up a Sunday paper and put on his
reading glasses. He then picked up a pen and proceeded to do the crossword.
She turned to look at Mrs. Rae, she could see the family resemblance,
Gillian had her mum's eyes and nose, but that was where the similarities
stopped. Mrs. Rae wore practical trousers and an oversized shirt with a pair
of comfortable looking sandals. Her neatly cut short, grey hair and glasses
hanging around her neck on a chain completed her look. Emma was finding it
hard to imagine Gillian growing up in this environment.
“Do you travel a lot?”
“Yes, dear, usually to attend conferences and exhibits of interest. Since we
both retired we still like to keep up with scientific breakthroughs and
progress in our specific fields of interest.”
“Ah, here is a terrific, very well constructed clue.” Gillian's dad said to
no one in particular. He then proceeded to read it out to everyone.
“Fundamental truth college head proclaimed. Nine letters.”
“Oh, that is a classic, Edward. Do you know which homophone should be
entered in the grid?”
Gillian's dad nodded, “Yes, PRINCIPLE, spelled as in Fundamental Truth.”
“Yes, its positioning makes the one to use unambiguous.”
Gillian sipped her tea, the entire conversation going over her head, while
Emma sat wide-eyed. Ten minutes and not too much conversation later, Gillian
and Emma left the Rae's house, both girls wishing them a successful trip to
London, but there was no mention of Gillian's upcoming Scotland debut.
“Doesn't that bother you?”
Gill shrugged, “I've never known anything else, that's the way they are.
Academics, they love science. Anything else is white noise.”
“They have absolutely no interest in your achievements.”
“They never have. Now if I was interested in science, it would be totally
different, but they would be the same people. I would just be able to
participate more in their conversation, instead I'm like a little alien. I
have no interest in their passions and hobbies and they have no interest in
mine. Sometimes I think I was switched at the hospital.”
“Don't even joke, Gillian.”
Gill put her arm out to stop Emma. “Emma, it's fine. Nothing to get upset
over.”
In that moment Emma did see a similarity. Gillian had the same temperament
as her parents, it was incredibly hard to knock her out of her stride.
“You're really fine with it,” Emma said, it wasn't a question.
Gill smiled, “I am.”
Chapter 32
“Stop!”
Gill froze and didn't turn around, she would know that voice anywhere.
“What on earth are you doing in my hospital?”
Gill turned around and rolled her
eyes. “It's not your hospital,
it's the NHS, Hilary.”
“That would be Doctor Duffy right now.”
“I'm visiting a patient.”
“It's not visiting hours yet, get out.”
“You can't be serious. I spoke with the nurses, they said it was okay.”
Hilary looked over at the nursing station to see them smiling back at her,
she knew Gillian had charmed them into letting her visit. Hilary shook her
head, “Maggie is going to be okay, the knee replacement went well.”
“You operated? She will be lucky to walk again!”
The nurses burst out laughing and Hilary gave them a withering look, but it
wasn't working. “Get in.” She took Gill's arm and led her into Maggie's room
then left the pair alone.
“How are you doing, old woman?”
“You better have brought me something nice, Gillian.”
Gill put Maggie's flowers on a side table and handed her some fruit and a
box of Jelly Babies. “Stop complaining, I got you some reading material
too.” She handed Maggie a copy of Playgirl magazine, “That's for the lonely
nights in here.”
Maggie ignored the magazine, “Give me the Jelly Babies.”
Gill handed the box to Maggie, grinning.
“It's open, you have been eating them,” she accused.
“Just a little, I got hungry.”
Maggie pulled out a Jelly Baby and frowned, she pulled out a few and they
were all the same. “You've bitten off all the right legs!”
Gill burst out laughing and Maggie threw the box at her. “That's it, get
out.”
Ducking Gillian laughed, “Don't be so dramatic.”
“I hate this, Gill. Stuck here until my new knee is good enough to walk on.”
“You will be out early next week.”
Maggie sighed, “I know, but needing a new knee at my age, it's not good,
Gill.”
“Ahh, I know what this is, people get depressed after surgery.”
“Gillian.” Maggie motioned Gill closer with her hand, looking like she had a
secret to tell her. Gill leaned her ear towards Maggie and the older woman
smacked her on the head.
“Ouch!”
“You're not helping.”
Gill rubbed her head looking incredulously at Maggie, “You are going to be
absolutely fine, you feisty old wench.”
“That's better. I'll be at Peffermill next weekend.”
“Where on earth else would you be?”
“Exactly and don't you let me down, I want a good show.”
“If I get on, I will give it my best.”
“You damn well better get on or there will be hell to pay.”
Gill laughed, Maggie was going to be fine, if a little immobile for a while.
Gill cautiously took a seat on the edge of Maggie's bed. “Emma met my
parents on Sunday.”
Maggie bit back a laugh, “How did that go?”
“As you might expect. She was quite worked up initially, but then she kind
of understood I think.”
“I remember the first time I met them at a parent teacher meeting, I was in
shock for a week. I just couldn't get over you being their daughter.”
“I think that's where Emma is at, still trying to get her head around it.”
“What are her parents like?”
“I've no idea, I haven't met them, I've met her sister though, Julia, well
now she is Sister Dolores, she's a nun.”
Maggie laughed, “You two are going to be perfect for each other.”
There was a soft knock at the door and Maggie called for them to come in.
Emma popped her head inside.
“I heard you were here terrorising the patients.”
“Emma, come in.”
Gill's eyes lit up as Emma stepped inside wearing her OT uniform. She looked
hot and Gill decided there and then this was a definite turn on for her.
“You look lovely.”
“I was just about to finish, but when Hilary said you were here I thought I
would say hello before I head home.” She turned to Maggie, “How are you
feeling Mrs. McLure?”
“Oh, Emma, I've told you to call me Maggie,” the older woman admonished, but
secretly was impressed with Emma's manners and professionalism. “I'm doing
fine.”
“Good, well I'll see you tomorrow morning and, Gillian, I'll call you
later?”
Gill couldn't keep the smile from her face as she simply enjoyed seeing Emma
in her working environment. Even at the end of the working day the woman was
immaculately turned out. “I look forward to it.”
The three women said their goodbyes and Maggie turned her attention back to
Gillian. “You really light up when she is around.”
Gill nodded, “Justine told me that once.”
“How's little Charlotte?”
“I saw her on Sunday, she's running around as good as ever. She loves her
dog.”
“She still asking for her mummy?”
Gill sighed sadly., “Not so much anymore.”
“Kids adapt better than adults, Gill.”
“It's a good thing, but it's also sad.”
Maggie rubbed the back of Gill's hand, then gave it a squeeze. “You miss
her, it's okay to say that, Gillian.”
“I wish she was here to share all this with me, Maggie. Justine believed I
could do it, she was always telling me she was looking forward to seeing me
run out for Scotland.”
Maggie pulled Gillian to her for a hug. There was nothing she could say. The
door opened and Hilary popped her head in, “Oh for goodness sake, now you're
getting into bed with my patients.”
The pair smiled sadly at Hilary and she knew they were sharing a moment,
“Five minutes, Gill, and then I need to see Maggie,” the doctor said
compassionately.
“No problem, Hilary, thanks.” The door closed and Gill turned her attention
back to Maggie, “I'll get a couple of tickets to you for next weekend,
Justine's mum, Pauline, is bringing Charlotte along too.”
“I'm looking forward to it, Gill, I'll watch out for them and sit with
them.”
“Thanks, Maggie.”
Gill hugged the woman who had gone from teacher, to friend and then
colleague over the years. She still wore every cap for Gillian. “Hang in
there, you will be back on your feet in no time.”
Chapter 33
Gill left the hotel where the team had stayed overnight. The bus taking them
the short trip to Peffermill, where they would play the friendly against
France. Most of the players were relaxed, they had been here before and knew
what to expect, but Gillian was the only new player among them and she was
named on the team sheet. It was a bright, sunny June day, it would be warm,
Gill sat on the bus in her Scotland tracksuit, the top removed, alone with
her thoughts.
“Nervous, Gillian?”
Gill turned to Camilla Cameron, her Dunedin teammate, normally a woman of
few words, but she had played several times for Scotland now.
“A little.”
“It's always like this your first time, then you relax a bit for the
friendlies, but not the big games.”
Gill nodded.
“Good luck.”
“Thanks, Camilla.”
The bus pulled into the car park and the team disembarked, heading for the
home changing room. Inside everyone's strip was laid out. Gill saw hers with
three simple letters on the back that meant everything to her. RAE
She walked over to her place, taking a moment to admire the dark navy blue
and white of Scotland's colours, before sitting down. The coach waited until
they were all settled before drawing everyone's attention to the tactics
board. They had been over the plays several times, but he wanted to make
sure everyone had them memorised. He spoke again of the danger women in the
French squad and how they would contain the threat. He also spoke of their
weaknesses and how Scotland would exploit them. He was impassioned and
confident, two qualities he hoped to instil in the team.
Gillian felt her mouth dry and was continually sipping water and Lucozade,
it wasn't the warm weather that was making her thirsty. The players went out
for their warm-up wearing their training shirts and tracksuits. They knew
the starting eleven and Gillian wasn't in it. She would be taking a place on
the bench when the game started. Gill wasn't disappointed, with the rolling
subs rule, it was unlikely you would get your first cap by starting a game,
but by coming on part way through for a short while and building from there.
The warm-up was taken by the fitness coach, putting the players through
their paces, making sure all the important muscle groups were worked. Then
they went through the stick drills, getting their eye in. The players then
returned to the dressing room to put on their strips and hear some last
minute words of wisdom from the coach.
Gill pulled on the tight fitting shirt, stretching it over her torso. She
took a brief moment to savour the feeling, taking note of the butterflies in
her stomach. Rubbing a hand over her abdomen Gill swallowed and took a deep
breath, it was time to focus solely on what she was good at. Playing hockey.
A knock on the changing room door signalled time for the team to walk out on
to the pitch. The team manager reminded the players not to leave anything
behind that they would need. Gum shields, gloves, shinguards. Gillian made
sure her gum shield was in her mouth and her glove was on her left hand, she
didn't want to forget anything, but in truth, she would have happily played
without them.
The two teams walked out to warm applause. It was a modest crowd for the
friendly game, but the nice weather had seen a couple of hundred spectators
turn up. The players lined up in the centre of the pitch, facing the crowd,
for the National anthems. Gillian hadn't even given a thought to this and
found herself towards the end of the Scottish squad listening to the French
anthem. When 'Flower of Scotland' started, Gill felt her jaw tense as she
struggled to sing the words. She blinked back the unexpected tears of
emotion as the final strains of the bagpipes rang out. The starting eleven
players removed their tracksuit tops and took up their places on the pitch
and Gillian found herself taking a seat in the dugout, catching her breath.
As the first half unfolded, Gill spent most of it warming the bench, with
the occasional stint jogging and stretching at the side of the pitch,
wearing a bright orange warm up vest over her strip. She watched the action
on the pitch, both teams fairly evenly matched, but Scotland having the
greater share of possession, although yet to make that advantage count. As
the scoreless first half was brought to a close, both teams made their way
inside for the half-time team talk.
The situation was strange to Gillian, she was listening to a team talk about
tactics and what was going right and what was going wrong in a game of
hockey, and yet she felt no part of it. Usually she would be participating
fully at half time, but had no point to make or discuss. All she could do
was sit and wait for her opportunity.
Ten minutes later the teams were back out on the pitch to start the second
half. Scotland enjoyed some early pressure which saw them awarded a string
of penalty corners all of which they squandered or France defended well.
When Scotland were awarded another corner, Gill twitched with anticipation,
certain she would be brought into the fray, but the coach never even looked
her way.
There were murmurs in the crowd, especially amongst Gillian's supporters.
“What the hell is he playing at? That's seven corners wasted.” Hilary
complained.
“Come on, put Gillian on,” Came a rather loud male voice from somewhere
behind Hilary. She turned to see Maggie McLure and her husband, who was the
owner of the booming voice.
“The idiot wouldn't know talent if it got up and bit him,” Maggie
proclaimed, which caused a few laughs around them.
Gill sat back, resigned to remain on the bench and not see any action today.
It was disappointing, but something she supposed she would have to get used
to. She was now a small cog in a big wheel. Gone was any nervousness, her
stomach was settled, breathing smooth and even, all anticipation removed.
With only one eye on the game, Gillian found her thoughts drifting towards
Emma. She hadn't really seen much of the Irishwoman in the last week because
of the time and preparation involved in being part of the Scotland squad.
Gill felt more relaxed now than she had at any time in the last week and was
looking forward to this whole experience ending. A loud blast on the
umpire's whistle brought Gill back to reality as Scotland were awarded yet
another penalty corner.
“Right, Gillian, you're on for Alison.”
Gill looked at the coach, blinking her surprise.
“You call the routine and show us all how it's done.”
Gill nodded and quickly shed the orange vest she was wearing. As she jogged
the short distance to the halfway line, she was handed Alison's number to
hold up, indicating the player was being replaced. The Scottish captain was
already calling Alison and indicating she was leaving the field of play, it
was like some well oiled machine had sprung to life as Alison ran towards
Gillian and took the number from her hand. Gillian really didn't have time
to think about what was happening. She ran towards the players involved in
the penalty corner routine and they quickly huddled together and Gill called
the set piece, one of her favourites. It was the play that came to mind as
she had watched the penalty corners fail.
The umpire hurried Scotland up as they took a few extra seconds to set up
the routine. As Gillian walked away from the striker position there were a
few murmurs going around.
“What is she doing?” Maggie asked Hilary.
Hilary smiled, “Just wait and see.”
As the whistle went Gillian immediately sprinted to the opposite side of the
shooting circle. The ball was played out hard to the stopper, who turned her
body and fired the ball off target, wide towards the back post where the
onrushing Gillian met it full on and slammed it hard against the backboards.
The crowd cheered loudly and the players celebrated on the pitch.
“Now that's what you call making an impact,” Hilary declared as she slapped
Emma on the back.
As Gill made her way back towards the halfway line she pumped her fist,
showing off a well-defined bicep in her sleeveless top. A random female in
the crowd squealed, “She is so
hot!” and her friends agreed.
Emma turned to Hilary and blinked her surprise to which Hilary burst out
laughing. “She is looking rather buff these days.”
Emma nodded, “She put on a little weight earlier in the year, after she went
on the pill, she converted it to muscle.”
Hilary frowned, “Gillian is using the contraceptive pill?”
Emma nodded, “Yes, after she went to the first GB training session, they
arranged for her to attend the Edinburgh University sports science
department. She has been seeing a doctor, dietician and a sports
psychologist. She is using the pill so she can control when she has her
period, they don't want her menstruating on the day of a big game.”
“Makes sense.” Hilary smiled, “Our girl really has hit the big time.”
Emma agreed, “That she has.”
At the final whistle Gill shook hands with the opposition players and
received the congratulations of her teammates and the coaching staff, but
her eyes were scanning the crowd, looking for familiar faces. When she
spotted her little band of supporters, she made her way into the crowd.
“Well played, Gillian.”
“Well done, Gill.”
She graciously thanked the strangers for their warm wishes as she continued
on her way. The applause and cheers leaving no doubt that her friends were
pleased.
“Brilliant, Gill. Just brilliant. What an entrance, you scored with your
first touch of the ball.”
“Thanks, Hill's. I thought I wasn't going to get on.” Gill turned to hug
Emma and received a soft peck on the lips.
“Well done, Gillian.” Emma smiled warmly at her girlfriend.
“Gilly!”
Gill scooped Charlotte up into her arms and hugged her. She couldn't stop
the tears from flowing down her cheeks.
“Are you hurt, Gilly?”
Gill nodded as she wiped the tears from her eyes, trying to be brave in
front of the little girl, “Just a little bit.”
Charlotte became very serious and her eyes narrowed, “Did a bad lady hit you
again?”
Gill bit her bottom lip and tried not to laugh, instead she hugged Charlotte
and told her she loved her.
“I love you too, Gilly.”
Gill passed Charlotte back to her grandmother and immediately turned and
buried her face in Emma's shoulder. Gill shook as she sobbed her heart out,
soaking Emma's neck and shoulder as the OT held her in a comforting embrace.
Gill's friends stood around the pair, blocking them from view, offering them
as much privacy from prying eyes as was possible. Gill was sobbing for the
loss of Justine and for what she had achieved in her absence, and wishing
Justine were there to share it with her.
**********
Gillian watched as Therese walked towards her, a seductive smile on her
face. She stood and sipped her water, waiting for the French woman to
arrive.
“Gillian, it has been a long time.”
The accented English was almost Gill's undoing, anything that came out of
the woman's mouth sounded sexy. Gill nodded and raised her glass, “Therese.”
“You know, Gillian, you were cute eight years ago, but now you are a
beautiful woman.”
“And your English has improved a lot.”
“As I remember, language was no barrier the last time we met.”
Gill nodded, recalling their passionate encounter a few years back. “Very
true.”
Therese stroked Gillian's bare arm. “I am in room 312, I will be waiting...”
Therese paused before leaning towards Gill's ear, “Naked.”
That last breathy word caused an involuntary shiver to run through Gill's
body and raise goosebumps on her arms. She watched as Therese sashayed
sexily out of the reception room doors, before releasing a long breath.
“That is one seductive woman.”
Gill turned to see one of her Scotland teammates, Janet, standing next to
her.
“It would almost be worth missing eight years of international hockey for a
night in the sack with her.”
“I had no idea that would be the outcome at the time.”
“The weekend is over, Gillian, you are free to do as you please, I think the
only thing that's out at this stage is wrecking your hotel room.” Janet
smiled at her, “Have fun, I know I would.”
Gillian swallowed and nodded her head, “Thanks.”
“One thing, Gillian...Don't be late for breakfast, it's the last thing we do
together as a team before leaving.”
“Okay, I'll see you then.”
Gill placed her drink on the bar and headed towards the elevators. Once
inside her room she stripped out of her dress and removed her make-up. She
then pulled on a T-shirt and her tracksuit and called Emma.
“Can you meet me at my flat in ten minutes?”
“Gillian? Is everything alright?”
“Yes, I just need to see you. Please.”
“I'll see you soon.”
Gill pressed the off button on her mobile phone and put it into her pocket
before searching for some socks and her training shoes. Grabbing her keys,
she left her room and walked the short distance down to her flat.
Entering her flat, Gill immediately knew that Emma was already inside. The
faint glow of candlelight coming from the open gap of her bedroom door was
the giveaway. Gill gently pushed the door open and saw Emma reclined naked
on her bed. At Gill's raised eyebrow Emma replied, “I was closer than you.”
Gill stood rooted to the spot as she watched Emma rise from the bed and walk
towards her. The sight was mesmerising. “You were brilliant today,” Emma
husked, while slowly lowering the zip of Gillian's tracksuit top.
Gill swallowed hard, “Thank you.” She felt her tracksuit top sliding off her
shoulders, then Emma was undoing the drawstring cord at the waistband of her
bottoms. Gill was entranced, fully captivated by this slow seduction. Emma
knelt down in front of Gillian and removed her training shoes, then slowly
pulled her bottoms down her tanned legs, kissing a bare thigh as the flesh
was revealed. She felt Gillian involuntarily shiver, and a sly smile played
on her lips as she ran her hands up Gillian's thighs and kneaded her
buttocks, they were firm and powerful, well defined. Emma knew Gillian had a
great body, but she had never been more appreciative of it than that
afternoon as she had the rare opportunity to truly watch Gillian play.
Gill's breathing quickened as she felt Emma slowly slide her panties down
her legs. She closed her eyes and gently bit her bottom lip as she felt
Emma's breath whisper onto her thighs, then Emma kissed Gill between her
legs and she almost jumped at the tender touch. She opened her eyes and
looked down, finding Emma staring up at her, then watched as Emma slowly
stood, licking Gill's stomach as she neared her breasts. Emma then took her
time to lave Gill's nipples before standing to her full height, bringing her
eyes almost level with Gill's. “I want you to fuck me.” The harshly
whispered request combined with the unexpected expletive was Gill's undoing.
She lifted Emma from the floor and walked over towards the bed, but turned
at the last moment and deposited Emma on her dresser.
Emma shrieked at the unexpected display of raw power from Gillian, thrilled
and excited by this side of her lover. No sooner was she sitting on top of
the chest of drawers than Gillian's mouth took hers in a passionate kiss.
Her tongue entering Emma's mouth, caressing and duelling with her, while
Gill's hands squeezed and played with her breasts, pinching her hard
nipples, before taking one in her mouth and enjoying it to its fullest,
while Emma's hands grabbed Gillian's hair, pulling her closer.
Gillian wanted to devour all of Emma, such was her want for this woman. She
dropped to her knees and buried her face between Emma's legs, which she put
over her shoulders. Gill sucked and licked at Emma's clit, occasionally
entering her with her tongue. Emma was in heaven, one hand behind her to
steady herself, the other in Gill's hair, encouraging her. Emma could feel
herself getting closer, the orgasm imminent, Gill could feel it too and
began to ease back, taking the edge off. Emma opened her eyes and looked
down at Gillian, wondering why she was stopping, the predatory look in her
lover's eyes sending a renewed jolt of arousal coursing through her veins.
As Gill slowly stood from her kneeling position Emma caught the first sight
of the dildo protruding from her groin, she had no idea when Gill had
attached it.
Both women were breathing hard in anticipation of what was to come, Gill's
eyes questioning and at Emma's nod, she slowly entered her lover. With a
guttural sigh, Emma accepted all that Gill had to offer. Gently rolling her
hips, Gill allowed Emma to get used to the size of the phallus before
starting a slow deep penetration. As Gillian's momentum started to build,
Emma met her thrust for thrust, enjoying the guilty pleasure of watching
Gillian in the full length mirror behind them, her buttocks clenching,
muscles standing out in sharp definition as she worked her magic. As Gill
increased the pace of her thrusts, Emma wrapped her legs tightly around
Gill's waist. The teacher then lifted her lover from the dresser and pressed
her against the cold wall, Emma gasped as her back touched its surface, then
groaned as Gill continue to thrust into her. Their bodies sticking together
as the heat and sweat built up. Gill again moved them, sitting on the edge
of the bed, she lay back and watched as Emma picked up her rhythm and worked
her hips until she came hard, collapsing, spent and sweat soaked on top of
Gillian.
**********
Gill jogged back up to hotel in morning after spending an amazing night with
Emma. Exiting the lift, she found the team manager and one of the selectors
standing outside her door squabbling.
“I knew she wouldn't be in there.”
The team manager looked towards Gillian and cleared her throat. Gill frowned
as she approached them, “Is there a problem?”
“Where have you been?” The tone was accusatory from Marjory McLean.
Gill indicated her clothing, “Jogging. I'm not late for breakfast am I?”
“Ah, no, there are still twenty minutes until we meet for breakfast.” Helen
Meadows, the team manager, had the good grace to look embarrassed.
The pair were about to walk away, but Gill stopped them, “Tell me, are you
knocking on the doors of all the players, or is it just mine?”
Helen bowed her head, while Marjory struggled to find words. “We just wanted
to make sure you didn't miss breakfast.”
At that moment Janet Wilkes walked past the three women, still in her
clothes from the evening before. She smiled and went into her room.
Gill shook her head and opened the door to her own room.
Twenty minutes later Gill arrived on time for breakfast, only to find that
she was amongst the first to get there, many of the players not joining her
until a good ten minutes later. She ate breakfast, making casual
conversation, passing the time until she could politely take her leave. On
her way out of the hotel the team manager stopped her.
“Gillian?”
“Hi, Helen, what can I do for you?”
“About earlier, I wanted to apologise.”
“For spying on me?”
“It wasn't my idea, honestly. The truth is I'm delighted you are in the
squad, but Marjory, well she has had it in for you ever since you were a
schoolgirl.”
Gill shrugged, “I'll just have to live with it.”
“Maybe not, the annual general meeting is approaching, let's just say
Marjory may not be getting the votes required to continue in her current
position.”
Gill sighed softly, feeling indifferent to the news. It was all politics and
a part of her had had her fill of it this year. She just wanted to play the
game. “Thanks for taking the time to speak to me, Helen.” Gill turned to
leave.
“For the record, you should have been in the squad a long time ago.”
Gill shrugged, she wasn't bitter. “I'm getting my chance now, I intend to
make the most of it.”
Helen nodded, “Bye, Gillian, I'll see you at the next squad meeting.”
“Looking forward to it.” And she was. She simply loved playing hockey.
Gillian walked home with her kitbag slung over her shoulder, feeling
slightly weary. A part of her was still miffed at being treated like a
recalcitrant eighteen year old. She put her key in the lock and opened the
door, dropping her bags on the floor in the living room and heading straight
to the bedroom, stopping at the sight of Emma sound asleep in her bed. Gill
wasn't sure if she would still be there, but the sight of Emma raised her
spirits immensely. She stripped off her clothing and joined her lover,
spooning her and dropping a soft kiss on her shoulder. “I love you.” Emma
stirred and turned into Gillian's waiting arms.
Chapter 34
Gill parked her car in the school car park, it was a bright, sunny mid
August morning, the first day of the new academic year.
“Miss!”
Gill turned to see Carla Tonner walking towards her, sporting her new senior
school tie. “Good morning, Carla.”
“I just wanted to say, you were brilliant playing for Scotland and thanks
again for getting us all the tickets.”
“You're welcome, Carla and thanks for coming along to support me.”
“Anytime, Miss.”
“What are you doing in school so early?”
“I'm a senior now, Miss, so I'm taking things seriously, I want to be a PE
teacher, just like you.”
Gill laughed, “I don't know what's more disturbing, the fact that you have
chosen to stay on at school, or the fact that I have influenced your
choices.”
Carla laughed, “It's all good, Miss, oh and by the way … you and Miss Hughes
look cute together.”
“Run along now, Carla.” Gill refused to acknowledge the truth of her
student's words as she watched Carla Tonner walk away laughing.
“See you later, Miss.”
Gill shook her head and walked towards the PE block but, when she saw the
figure standing outside waiting on her, she stopped dead in her tracks, the
blood draining from her face. She had dreaded this day ever happening. She
watched as the man walked hesitantly towards her.
“Hello, Gillian, it's been a long time.”
Gill took a deep breath, attempting to calm down, she felt so angry, how
dare he turn up now. “What do you want, Richard?”
“We need to talk.”
“I have my registration class in twenty minutes.”
“It won't take long.”
Clearly Richard wasn't going to be put off and Gill closed her eyes briefly
as she made a decision. “Follow me.” Gill went into the PE department and
said a quick hello to Dennis before leading Richard to one of the equipment
rooms, where they were certain not to be disturbed. “Make this quick.”
And Richard did, “I want to see Charlotte.”
“Why now?”
“I've grown up since we were at college, I should never have walked away.”
“But you did! Charlotte lost her mother seven months ago, she has never
known her father and now you want to be in her life? Have you even
considered the impact this will have on that little girl? As usual this is
all about you!” Gillian was so angry with him, she could barely contain
herself. Richard was a selfish bastard. In college all the girls fancied
him, but he had chosen Justine and who could blame him, she was beautiful,
but when Justine fell pregnant, he walked away when she refused to have an
abortion and now here he was, wanting to know Charlotte.
“I think about her all the time. I just want to see her.”
“Are you planning to go for custody? Are you ready to bring her up?”
“She deserves to know who her father is!”
“No, Richard, she deserved a father, but instead, she got you.”
Richard slumped down onto a nearby bench, Gillian's words feeling like a
physical blow. “I don't know what to do, you tell me what to do?”
Gill shook her head and sat next to him. “I'm assuming you're here because
you feel Charlotte might need you?”
He nodded, “I feel terrible about the loss of Justine and all I can think
about is Charlotte and what she will do now.”
Gillian wasn't without sympathy, but there was no way she was letting this
stranger waltz into Charlotte's life. “Well, Charlotte certainly is the most
important person in all of this. You can't lose sight of that. Justine was a
terrific mother, Charlotte always came first. Now Charlotte is being brought
up by Justine's mum and her husband Brian. She needs stability in her life,
Richard, now more than ever.”
“How well do you know Charlotte?”
Gillian smiled, “Really well.”
“Tell me about her?”
Gillian was hesitant at first, but he was Charlotte's father and she knew
Justine would tell him, so that's what she did. “She is very much like
Justine, not in looks, it's her nature. She is warm and patient and loving.
Very bright.”
Richard smiled, “Do you have a picture?”
Gillian made a quick decision and removed her mobile phone from her bag. She
located the picture of Charlotte taken when she got herself covered in oil
last summer and showed it to Richard.
“She looks adorable.”
“She is, she had just attempted to fix the chain on her bike, she is very
independent like that.”
“Just like her mum.”
“Yeah,” Gill had a lump in her throat.
“Look, Gillian, I don't want to cause trouble, I'm not sure exactly why I'm
here, I just felt I needed to do
something.”
Gill could understand that. “What if I send you updates, a picture every
once in a while, that kind of thing?”
“And if she should ever ask for me?”
Gill nodded, “We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Justine spoke to
me about that very situation if it were to arise sometime in the future and
it all depended on you wanting to know Charlotte.”
“I do, honestly, Gill.”
“In that case, if and when Charlotte asks, she will be told about you and if
she wants to meet you, then I'll let you know.”
“Thanks, Gillian and if there is anything she needs, or Justine's mum,
money, anything, don't hesitate to contact me.”
“Justine made sure that in the event of her death Charlotte would be very
well provided for. There is plenty of money to send Charlotte to a good
school and put her through University if she wishes.”
“I would have expected nothing less of Justine, I was crazy to let her go,
but I was young and immature.”
Gillian couldn't disagree with any of that, “You
were crazy to let her go.”
Richard handed Gill a business card with all his details. “My email address
is on there, perhaps you could send an up to date picture?”
“Sure.”
Richard nodded, then stood from the bench and held out his hand to Gillian.
She shook it, “Thanks. Gillian. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
As he turned to go, Gill had to ask, “Richard? You won't do anything stupid
will you?”
“As you said, Gill, Charlotte comes first, I want what's best for her and
from what you have told me, that's already happening. The last thing she
needs is more disruption in her life.”
Even though she didn't think he deserved it, Gill found herself thanking
Richard. After all, if he really wanted to, he could pursue custody through
the courts. He was Charlotte's father and that would put the family through
hell. Gill slumped back down onto the bench Richard had just vacated, taking
a moment to gather her thoughts. She had often wondered when Richard would
mature or develop a conscience and make contact and now he had. She briefly
wondered what the future held for little Charlotte, and decided to talk to
Pauline about her and Brian officially adopting Charlotte, that way, they
would be responsible for her upbringing without the threat of Richard
changing his mind hanging over them all.
Gill glanced at her watch, she was late for registration. She quickly got to
her feet and jogged to the classroom where thirty boisterous fourteen year
olds awaited her arrival. Life went on no matter what and Gillian was still
learning how to roll with the punches. Emma by her side had made that a lot
less difficult than it might otherwise have been.
“You're late, Miss.”
The sharp reply died on Gill's lips as she entered the classroom. “Yes I am,
now take your seat and let's see who isn't here.”
Ten minutes later, Gill watched the students leave and head for their first
lesson of the day. She sat in her chair just a moment as she let the sounds
of the school fill her senses, a smile playing across her lips. And so it
began again. The new academic year and a new hockey season and Gill was
looking forward to both, but this time, Gill wouldn't be doing it alone.
Epilogue
Emma stood next to Gillian as she laid flowers on Justine's grave. It was a
bitter cold January afternoon, darkness beginning to descend. “Justine would
be so happy to see us together.” Emma was silent, simply allowing Gillian to
talk and process her emotions. “She told me shortly before her death that we
would be good together. I asked her why and she said that my face lit up
whenever you were around. I then asked her why she thought you would be
interested in me and she said you had the same reaction. Your face lit up
when I was around.”
Emma took Gillian's gloved hand in her own. “Justine was a very astute young
woman.”
Gill sniffed back her tears. “I really miss her.”
“I know.”
Gillian lay her head on Emma's shoulder and cried quietly for a few minutes,
before returning to Justine's grave and sharing a few personal words with
her friend. She didn't verbalise them, they were only for Justine's ears,
she could almost physically hear Justine say
'I told you so.'
Gillian thought about how she was coming to terms with her grief one year
on. Some days she was philosophical and then she would unexpectedly feel a
fresh wave of pain that almost brought her to her knees. She recalled going
to court when the case was to be heard regarding the accident and how she
had watched the driver crying in the dock and her anger towards him had
dissipated. Going to court had actually been a positive move in the healing
process; she was able to let go of her anger towards the driver from that
day last November. Gill sighed and raised her face towards the heavens, it
was still difficult to make sense of any of it.
The women walked slowly back towards the cemetery gates, welcoming the
shelter from the cold as they got into Gill's car. “You know, Pauline was
right.”
“About what?”
“Charlotte barely remembers her mum.”
“It's to be expected, she was only four years old.”
“I know, but it's such a shame that she won't really know how amazing her
mum was.”
“She has you and Pauline to remind her of that.”
Gill smiled sadly, “I know but...”
Emma nodded, “It's not quite the same.”
“Exactly.”
The Irishwoman drove them home to their new house, a two bedroom flat in the
old town. Emma had fallen in love with the area as much as Gill had and they
now shared the house with a new flatmate, though she was far from
housetrained. Swap, Emma thought it was a crazy name for a dog, but Gillian
had said she was the reverse of everything Paws was, a female golden lab who
was messy and quiet. Emma couldn't disagree with that, the little dog also
had an attitude problem, but they both loved the contrary little thing.
As Emma parked the car in their private space below their flat, Gill turned
to look at her, a soft smile playing on her lips.
“What's going on in that head of yours?”
“I love you very much, Emma Hughes.”
Emma melted at hearing the heartfelt words, “And I love you, Gillian Rae.”
The End