It was a cold afternoon in January and Peter left it as late as possible to make a call on whether to open the school the next morning. As deputy head and with the head off sick, it was his decision. It was not one he could make lightly. A lot of the girls in the sixth form had exams coming up and might need valuable resources. However, with this much snow and with treacherous paths, it might be for the best. He would make one last visit to the school to check out the conditions in the immediate vicinity and then update the school website.
Peter had done well to get the deputy head job at 39. He was probably seven years at least younger than average, and was hoping he made good decisions while the head was off. He arrived at the school around 5pm. He would call to see the caretaker first and check on the latest logistical issues. He noticed the lights were on in the girl's changing rooms, which was unusual and would have to mention that to Jim the caretaker too.
Peter found the caretaker in his little office.
'Oh hi Peter.'
'What do you reckon Jim, can you have the paths cleared for tomorrow?'
'It's tricky to be honest mate.'
'Oh?'
'Yes, no salt you see. The council has invoked the governments CPO law and no one's got any salt till Thursday at the latest.'
'Umm, not good. Sand?'
'We have about 20kg. That won't do more than a few metres.'
'What that skipful has gone?'
'Yes, by the time we had sorted primary out and then there was the stuff we gave to Hartwood, it' all but gone.'
'Thursday! '
'Yes and it's not just that. It was minus six last night and now the boiler's on the blink too. Thermal coupling unit!'
'You're joking!?'
'Might not hold out over night if you want my opinion.'
'OK, that's it then, I'm putting news out that the school is closed tomorrow. It's starting to freeze up again badly out there. OK Jim, well you're doing your best.'
Peter left the caretaker's office and as he got outside he noticed the changing room light again. He forgot all about it with the talk of inclement conditions, so went to check himself. As he got nearer he could hear giggling and girls' voices. He went into the outer part of the changing rooms.
'Hello - who's in there?'
It suddenly went quiet and two girls from the sixth form came out in full hockey gear. Peter recognised them as Laura Hudson and Hannah Tinkey, two girls who he had had cause to reprimand for smoking the previous year. Since they had turned 18 and become sixth formers they seemed better behaved but he always thought they had a mischievous look about them.
'What are you doing here?' He asked.
'Oh yeah, hockey was cancelled, we didn't get the call till it was too late. We were just hanging out here for a while sorry Mr Carter.'
'OK, well you better get home. Have you got a lift?'
'No, we were meant to be, but now Laura's Mum won't be back till later, so we'll need to walk.' Said Hannah.
'That's no good. I suppose I could give you a lift.'
'What in your car?' Asked Laura.
'Yes, of course, how else?'
'Yes, don't be a moron, you fucking dumbo.'
'Oi!'
'Yes, don't speak like that please! Said Peter sternly.
'OK, sorry.' Said Hannah.
'Bye the way, your skirt is far too short, you know the regulations, mid thigh at least.'
'Ooh sorry Mr Carter, can't you handle it?'
'Now, don't start saying things like that.'
Laura liked this exchange and piped in.
'What about mine Mr Carter?'
'Yours is too short too.'
'I think you like it really Mr Carter, I think you're being naughty.'
Suddenly Peter felt flustered and in a corner.
'I don't know what you're talking about, come on let's get you two girls home, you'll have to direct me.'
'People will talk with two sixth formers in your car won't they?'
Peter hadn't even considered this, he was just doing them a good turn.
'Mr Carter?'
'Yes Hannah?'
'What would you do if we made a pass at you in your car, would you tell us off or would you... you know, do things?'
'Hannah, I thought you had learnt to behave yourself these days.'
'Ha ha Hannah! You're bad!' Added Laura.
Hannah turned round and bent over, lifting her skirt as she did, revealing a pair of white undies, which covered her lovely round bottom.
'What do you think to that?' Asked Laura.