The first couple of classes of the day passed uneventfully for Niamh. Indeed she was starting to think that she may not hear anything from Stephen until she noticed a text on her phone.
"I want a photo of you in nothing but your bra and knickers."
Niamh cursed and put her phone down. Considering the video Stephen already had she didn't see any sense in holding out. Obviously the classroom wasn't her ideal setting for taking the photo so she evaluated her options. There was a mirror in the staff room but the PE changing room was closer and she figured there was less chance of being caught if she timed it for during class when the students would be in the hall. So during her next class she set work for her students and slipped out. The hall was a couple of minutes away and her plan had worked well. She quickly removed her dress and snapped a photo in front of the mirror but didn't include her face. Without delaying she put her dress back on and breathed a sigh of relief as she left the room. She couldn't possibly admit it but was there a sense of adrenaline, maybe even a thrill at what she had done? She texted the photo on and re-entered the class. The students were still busy with what work she had assigned so she was about to check her timetable on her phone when a reply came through.
"Front and back."
Possibly because of the adrenaline, she didn't hesitate as much this time and took off immediately. Retracing her steps down the corridor she again took her place in front of the mirror. She discovered by placing the camera in front of her she could take a photo of the mirror behind her and it would also capture what Stephen wanted. This image was a little trickier to get and it took her a few attempts. As she was was finishing, the door burst open to her terror and a student entered.
"Oh sorry Ms Whelan, I just forgot my spare hurley for camogie," said Brid De Faoite, a sixth year student.
Niamh was struggling with her dress and responded "Hurry along now Brid, no time for loitering."
Brid did as she was asked but not without pausing at the door for a moment while looking back at her teacher with a pensive if not calculating expression. Niamh followed quickly and sent the photo before returning to her classroom.
Following lunch a further message appeared on Niamh's phone.
"I'll meet you at 4 in principal Ryan's office. Make something up so that she's not there. We can discuss then."
Niamh's heart dropped. Aside from the "discussion" she would need to face and somehow remove the principal from her room and keep her out. Ms Ryan was in her forties or so, not that you would have guessed it as she clearly won the genetic lottery. Yet recently she seemed to have made a decision to work longer hours as she was in her office every evening when Niamh left. Finding no alternative Niamh knocked on the door and asked if Ms Ryan could take her place supervising after school study as she didn't feel particularly well. Ms Ryan never moved from behind her desk and looked intensely at Niamh, questioning her on what ailment it was. Finally with what could be described as a dismissive gesture she told her on this occasion she would facilitate it and be on her way. The relief in Niamh's stomach was quickly replaced with dread as she realised she had only achieved the easy part. She was still required to meet Stephen.
At ten to four Niamh finished class and wondered what to do. She couldn't go into the office too early or Ms Ryan would still be there. She also reckoned that being late for Stephen may not be a good idea. She gazed through the door of her classroom and saw Ms Ryan pass on the way to the study hall. The woman was in incredible shape for age, straight back maintaining a striking posture as she strode along. Having watched her pass Niamh took a deep breath and set for the office. If she could at least get there first she felt it may work to her advantage. She reached the room, opened the door and walked in to see Stephen sitting behind Ms Ryan's desk. The couch had been moved to directly in front of it.
"Good to see you Ms Whelan, take a seat on the couch."
Niamh stood startled for a moment and then sat down.
"So what we're going to do is re-create one of my favourite shows," Stephen said with a strange emphasis on "shows". "What is going to happen is that you're going to sit on the couch and I'm going to interview you. The interview is verbal at first but it will turn practical in time. Do you understand? Actually it doesn't matter, I'll be leading it anyway so you'll have guidance."
Niamh had no idea what he meant. What show is this? Does he consider himself the next chat show host?
"So how many guys have you sent naughty photos to?" Stephen set his phone down on the desk and Niamh assumed he was recording her.
Niamh blushed and immediately screamed "None, I'm not into that." However she then realised her error and admitted "One. You."
