Miss Boston? Everyone was shouting at her to get her attention, but her head remained on the desk and very quiet sobs could be heard every so often. Eventually Scout got up and went towards Miss Boston but she wouldn't respond so Scout quickly exited the PRU and went to get Mrs Mulgrew.

After a few minutes Scout returned shortly after Mrs Mulgrew appeared with Mr Clarkson in tow. They went straight over to Miss Boston and crouched down either side of her and started talking quietly to her. Suddenly she looked up and burst into fresh tears so immediately Mr Clarkson got Miss Boston on her feet and guided her out of the classroom.

"Shhh it's alright Nik" Tom spoke softly to her while she continued to sob and shake uncontrollably against his Shoulder. Finally Nikki seem to calm down a bit once they were sat in Christine's office. "Now are you going to tell us what's wrong Nikki?" Christine asked with a sympathetic tone. After taking a few deep breaths and composing herself Nikki attempted to explain why she was so upset.

"m-my da-dad di-died a-at t-the we-weekend" she managed to stutter before dissolving into more tears Tom pulled her in for a hug where she completely broke down. Neither Christine nor Tom had ever seen Nikki so vulnerable and distressed like she was now. Christine decided that Nikki was in no fit state to teach "Nikki I think you need to go home and be with your mum she will need you more than ever now" Christine gently said. Nikki looked at Christine like she said something ridiculous. "No she won't" Nikki whispered as more tears fell freely down her now very red cheeks. Tom and Christine exchanged a confused look.

"What do you mean she won't?" Tom asked. "My mum and the rest of my family accept for my dad disowned me when I chose to go into the army, my dad was the only member of my family who supported my career choice and we always wrote to each other he had do it in complete secrecy so my mum wouldn't discover the letters and a put a stop to our communication" Nikki explained the best she could. Tom and Christine had a look of shock on the faces.

"Did you stay in touch with your dad after you left the army?" Christine carefully questioned. "It became it very difficult but we managed to keep in touch up until a few years ago when my mum realized what my dad was up to and put a stop to our contact for good" Nikki said with tears glistening in the corner of her eyes. "right well I'm going to take you home but you will have to stay here a for an hour as we can only get cover for all your lessons right now but we can get cover for the rest of my lessons for today after next period" tom informed Nikki. "Oh and I am more than happy to come to your dad's funeral with you so don't have to go on your own" Tom added. "Thanks there won't be any need though as my mum made it quite clear that I was not to attend the funeral" Nikki murmured before breaking down in tears again.

Tom desperately wanted to stay with Nikki, however he had a class of unruly teenagers that required his attention in five minutes. Christine could see that Tom was very reluctant to leave Nikki so offered to cover his class for him so he could take Nikki home now rather than in an hour. "Tom, listen I can cover your class, take Nikki home and look after her" Christine gently told tom. Tom thanked Christine and took Nikki to their classrooms to collect their things before heading to the car park and getting in Tom's car.

Nikki hardly said two words during their short journey to the English corridor and then down to the car park. Once they got in the car Nikki slumped against the window and closed her eyes allowing more tears to escape from her blue orbs. Tom felt helpless as he started the engine and steered the car out of the parking space and out of the school gates.

This is my first fan fic, so reviews would be greatly appreciated. Thank you :-)