Page 45 of Save Us
I take it gratefully. “Likewise,” I reply.
Ophelia beckons us inside. “Come in, brunch is ready for you.”
We follow her down a long hall, and I look around curiously. The inside of the house is just as friendly and inviting, with modern, abstract paintings and colorful wallpaper. I feel instantly at home here.
“I hear you like reading manga, Ruby,” Ophelia says suddenly, and I look at her in surprise.
“Yes, that’s right,” I reply.
“Do you watch anime too?” she asks.
I catch up with her and James, and nod. “I love anime.”
“I adore cartoons, and I’ve been meaning to see how I get on with anime. But I know nothing about it. Maybe you could give me a few recommendations.”
I beam at her. “I’d love that.”
“You don’t know what you’re getting into, asking Ruby something like that, Ophelia. She’ll make you a list as long as your arm.”
“Hey!” I object.
James just grins.
“Well, that will keep me busy. Go for it, Ruby,” Ophelia says, smiling over her shoulder at me.
We reach the end of the hallway, and Ophelia opens a large, dark-painted door on the left-hand side, then waves us in ahead of her. I step into the cozy dining room—and come to an abrupt stop as I see who’s sitting at the lavishly laid table.
I’d been expecting to spend the day consoling a desolate Lydia. The last time I saw her, she was in hopeless despair.
I was not expecting to see Lydia sitting at the table, beaming. More than beaming—laughing. And I was even less prepared to see my history teacher sitting next to her, gently stroking his hand over her back.
“Hello, you two,” says James, who is—unlike me—apparently unfazed by the sight.
Lydia and Mr. Sutton turn around to face us. The next moment, Lydia jumps up. She flings her arms around James and hugs him tight. He hugs her back and closes his eyes.
“Thank you for telling him where to find me,” Lydia whispers.
“I hoped he’d come to see you,” James replies, so quiet I can barely hear his voice. But his words make Lydia smile. After a moment, she lets him go and comes to hug me too.
“It’s so good to see you,” I say.
“You too,” she replies, squeezing a little harder.
“Have a seat,” says Ophelia, pointing to the two unused place settings. “I’ll make a fresh pot of tea.”
I don’t move right away, and Lydia takes my hand to pull me to the table. “No need for introductions,” she says, looking at each of us in turn.
“Er, no,” I say, and James shakes his head. We sit opposite Lydia and Mr. Sutton, and then it gets weirdly quiet between us.I can’t help staring at my ex–history teacher. However much I know about him and Lydia, it’s still weird to see him in jeans and a T-shirt.
“Morning,” he says eventually.
“Good morning, Mr. Sutton,” I reply automatically, and then tense. Oh God, I sound like I’m in school.
Mr. Sutton pulls a face. “I think you’d better call me Graham, Ruby. After all, I’m not your teacher anymore.”
I think for a moment. “I’m not sure I’m quite ready for that. Or if I’ll ever be,” I say in the end.
His lips twitch slightly. “OK.”
