Ms Kennard looked at Bette and seemed to read her mind. “Look, this has been emotional. I understand if you don’t feel ready to go home right now. What do you say about having a coffee with me, so you can relax a bit, Recompose yourself?”

“I – if it isn’t too much trouble… you probably have better stuff to do, I really don’t want to bother you with all of this.”

“Would I suggest it if I had no time? I mean this, Bette. I really only want the best for you.”

Bette doubted a few seconds but then agreed. She would never forgive herself if she wouldn’t grab this chance now. It was probably the closest she’d ever get to ms Kennard. In a way, she felt bad for having shared her problem with her. She didn’t want ms Kennard to pity her, feel sorry for her. She wanted ms Kennard to think she was strong, could handle anything, could offer protection… and love. She wanted to be the rock, not the person needing one. But then again, it was too late now. She had told her everything she could – it was obvious she had to keep silent about the root of all of it.

There were hardly any people left in the building and when they emerged it, the school yard was empty. The car park was desolate as well, so there was nobody to wonder why Bette Porter was getting into ms Kennard’s car and where they were heading.

“I would normally suggest to go the Planet, it’s a great place. I just don’t think it’s a good idea for us to go there now, we might meet some people there that would question us going for a coffee. I don’t want to get you in any trouble as to bullying and teasing and altough I’m really concerned about you, I don’t want to lose my job for something that’s not even true.”

Bette couldn’t help but think how sweet it was that ms Kennard always explained her actions, as if she had to justify them towards Bette. Bette was too tense to give an answer. It was strange to have one of her dreams finally happening in real life. She was here, sitting in ms Kennard’s car, sitting next to the woman that had occupied her dreams for months now.