A New Style of Education - Year Five

by Karen Page

Part 16

picture created using DALL-E

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Part 16
Friday 16 April 2010

This was the first full day with Wardenclyffe staying. With double the number of pupils, the paths around the school were busier than normal. Jayne and Helen who always exercised early was surprised to see so many about. It hadn't been as busy since The Manor had stayed.

There was Hayfield students exercising earlier than usual. As they finished their run, Jayne noticed something unusual. A student was warming up and preparing to exercise alone.

"I'll stay with her," said Helen, noticing Adelle in tears but continuing with the routines. "You go and find Alex."

Jayne checked Alex's location on her phone. His phone was in his room, but the tracker was showing he was sat on the stairs leading down to the cinema. Either he had stripped off some of his clothes, or he was sat there, out of touch with the rest of the school.

Jayne made her way to the cinema stairs. She went down a few and came across him, sat all alone. She didn't say anything but just sat down next to him.

"I thought if I left my phone, you wouldn't be able to find me," he said after a few minutes of silence.

"Normally when one study partner is upset and alone, the other one is too. Helen is talking with Adelle and I'm here to check on you."

They sat there in silence. Eventually Jayne asked, "What happened? Adelle is in tears, and you seem confused."

"I just don't know what happened. I mean we get on really well. When I opened the interconnecting door, she'd just finished getting ready. The sunlight was starting to come through the window, and it reflected around her. She looked like an angel."

"Did you tell her that?"

"Yes. I thought she would find it funny. The next thing she's kissing me."

"I see," said Jayne, struggling not to laugh at Alex's bewildered tone.

"No, not a simple kiss. It was like a full-on kiss. Her tongue was in my mouth."

"And what did you do."

"Well, nothing. I froze. She broke free and started crying. By the time I recovered, she was gone."

"So, what are you doing down here?"

"I needed to think. I didn't want to stay in the room as Ad would come back. I don't want to cause her more upset."

"Okay, but why here on the steps to the cinema?"

"I didn't think anybody would come down here and I thought I would be able to think. I've only been here a few minutes before you turned up."

Jayne's phone pinged but she ignored it. "How do you feel about Adelle?"

"How do you mean?"

"How did you feel about the kiss?"

"I've never been kissed like that before," confessed Alex. There was awe in his voice. "It was just so ... alien."

Jayne didn't say anything but waited to see if Alex continued. He did. "I just don't get it. I don't know why she kissed me like that."

"Did you like it?"

"Yes, but it's wrong."

"Wrong?"

"My mum said I shouldn't kiss a girl until I'm sixteen. That I shouldn't get involved with gangs and concentrate on my studies. She had a kid when she was fifteen and he was taken into care. I suppose she doesn't want that for me."

Jayne didn't want to remind him that Adelle couldn’t get pregnant. "Don't forget the school rules. You must keep your underwear on. I'm sure Mr Hobson has told you that the school isn't a brothel."

"Yes. Though how would he know?"

"I got into trouble because of breaking that rule," said Jayne. "It is hard to hide feelings when you're young. Does Adelle know about your mother's advice?"

"No."

"I think you should tell her. Also have a think about what your mum said. She kept you out of trouble, but you aren't her. There hasn't been a school pregnancy at Hayfield."

"And it's not like I can get her pregnant," said Alex thoughtfully.

"True, but I would advise you don't say that to Adelle. One thing I've learnt over the years here. Trans people don't like being reminded of that fact. If you both decide you want to be more than friends, then there will be times where she will find it hard. She will want to do things that she isn't capable of and that can cause frustration."

"Most of the time I forget. She is just so much happier than when she joined. And I've ruined that happiness."

"She ran away. You ran away. Sometimes that is all you can do until you understand how you feel. But talking to each other is the only way you can move forward."

"I know. I was going to talk with Hilda, but she hasn't arrived. Has Helen finished yet?"

Jayne looked at her phone. The message earlier was from Helen saying she was taking Adelle back to her bedroom. Jayne sent a reply outlining that Alex froze, not because of hate, but shock.

"Let's take a slow walk back to your rooms," suggested Jayne, standing up. "It's time to get you two talking."

"She'll hate me," said Alex getting to his feet.

"No, she is probably more embarrassed and confused. I doubt she would have kissed you like that if she didn't feel you felt the same."

"I don't know how I feel. I've never been close with someone like her, but is that love, or friendship. I don't know where the boundary is. I'm just so ... inexperienced."

"I never loved anybody before Helen," admitted Jayne as they started walking slowly towards the sleeping wing.

Jayne remembered a conversation with Rachel back when she was in her first year at Hayfield. "I've noticed you spend more time with Ben than others in your year. Is he your friend?"

"I think so," mused Alex. "He's been through so much with Eugene dying."

"You were friendly with him before that."

"True," admitted Alex, wondering where Jayne was going with this conversation.

"How do your feelings for Ben differ to those for Adelle?" enquired Jayne, giving Alex a sidewards glance.

Alex came to an abrupt halt and after a few seconds a big grin came over his face. He rushed towards his bedroom. Jayne pottered on quickly behind, neither breaking the school rules of no running. If Alex had been at the Olympics, he would have secured a racewalking podium.

He burst into his bedroom with Jayne just behind. Upon seeing the interconnecting door was open, he rushed through.

"I'm so sorry," Jayne heard him say. By the time she got to the doors connecting the two rooms she saw Alex and Adelle in a passionate kiss.

"Blimey," said Helen joining Jayne in Alex's room. "One minute Adelle was so hurt and the next it all seems forgotten. What was that about?"

"Alex has never fallen for anybody," explained Jayne. "He has spent all his time hiding in his room, learning and avoiding the environment he lived in. He had no reference for his feelings."

"Ahem," Jayne made a loud and exaggerated cough sound. Helen smirked trying not to laugh.

Several seconds later, Adelle and Alex came to the door, both looking rather embarrassed.

"You two need to talk," said Helen sternly. "Hilda has a slot free at eleven. Book it now and use it."

* * *

During breakfast, Mr. Hobson announced, "An ash cloud update. Airspace is still closed with no end in sight. So, let's make today a getting to know us event. We will be making some adjustments to the schedule. This morning, Hayfield students will attend lessons as usual. Wardenclyffe students will prepare for a performance that will take place after lunch. Consequently, there will be no lessons this afternoon for Hayfield students, and orchestra practice is cancelled. Instead, Hayfield students will present an evening concert like the one in November. A light meal will be served slightly earlier than usual."

When Mr Hobson sat down, there was a scramble as the top two years of Hayfield students booked visits to the school salon. They younger pupils would visit just before lunch or after watching the Wardenclyffe performance.

"Do you need the services of the Salon?" Jayne asked Venessa.

"No, we have students who specialise in makeup. Perhaps they can give you a hand for your performance tonight?"

"That'll be great," agreed Jayne. "Especially for the younger players. But I know a lot of us will be getting out hair fixed too."

"Oh, they'll help there too. There is also one of the helpers that's excellent. It's such a shame she's only around on these trips."

"Brilliant," said Helen, with a mischievous smile. "Next time we get a sister school to visit, we'll have to insist they bring their own skilled people with them."

The twinkle in Helen's eyes was enough for Vanessa to realise that Helen was teasing. After a beat they both laughed.

"Do you have a name?" asked Helen.

"For?"

"Your specialist helper. I'll have to see if I can cadge a few tips."

"Cadge?" asked Vanessa, confused.

"To ask for something, but a bit more informal."

"Ahh. Helena Whitten. When she isn't doing field trips with us, she works as a makeup artist in Vancouver."

"Helen seeing Helena," laughed Helen. "That won't be confusing at all."

Catherine looked at Helen and said, "You Brits really have a strange sense of humour."

There was a collective shrug across the table. Martha however had more of an understanding what Catherine was talking about. "It's even stranger to Americans. Their humour is often sarcastic and self-deprecating. It takes some getting used to. When I first came here, I often didn't understand that it was humour. Over the years it's kinda grown on me."

Marie, who was the director, was horrified. "Don't they realise how much we need to do to put on a show?"

"A lot less than normal," said Caroline. "Don't forget we don't have scenery. We don't have props. We don't have costumes, and we will be reliant on what lighting and makeup they have. It will be a lot more rustic than our normal shows."

"Oh no," said Nicolas in fake horror. "That means we’ll have to act a lot more than normal. We’ll have to portray more as there won't be props and scenery to help."

"I think you're getting used to the humour," remarked Martha.

"Caught out," laughed Venessa.

"Can I do an announcement during breakfast?" asked Marie.

Jayne and Helen looked at each other and they both shrugged in unison. "It isn't something that we do very often. Some people get grumpy if their coffee drinking is disturbed. Why don't you wait until things start to wind down, with the first return of crockery to the kitchen."

"Hey!" exclaimed Tracy Dine, one of Hayfields psychiatrists. "Less dissing the staff."

Jayne tried to look innocent. "I never said who!"

John, the psychiatrist from Wardenclyffe just watched on and didn't interrupt. They had a hands-off approach, just like Hayfield. Pupils were encouraged to make decisions and if needed, make mistakes. An eye was always kept, and help given where needed. There was always an intervention if something serious occurred.

A message from Hilda pinged on Jayne's phone. She'd had the request from Adelle to have a discussion. Jayne made a mental note to circle back with the two students later to make sure everything was okay.

As breakfast finished, Mr Hobson rose. "Sorry to disturb you, but Maria has an update."

Maria was surprised at the introduction but rose to her feet. "Thank you, Sir. We have a lot of preparations for this afternoon's show, so could all Wardenclyffe students meet me in the hall."

When she sat down, Jayne was going to say something, but Emma got there first. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

There wasn't much. They were quite a self-sufficient group. Hayfield concentrated mostly on the music. It was expected that lighting would be handled by the concert venue. Wardenclyffe had to do so much more than just acting.

* * *

Not knowing the side entrances to the main stage, the Wardenclyffe students went into the hall via the main door.

"How did you get up there?" asked Patrick, one of the top year students.

"We came in via the stage entrance," said Helen, with a disarming smile. "There are changing rooms and other places that you'll probably need. We use them most for our Christmas revue, and occasionally for concerts.

They went up the side stairs onto the stage and were shown backstage. "No wonder you got here before us," said Patrick when he saw the shortcut that the top Hayfield students had taken. "That isn't on the map."

Jayne looked at hers. It wasn't. She'd been shown the entrance when she first joined, as had the rest of the school. Looking at the map wasn't something you did often, once you got the hang of where things were.

"Strange," muttered Helen, also looking at hers. "I wonder what else we've never noticed that's missing."

The backstage tour concluded with the room containing the stage lighting and sound system that had been installed post The Manor visit. Mr Hobson wanted to be prepared for any future use.

"Okay, now you know where everything is, we'll leave you to your preparations. Give us a call if you need us."

As they made their way towards the stage exit, the door opened. A middle-aged lady came in pulling a portable clothes rail, which was full.

"Hey Maggie," said Jayne to the person who looked after all school clothing. "Are these for the play?"

"Yes miss," she responded. "I'm told this lot should help them. There is another rail which young Mike is bringing up in a few minutes."

"Do any of you need a hand?"

"Oh no, we've got it. So good to see some of these things being used outside of the Christmas revues. I was told to deliver this lot to a Jessica."

"Ah, she is in their top year who looks after wardrobe. Tall, blonde lady."

"I'll have to keep an eye on Mike then. He's partial to blondes."

Helen and Jayne laughed and accompanied Maggie towards the throng of Wardenclyffe students.

"You're a blonde," pointed out Helen.

"I'm old enough to be his mother," laughed Maggie.

"Jessica," called out Jayne as they approached. "Will these clothes help?"

Jessica made her way to the edge of the crowd and glanced over the rack. "That's great, thank you," she said.

"Another rail of clothes will be up in a few. Mr Hobson was given some details by your headmistress."

"Thank you," said Jessica to Maggie, all politeness. "Do we have you to thank for the clothes in our rooms?"

"Not just me, miss," said Maggie, all embarrassed to be thanked like that.

"Well thank you. They are very much appreciated."

Maggie blushed. There weren't many at the school that knew the hidden staff that kept the school running. In some ways Maggie preferred that, but there hadn't been time to get the clothes organised before Wardenclyffe had got backstage.

By the time that Jayne and Helen got to the school salon, it was a hive of activity. The staff were all in and were only doing tidy-ups and styling. That way there was a constant stream of pupils being serviced.

There wasn't any makeup or other services being offered. Students could do their own. If there was anybody in the lowest year that was still struggling, then there were always willing friends to help.

"Hey, you two," said Sasha when she saw them at the door. "We're running a few minutes late. There's an additional chair in waxing room 1. Why don't you two go there. It's being handled by one of the staff from the visiting school."

"You know I prefer how you do it," said Helen with an exaggerated pout. "But we'll take it to keep things moving along."

Jayne and Helen moved through to the waxing room. As they approached, the door opened and Emma came out, her hair looking radiant.

"Looking good," said Jayne.

"I know. Which one of you is next?"

"Go on, Helen," said Jayne. "I know you need to see Dr Sue for your allergy jab."

"Thanks," beamed Helen.

The door to the treatment room opened and a middle-aged women came to the door. On seeing Jayne and Helen, she said, "Why don't you both come in?"

Helen looked a bit bemused as they followed the women.

"I'm Helena Whitten. Who wants to go first?" she asked.

"Helen, as she's got a doctor's appointment," said Jayne.

As Helena started combing through Helen's hair, she said, "It was a really nice, your school taking us in like that. As we approached the school, I thought what lovely architecture it was."

Trying to keep a straight face, Jayne said, "I bet you were eager to see the inside."

Helen laughed, remembering they conversations with Mr Taylor and Mr Black.

"Keep still," scolded Helena.

"I see we have a reputation," said Jayne dryly.

"With a very small group of people."

"How was the architecture in London?" asked Jayne. "Did you see anything interesting when you stopped the night?"

"That's not for discussion," she responded sharply as she trimmed Helen's fringe.

It became clear to Jayne how much separation there was. The Canadian's had investigated, but they had no idea of the instigation.

"I didn't mention anywhere specific," said Jayne. "I could have just meant you going to look at the gothic wonder of the Palace of Westminster."

Helena sagged and she stopped work on Helen's hair. She was shaking her head in wonder. "I fell into the same trap, even though I knew about it," sighed Helena. "How did you know about the investigation?"

Helen said, "We received some information, which we relayed. We made a suggestion how it could be checked, and it seems that is what happened."

Helena started back on Helen's hair. "You shouldn't be getting involved like this while at school."

"We don't normally, but sometimes these things happen."

"So it seems. Let me clarify some things and get back to you. I've been asked if I would be willing to show you some makeup techniques. Perhaps Sunday or Monday?"

When Helen finished in the chair, she was swivelled round so Jayne could see. Jayne gave a small gasp. It was Helen, but not Helen. The change in style hadn't been drastic, but the effect was enormous. She no longer looked her usual vibrant self, but somehow it made her look plain and a bit dowdy. With no large mirror in that room, Helen hadn't seen what Helena had done.

"There's a mirror just outside this door. Have a look," suggested Jayne.

Helen did so, and Jayne went with her. Their eyes met in the mirror, and Jayne could see conflicting emotions. Helen eventually said, "This is even worse than the hairstyle I had when I joined Hayfield. Can you go and get Sasha?"

Jayne did as bid and came back a few seconds later with Sasha in tow.

"That's an interesting style," commented Sasha when she saw Helen.

"Hopefully it isn't going to last long. If I book a double session with you in a few weeks, would it be possible for you to be able to teach me how to style like this?"

"Of course," she replied without missing a beat. "Some students like to do that type of course about a month before they leave. Shall I create a reservation at the beginning of May for both of you?"

"Fantastic, thank you, " beamed Helen.

Helena quickly restyled Helen's hair back to its usual look. She then went to see Dr Sue, leaving Jayne with Helena. When Jayne sat in the chair, she felt some apprehension, but ultimately, her look remained unchanged.

"You seem disappointed," laughed Helena. "I've demonstrated a technique on Helen. There was no need to do it again. I'm sure you will book some time with Sasha, if you haven't already."

"Not disappointed per se. I was nervous and had geared myself up. You then didn't do it, and I was berating myself for being silly."

"That's very honest," she responded, removing the black cape she’d put around Jayne to stop cut hair getting on her clothes.

"And I didn't lose anything for being honest. You now understand a bit more about me, which I hope isn't a bad thing. I can't always tell everybody everything, but I've found there are limits to how much I should hide with people I don't need to."

* * *

That afternoon, the Hayfield students settled down to watch the play. They'd arrived in the hall to find it transformed. The stage had some simple wooden backing, painted simply but effectively with what they were portraying. The lighting had been rigged differently from normal, and they'd even managed some spots to highlight the main protagonists.

They'd seen a few musicals over the years, and attended concerts, but never a play. Helen had told her that it was simple. A play was just a musical without singing or dancing. Simple really.

"If you find this all new," said Helen quietly. "How do you think someone like Alex is going to be."

"He was okay when we went to see The Nutcracker. He found it fascinating. I think Adelle found it harder."

"The memories of her dad taking her when little?"

"Oh, you knew about that," responded Jayne, slightly surprised.

"Adelle mentioned it once. It seemed important to her."

The Hayfield students fell silent as Marie came on stage. A spotlight shone on her, making her the star attraction. "Thank you all for giving us the opportunity to put on this play. Not having our normal props and scenery has given us the opportunity to improvise. We've not had this much fun in years. I hope you enjoy it, and please forgive us for the roughness."

There was a gentle applause. Marie finished introducing the play and left the stage.

As with any story, the play had happy parts, sad parts, plot twists, and as it reached its conclusion the hero won against the evil corporation. There was huge applause as the hero found love and the CEO was carted off in handcuffs.

Jayne was intrigued. Marc and Nicolas, actors in the play, sounded, moved, and looked completely different than usual.

"What are you thinking about?" asked Helen, as they all applauded at the end of the show.

"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," replied Jayne.

"What? Toot Sweets?"

"Yes, that film. I was remembering reading about Robert Helpmann. He was a dancer they got to play 'The Child Catcher'. Behind the scenes he was one of the nicest people. Yet it was voted five years ago as the scariest villain in children's books."

"Remember your work experience last year?"

"Yes, I suppose that was certainly being something I'm not. Knowing what to do and how to behave. I would never want to be a used car salesman again, but if I have to for the job, I can."

"You weren't at one of the nicest showrooms."

"No. It was crappy, but he was more than willing to teach me and when I sold my first car, he offered me a can of beer."

"Ahh, your first beer," said Helen romantically. "I'm so envious every time I hear about it."

"Remember when you did car servicing as part of your work experience two years ago?"

"We don't talk about that," said Helen darkly. "Ever. Anyway, back to the play. I suppose Marc was Tony Matovich. In my mind I didn't see Marc, just Tony. I suppose that's because he's had training to be an actor, and you've had training on how to play a French Horn."

"Just looking at them, and what was said last night, I don't think acting is the whole story. It is becoming. When I was a used car salesman, that is what I was. Well partly. I suppose they don't earn a lot of money, so accommodation would be different. The whole package. I just learnt the trade but came back to this lovely place and got a wonderful meal. I only lived part of the life."

The actors finished taking the applause and Mr Hobson came on stage. "I'd like to thank the students of Wardenclyffe for a tremendous play. You are all a credit to your school. Lighting, stage direction, scenery, costume, makeup and acting. Thank you all. I hope we can put on something as good for you tonight. Zoe wants a word."

Zoe stood up and said, "Can all Hayfield students help with setting up the stage for tonight's performance. We will be giving the concert we are supposed to do next week. If we can't go, we can at least perform it."

Jayne spotted Lisa and Tina. The joint heads of year three, and two members of the beta squad. She rushed across to them and Helen followed.

"What's up?" asked Lisa as they made their way towards the stage.

"I have a favour to ask. At some stage would it be possible for you to have a word with Alex. I can't say more, but I think he could do with some advice that you are suited to give."

"I noticed Helen talking with Adelle first thing this morning," said Tina. "Would it help if I talked to her? Having someone who's a few years older than her going through a similar situation might be helpful for her. I know it helped me when Andrea talked with me."

"Thanks," said Jayne. "We had a small chat this morning, and then they saw Hilda at eleven. But having two people in a similar situation is always good. Their relationship is very early stages, and your help will be needed after we've gone."

It wasn't just Hayfield students that piled onto the stage. Half of Wardenclyffe students helped too. They had the same ethos as Hayfield. If something needed to be done, to pitch in and help. The more hands on a big project, the quicker it was done.

Props and scenery were moved carefully backstage. The raised platform for brass and percussion was heaved in, and finally the chairs were moved onstage alongside the music
stands.

"That's looking more like it," said Jill.

Even though it was a music school, and the players were highly skilled, it wasn't what the majority went on to do. Some did, like Jill, but others found excitement or passion elsewhere.

Sunday 18 April

Mr Hobson stood to give the update that all of Hayfield had been waiting for. The contents weren't going to be a surprise to anybody, but this announcement would make it official. "The ash cloud still has UK airspace closed. There are tests being conducted to see what particle density planes can safely fly through, but that is for the future. Today, there are no flights. It probably is no surprise to anybody that Hayfield's trip to Tunisia is cancelled. All restrictions imposed on the lead up to the concert are therefore revoked."

He looked around to make sure everyone had taken that in. He then continued, "For those that want to go to church, there isn't enough room in the school chapel for everybody that asked about it. Our vicar didn't want to disappoint anybody so offered to conduct two services. It is normally an Anglican service, but he will perform a multi faith service as I know that the majority from Wardenclyffe are Catholic. Details should be on your phones. Since we don't know how long Wardenclyffe will be here, lessons will be extended to support them from tomorrow."

It was David that appeared for church. There were a few puzzled looks from Wardenclyffe students but seeing him with Helen helped. David decided that giving mixed signals would confuse people. Even after so many years at Hayfield, he didn't like being overtly masculine. But today he knew that was required.

To people outside the SPA schools, changing from dressing as a young woman, to dressing as a young man would have seemed strange. Yet here, nobody batted an eyelid. Helen must have mentioned the name to the Wardenclyffe top year students, as they all called him David when he appeared.

"I don't think you have any issues with your acting skills," said Nicolas as they went into the school chapel.

"Wait until tomorrow," said Jill from behind them. "That'll blow your mind."

David scowled, and Helen turned around and high-fived Jill. David's scowl deepened as he knew Helen had set him up, before he burst out laughing. "I'm not sure if it would blow their mind, but I'm told it can be unsettling."

"Oh?"

"Think a muted Jayne, but dressed as David," said Helen. "And I love it. You are so relaxed then."

"Hey, no making out in church," said Emma, as David gave Helen a quick kiss.

There were some muted chuckles as they took their seats and then they all settled down. It was their time of reflection and prayer before the vicar arrived. Some prayed and anybody that wasn't, didn't disturb those that did.

By this time, the Wardenclyffe students understood the layout of Hayfield. There wasn't the confusion of a different school. It might have been in a different country, but 1+1 still equalled 2. The library was still where the books were. It was after church that some from both schools disappeared to study. Some had exams soon, and revision was on their minds. David and Helen had a makeup and styling lesson with Helena.

Helena was going to do makeup and looks with Helen tomorrow. That lesson, she concentrated on David. Changing his looks and style with different clothing choices. A preppy look, a workman look, a stereotypical gay look. Not once did Helen laugh as David changed clothes. Instead, she fired question after question of why a style worked, and how it had been achieved. At the end of the session, David came out looking just as he joined. Nobody else the wiser.

"Homework?" sighed Helen as the two Beta leaders left, being told to practice.

"I still remember the time when Brenda worked on Jill and Anna so we could all go to Milton Keynes Christmas shopping."

"Yes, I suppose we should experiment more."

Friday 23 April 2010

The UK airspace opened the day before, and planes started moving again. There was a backlog of passengers and clearing that would take time. Since they were one of the first to lose their flight, they were on one of the first extra repatriation flights. It was just after breakfast that the call came in, and an hour later, the Wardenclyffe pupils were ready to leave.

For year five, there wasn't the same emotions as the last time a visiting school departed. Wardenclyffe had only been visiting for a week, so there wasn't the same wrench as when The Manor had left. That had been doubly difficult as Sam and Jessica had gone too. For the other years, this was the first interschool visit, and they would be contacts they preserved. For David and Helen, it wouldn't be the last time they saw Marc or Nicolas.

The cool northerly winds that had carried the ash cloud south continued, so it was chilly as the student's waved goodbye. In seven weeks, it would be The Leaving. The time that year five left the school. Seeing the coach make its way down the school driveway was a reminder to some of that upcoming event.