Making his re-acquaintance

I discovered recently that the new wife of a business acquaintance attended the same school as me, albeit many years later. She must be in her mid-20s; he’s pushing 50. The school link got me thinking…

A drinks party, at which she’s introduced to some of his friends…

Him leading her over to meet one of the gentlemen…

“Let me introduce you: Lauren, meet Phillip.”

Only she’s staring at the carpet, unable to meet his eyes. For the former Miss Baker needs no introduction to Mr Hill – her erstwhile school housemaster.

She looks up, regains her composure. He speaks first: “I think we’ve met before.”

And she’s back in his study, a shame-faced lower sixth-former sent to be punished. Touching her toes; bracing herself for the cane; crying out at the strokes; sobbing afterwards face down on her dormitory bed.

She replies, trying to laugh, hoping his memories are merely of the successful girl who captained teams, achieved top grades: “Indeed. It’s lovely to see you again. Although I guess ‘Phillip’ might take some getting used to instead of ‘Sir’…”