Thread: Fox at Bay (Alan23 x Sweetred)

Xianna's day was getting worse and worse. At first, there had been the look of fear she'd seen on her mother's face at the sight of Mrs Leary. It was pathetic that one adult woman should be so terrified of another. The way the blood had drained from her mother's face, the way she'd immediately started stuttering and whispering... it was ridiculous. And Xianna wasn't fooled by how nice Mrs Leary had seemed... though, outwardly, she'd been friendliness personified, behind her cruel eyes had been a look that said You pathetic bitch. I can pull your skirt down any time I like, and you're too weak to do anything about it. Xianna knew that her mother had seen this too, and didn't know whether to be most embarrassed on her own behalf or her mothers. And then, even when Mrs Leary had gone, Mum still did not have the guts to tell the truth. She was obviously so terrified of Mrs Leary that even when she was not present, she did not dare to do anything that might upset her. By the undignified way she scrambled out of the office, tugging frantically at her jacket, Xianna knew she was totally afraid. Angels obviously knew that she knew, and must have been totally humiliated to look so ineffectual in front of her daughter, for the way Angela was blushing showed her total humiliation. And now, as if to prove things could get even worse, Mum had started crying. Xianna was in no hurry to prolong this mortifying situation and took her leave as soon as she could. Graeme Hopkins sat back in his chair, as the door closed behind Mrs Fox and her daughter. He was no fool, and though he did not know exactly what was going on, he had easily picked up Mrs Fox's discomfiture. He was used to the way she always preened and blushed whenever they met, and usually she lingered, far longer than she even needed to. Today she'd run out so fast, he could tell she was afraid. And what - or, rather, who - she was afraid of was easy to guess. He knew that Snowflaik Leary constantly bullied Xianne Fox, but in a school such things happened. But surely, in the adult world, the same sort of thing didn't go on? Well, obviously it did. Poor Mrs Fox was obviously terrified. He didn't really blame her for looking so embarrassed. To be an adult, and bullied, and have to react to it in front of her daughter must have been the ultimate humiliation. And by the brief look he'd had of Xianna's face, he could see she felt just as bad. Well, he could protect Xianna to a small extent though not nearly as effectively as he might have done if Mrs Cole would back him but, much as he sympathized, he could do nothing for Mrs Fox. Xianna sat through the period before break feeling as black as she had ever done in her life. As if being the girl who had had her skirt ripped off didn't make it bad enough, she was also now known as the daughter of the mother who was too weak to protect herself, never mind her daughter. Every time she thought of the evening before, the walk through the schoolyard, and her mother's pathetic retreat from the office, her blush grew more powerful. And the way the other kids were giggling and pointing at her made it even worse. And if that wasn't bad enough, Snowflaik had demanded they meet at morning break. Not going was simply not an option, or the evil, bullying girl would seek her out and punish her even more. The morning seemed to drag for ever, and yet fly by at the same time, and she was almost relieved when the bell went. At least it would soon be over. She entered the restroom, her head downcast, carrying all the money she had in her hand. I... I'm sorry, Snowflaik, she stammered, as soon as she entered. I... I got here as quickly as I could. And I'm sorry my m-mother insulted your mother, it won't happen again. P-Please... here's all the money I have, but I'll get you more soon. D-d-did you want me to do your homework? And then she saw Snowflaik advancing upon her, with a pair of scissors in her hand, and Xianna's face went white. No, please... m-mercy, she wailed. Paul Dennisson arranged the tray of cream horns carefully, and went to check on the latest batch of loaves. It had been a slow morning, but the morning tea rush would start soon, and the shop would be full of workers buying sandwiches and rolls. He was already well prepared, with the buttered slices and fillings set out. He was alone in the shop today, for Mr Hitchens, the owner had gone to buy supplies, and Julie, the assistant, was off sick. He looked up to see one of the shop's regular customers enter. Mrs Fox. He remembered her well, for the day before she'd - he was sure - been trying to flirt with him, though she hadn't managed it very well. She'd obviously been nervous, for she'd been tugging at her jacket, and started blushing... and now, he saw, she was standing at the door, again fussing with her clothes and hair, and looking nervous. He looked up at her, and gave her his best smile...