Jumping to Confusions by Liz Rettig

Author:Liz Rettig [Liz Rettig]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
Published: 2008-06-04T16:00:00+00:00

11

ALL DAY, INSTEAD of looking forward to English last period I was dreading it. As well as feeling miserable and upset I was afraid I might do something really stupid and embarrassing like bursting into tears in class. In the end I coped by avoiding looking at Mr Brown. Instead I just kept my head down and got on with my work like, well, like a pupil, which is probably all I meant to him now. I didn’t answer any of his questions all lesson, which isn’t like me (in English class anyway) and prompted him to say, ‘You’re very quiet today, Cat. Is something wrong?’

As if he didn’t know what was wrong! Almost said as much but stopped myself in time and just muttered, ‘No, I’m all right.’

At last the lesson was over and Josh and I filed out with the rest of the class, but as I got to the door Mr Brown said, ‘Just a minute, Cat. I almost forgot. You wanted to talk to me about your critical essay.’

‘It’s OK, I’m sure you’re very busy,’ I said coldly. ‘I don’t want to take up too much of your time. It’s not important anyway. Not any more.’

‘Nonsense, I’m not in a hurry today – and, yes, I think your idea of the rhododendrons at Manderley being a metaphor for Rebecca’s beauty is valid and very insightful. I really think you should explore this idea further. May I see what you’ve written so far?’

I couldn’t really refuse – he is my teacher after all. As I rummaged in my bag for the essay I told Josh, who hadn’t left with the rest of the class but was standing protectively beside me, to wait for me outside; I wouldn’t be long.

I handed Mr Brown my work, and as he scanned it I said frostily, ‘I don’t want to make you late for Mademoiselle Dupont.’

Mr Brown glanced up at me now. ‘Oh, that’s OK, Cat. Mademoiselle Dupont’s car is fixed now so she won’t need a lift.’ Then he went back to reading my essay. ‘This is good, Cat. Excellent in fact.’

But for once I didn’t care about his praise. Instead I said, ‘She’s very attractive, Mademoiselle Dupont.’

Mr Brown looked up from my work and smiled. ‘Yes, she is. I hear French classes have become extraordinarily popular with some of our pupils this year.’

‘But her eyes are a bit on the small side and her mouth is too big,’ I couldn’t help adding waspishly.

Mr Brown shrugged. ‘Can’t say I’ve noticed.’

It was no good. I had to know. Had to know for sure what was going on. ‘There’s a rumour going round that you and Mademoiselle Dupont are, you know, sort of, well, going out together.’

Mr Brown laughed. ‘There are always rumours going round this school, most of them rubbish. I hope you’ll help me scotch this one, Cat. Mademoiselle Dupont’s boyfriend has a black belt in tae kwon do. I wouldn’t want to get into any trouble with him.’

‘So you’re not – I mean, she’s not—’

‘Definitely not.

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