"It's right here," Mr. Thomas said, flicking the switch.

"Thank you," Ann muttered, shading her eyes from the harsh glare.

She looked over the principal's shoulder for a split second, to where the man and woman had been. She saw the man's face just then. It was Matt Henshaw, the biology teacher!

His handsome features were shrouded in an expression of alarm and surprise. It was fairly obvious he was afraid of being caught – especially by the principal.

"Uh, Mr. Thomas, could you please do me a favor?" Ann asked quickly.

"Anything, Miss Harris," the principal said rather prissily.

"Could you, uh…" Ann began, thinking quickly, "… give me a hand with some books in my car?"

"I'd be more than happy to," Mr. Thomas said.

"Just lead the way."

As the principal left the lounge, Ann gave Matt a fleeting glance. She saw his expression change to one of relief. He mouthed a "thank you", and then smiled.

Ann felt her knees buckle. Damn! She felt like such a fool! Matt and that woman would know that she had been watching! Like some kind of pervert! She felt like crying.

"I realize it's going to be rather strange for a while, until you get your feet on the ground," the principal was saying. "But once you get used to our little group, you'll ft right in."

"I hope so," Ann said, her heels clicking down the tiled corridor.

This was the beginning of the first day for Ann Harris, teacher, at Nolan High.

CHAPTER TWO

Ann felt a gentle pressure on her shoulder.

"Hey, thanks!" Matt said. "You saved my life!" Ann felt herself go brick-red. She had avoided meeting Matt all day, even took her lunch with the students, just to keep this moment from happening.

"You must think I'm terrible!" Ann stammered. "Now, why would I think you're terrible?" he asked with mock surprise. "That luscious blonde hair, those delicate features, and I'm a pushover for green eyes!"