Idle chit-chat. Uncomfortable revelations about her parents. Feeble attempts to shift the focus of conversation from herself. She had suggested a walk on the beach, but somehow they had wound up sprawled next to each other on the sand. She was staring determinedly at the horizon, watching as birds dipped over and under its straight edge.

Annabelle’s searching gaze didn’t go unnoticed by Simone. God; what was she looking for? Surely the girl must understand that Simone was unavailable. Respectable catholic teacher, already in a long term relationship with another man? That’s without even mentioning her past relationship with Amanda. Her heart break. No. She was not even considering a more-than-professional relationship with her student.

That was, of course, ignoring the fact that they had just travelled for over an hour to sit rather close together on an excluded beach at sunset. If Simone were to rationalise this, she would say that the poor girl next to her had been cooped up all spring, alone on school campus. She would argue that this trip – this getaway – was in the best interest for them both; professionally.

A feather light touch on her finger distracted Simone from her thoughts. She looked down. Annabelle had gained courage; gaze still searching. She was so much like Amanda at times.

Simone almost smiled, reflecting. She had missed gentle touches and loving stares. Michael had never understood what she wanted. Or maybe he had, and was just unable to provide it. Even the anticipation of their first kiss couldn’t compare to the excitement thrumming through her at Annabelle’s touch.

It was in that instant – that moment – that Simone’s guard wavered. Intensity burned in Annabelle’s eyes and her finger moved to trace the curve of Simone’s hand. It was moments like these that she could see right through Simone. See what she wanted. What she needed.

The salty breeze managed to fan small wisps of Annabelle’s hair into her face. She was so beautiful. Simone couldn’t resist twitching her hand to grip Annabelle’s. She was smiling softly; almost dazed. She looked to her left, only to meet the stare of her student. The hope she saw in those soulful blue eyes hurt Simone’s heart. She avoided it however, by inspecting the girl’s hand.