I thought the mantle had passed to Cassandra-Kaz Edwards, Dominic Shaw silently groaned as she sauntered to the front of the class room amidst the relentless wolf whistles, and snide remarks.  She was seemingly being punished, because she was dressed in skinny jeans and heels. The flirting from her senior class was always inexorable.

Wow even one of the so called school "hotties" was quoting Shakespeare to her. Dominic hadn't thought Troy Cassidy's acumen included literacy prowess, as she heard him render the first three lines of the famous sonnet:

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate;

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May..."

Casting a perfunctory glance at Troy Cassidy, she supposed if she was eighteen as well, she would have agreed Troy was a "hottie" with his sun bleached blonde locks falling over his forehead. His green eyes did compare to emerald gems and he was, well built for his age, wide shoulders and well toned calves from all the football, swimming and basketball. But Dominic was twenty four and a man's intellect was more attractive to her now, rather than just physical appearances. Luckily she had chosen well with her boyfriend Ryan. Now he was an attractive man of note, she smiled to herself as she responded to Troy's rendition of the sonnet.

'Troy, it is widely acknowledged, Shakespeare dedicated that to the Earl of Southampton. Is that a dedication to one of your football teammates?' She hid her grin with much difficulty. Dominic almost felt sorry for Troy, at the loud boos directed at him. He coloured with embarrassment. Something the cocky, over confident Troy rarely felt.

'It's algebra time class, get your text books out' she tried to get some semblance of order. 'Let's leave Shakespeare for this afternoon.'

Dominic smiled at Josh; his algebra text book was already opened. She wished the rest of the teenage boys were more sensible like him. He was her favourite in her class, although she should not have favourites; but Josh was respectful, academically above average, a good student, well adjusted, popular in the school and the community and the single character trait she adored about young Josh, he was not driven by his hormones. How many sixteen year olds could brag on that accomplishment?

Dominic knew the young impressionable girls in the school fell over themselves trying to win the attention of the likes of Troy Cassidy. She knew Troy and his good friend Gerard Sans were the two most popular boys in the school and sadly for these two young men, it was all about quantity; the number of unsuspecting girls they could lure into bed.

Dominic had started a Young Ladies' Tea Club (YLTC) in the school, after some urging from her neighbour Pastor Ralph Mitchell. She had approached the principal and pleaded with him to allow her the last period on a Friday afternoon to host the YLTC meetings with the senior girls. Some of the topics she discussed with the young ladies were life skills; withstanding peer pressure; self respect; etc.

Principal Paul Taylor had agreed. However the single, eligible principal had his own agenda for consenting. He anticipated Ms. Dominic Shaw would one evening agree to a romantic dinner with him. He lived in hope. Paul Taylor knew she had a boyfriend, but his view was, a pretty girl like her should be accessible to more than one guy and not exclusively to Ryan Cole, even if Ryan had so much more aesthetic appeal than himself.

Dominic was pleased the one hour lesson continued without any interruptions from the students. The entire class had participated. Even Troy had put his hand up once to offer an answer. She had to give him credit for trying, even though his answer was wrong.

'Josh, please hand out an assignment booklet for me to each pupil,' she held out the stack. There were moans and groans. 'You have one week class,' she instructed. There were more sighs. 'It contributes towards your year mark,' she warned. 'Come to me after school, if you need assistance,' she offered. 'With the assignment that is,' she added as an afterthought and turned her back to the class as she hid a smile and packed her bag. She knew one or two smart alecs of the opposite gender would jump at her offer, so she need to qualify her invitation.

'Hey Kaz, you need help with the assignment?' Josh offered. The rest of the class was shuffling out.

'You think you're the only burning light on the Christmas tree?' Kaz sneered.

'No__I __ just offered assistance,' Josh countered. His voice seemed to echo loudly in the almost empty class room.

'I can manage,' she replied gruffly.

Josh smiled, nodded and removed the extra ham and cheese sandwich he'd made for Kaz this morning. 'I have something for you,' he held out the lunch bag to Kaz.

'What the hell is this?' she snarled, knowing exactly what it was. Josh shrugged, hoping she'd take it without making a big deal.

'Do you think I'm a charity case?' she stabbed Josh quite hard in the chest. He actually reeled backwards. The sandwich bag fell to the floor. Josh was shocked and at a loss for words.

'Josh what's going on?' Ms. Shaw had watched the exchange between the two with curious interest. She had not heard the conversation from her desk, but she'd seen Josh take out the sandwich from his bag and offer it to Kaz and observed Kaz's body language and her attack on Josh.

'Nothing Ms. Shaw. I__ just dropped my lunch,' Josh picked up the sandwich bag and rushed out of the classroom.

Dominic attempted mediation. 'Kaz,' Ms Shaw spoke. 'Josh is a good kid. He's also a dependable friend.'

'Oh is the feeling mutual then? Kaz tossed, her grey eyes looking cold. 'I see the way he looks at you.'

'What!' Ms. Shaw exclaimed in shock. 'You're wrong Kaz. I have a boyfriend.'

'Well, it does not mean when a girl's on a diet, she does not look at a menu, Ms. Shaw,' Kaz wiggled her head sarcastically. 'And Josh doesn't have a girlfriend now does he? How could he when he's crushing on you?'

Good heavens! Could Kaz be right?

Dominic looked at her wrist watch. 'I have to get to my next class Kaz, but has it occurred to you that Josh may have an interest in you?'

'He does not,' Kaz refuted. 'He said so,' she pushed her blonde pony tail over her shoulder.

'He told you he's not interested in you?' Dominic questioned unbelievably. The buzzer sounded. The next lesson had started. Dominic still had to get to her class.

'Well not in so many words,' Kaz mumbled as she recalled asking Josh to deny he wanted to sleep with her.

'Just so you know, Kaz. I would not do anything unethical, like get involved with my pupils. Neither do I play around, when I do have a boyfriend.'

'I don't see a ring on your finger,' Kaz challenged.

Dominic half rolled her eyes. 'Ryan and I are courting,' she stated. 'Exclusively,' she though to add.

'I trust nobody,' Kaz hissed, 'and I sure as hell don't need anybody,' she turned around and stormed out.

Good heavens! When did that become my fight and when did it get personal? Why on earth did I bother justifying my relationship with Ryan?

Dominic literally ran to her next class. She was five minutes late, getting there.

'You know if you are just a little polite, you won't go into cardiac arrest,' Josh parked his bicycle in front of Kaz's motor bike. Silently he wondered on the wisdom of that. He would not put it past her, to attempt to run him over. He barely met her eyes as he levelled that accusation.

'You're in my face, preacher boy get out of my way,' Kaz held her helmet in her hand, ready to take off.

'Why are you always so impolite?' Josh stood his ground, yet rather nervously. As he'd predicted, she swung the key in the ignition, and revved the engine. Her helmet was barely on, when her front tyre almost tipped on Josh. He scurried out of the way post haste.

Dominic watched the television monitors around her, smiling to herself. He is so gorgeous, she smiled to herself.

'So who's going to win tonight?' Somebody asked from behind her.

'Um__who's playing?' she shrugged her shoulders helplessly.

'Where did Ryan find a girlfriend like you?' Jack Boyle accused.

Dominic winced apologetically.

'I suppose your very beautiful looks make up for it, hmm,' he teased flirtatiously.

Dominic coloured with embarrassment. It was a standing joke in the local TV station that whilst her boyfriend Ryan Cole was the station's sports editor and anchor presenter, she shamefully knew very little about sport. It interested her very little.

'It's baseball Dominic,' Jack sighed. 'The Arizona Wild Cats are playing the San Antonia Titans. It's the final, Dominic,' he grinned.

'Sorry,' she murmured, apologetically. She didn't care much for sport. Solving mathematical equations stimulated her. Football; volleyball; baseball; basketball, they were all the same. What's the big deal? The players kept chasing a different kind of leather ball! Dominic did not even know how many players constituted a team for each respective sport. How she became attracted to a Sports TV anchor guy was beyond her. Well he was rather good looking, his passion for sport aside.

'Honey?' The studio green light came on. Ryan walked out the door. He placed his arms around Dominic's waist and kissed her.

'Hi Ryan,' she smiled, draping her arms around his neck to return his kiss.

'Hey this is a public place and I'm still here,' Jack Boyle declared, curiously still watching the young couple embrace. Ryan released his girlfriend and smiled down at her with concern.

'You don't like going out on a Monday evening. What you doing here?' Ryan asked?

'I just wanted to say hi,' Dominic smiled, linking her hand through Ryan's.

'Bad night sweetheart,' Jack interjected. 'It's the final and all.'

'Isn't it time for the weather report?' Ryan raised an eyebrow at his colleague.

'Yeah, yeah,' Jack marched off reluctantly. Ryan and Dominic smiled at the departing Jack Boyle.

'Is everything okay honey?' Ryan asked with concern. He let his hands glide through her hair. She must have showered before she came to the TV studio. She smelt so lovely and fresh and was casually dressed in track pants, sneakers and a T shirt.

'You're finished for the night or are you watching the game with the guys?' Dominic looked up at Ryan. She was tall, but he was at least two heads above her.

'You know that there's game on tonight?' Ryan laughed.

Dominic laughed back. 'Jack just disparagingly gave me the info.'

'I am off duty,' Ryan smiled. 'I was planning on staying to watch the game, but we can go back to your home,' he suggested.

'You don't mind? I mean I'm sure the game will be so much more enjoyable with the guys.'

'The one thing I like about watching a game with you,' Ryan took her in his arms again, 'I don't have to hear comments from the peanut gallery,' he laughed.

Dominic smiled. She kissed him on the lips then drew away. 'Last chance to change your mind,' she smiled.

'I'll follow you to your home,' he draped his arms around her waist and led her out.

Ryan enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend. He mostly appreciated her selfless nature. She was a remarkable young lady, strong character, secure in their relationship. She was intelligent, yet with a gentle spirit.

Dominic made a quick stop at the all night convenience store. She wanted to get Ryan a treat to have with his coffee. He loved custard pie. She was really thrilled that Ryan could spend some time with her tonight. Generally on a Monday, she liked to just be home, but the confrontation with Kaz had disturbed her a little. She just felt in need of some moral support from Ryan and his sturdy arms around her were always a great source of comfort.

'George, Lynne, good evening,' Ryan greeted Dominic's parents warmly and kissed Lynne on the cheek.

'This is a pleasant surprise Ryan,' George smiled.

'Hey mum, dad,' Dominic smiled, placing the custard pie on the kitchen table.

'Thought I'd catch the game with Dominic,' Ryan smiled. He knew, for some reason, his girlfriend needed him tonight, so he was there for her.

'I was just about to make your dad coffee,' Lynne smiled at Dominic.

'Oh good mum, we have custard pie to go with it.'

'Shall I help cut it up honey?'

'No thanks. You and dad go watch the game. Mum and I will be through in a moment,' Dominic cut up the pie into equal parts, whilst her mum made coffee.

Dominic slid into the seat next to Ryan and linked her hands in his as they watched the game. Ryan took his eyes off the TV screen for a second to smile at Dominic. He draped his arm around her neck and focused on the game again.

'Come on Wild Cats,' George grumbled. 'We need to score before the break.'

'Not going well?' Dominic murmured, leaning her head on Ryan's shoulder. Ryan shook his head, agreeing with her analysis. 'We're trailing by a hefty margin,' Ryan's expression was grim.

'Hey Mr. Anchor Man,' she teased. 'Aren't we supposed to be neutral?'

Ryan and George laughed.

'In front of the cameras I am,' he winked.

It's true, Dominic had always noted that whenever Ryan was called to speculate or give an opinion, he always diplomatically ducked answering.

'Any chance of more coffee honey?'

'Sure,' Dominic got up. 'Mum, dad more coffee?'

'I'm fine thank you,' Lynne declined.

'I've had enough, thanks,' George declined as well.

Josh was distracted by car doors opening and closing. He looked towards the window. The sound came from his neighbours, the Shaw's yard. He threw his pen on his desk, left his homework to investigate. His curtains were thin enough. He could see two people. They were embracing. Ryan and Ms. Shaw. He stepped back and smiled. It was surprising that Ryan was visiting. He never normally visited on a Monday. It was game night. Tonight had been the final. Too bad Arizona's Wild Cats had lost the match. Josh had watched from the television in his bedroom, whilst busy. He went back to his desk finished his homework and climbed into bed.

As soon as the game had ended, Ryan had murmured in Dominic's ear, that he was on early morning duty. She promptly rose to see him out. Outside she went into his arms, thanking him for sacrificing his game with his friends to be with her. Ryan had laughed and said he'd much prefer her in his arms than being with his babblings colleagues. She loved being in his arms too. The world felt like a much better place when she had Ryan's protective arms around her.

Just as Dominic had climbed into bed, Ryan called her to say he'd arrived home safely.

'I'm just getting into bed,' Dominic smiled tiredly.

'Honey you were a bit__subdued tonight,' Ryan probed perceptively. 'Everything okay?'

'I would have chatted up a storm. I didn't want to disturb your game,' she laughed softly.

'I'm done early tomorrow,' Ryan informed her. 'Shall we take a drive to the lake?'

'Oh yes please. I love it there,' Dominic tried unsuccessfully to hide her yawn.

Ryan laughed, catching the yawn. 'Good night then. See you about three.'

'Night Ryan, I love you,' she murmured.

'Love you too honey.'

The call was barely cut and Dominic promptly fell into slumber land.

'Josh, can I have a word with you in my study?' Pastor Ralph requested, when Josh got home from school.

'Sure dad,' Josh removed his school back pack and dropped it to the floor.

'Come take a seat,' Pastor Ralph patted the sofa in his study.

'Thanks dad,' Josh hopped onto the sofa.

'Your mum and I received an invitation to minister at the Holy Spirit Conference in California,' Pastor Ralph smiled.

'Wow, that's wonderful. When will you leave?'

'Tomorrow. It's just for two days. I know you're a responsible young man, my son, but I would like to ask the Shaws to just check in on you and Shanna.'

You mean Ms. Shaw. She's the one that will check that we have enough dinner and clean clothes for school and that we brush our teeth before we get into bed, as if we're still toddlers.

'Your mum has cooked and baked enough to last a week,' Pastor Ralph laughed. 'So you and Shanna are not going to starve,' he continued as Josh stayed quiet.

'We'll be okay dad. You've preached away from home previously.'

'I know,' Pastor Ralph ruffled Josh's hair. He handed a few bills to Josh. 'Could you take care of the bread and milk and any other necessities?'

'Sure, no problem,' Josh put the money into his wallet.

The first day his parents were away, everything went smoothly. Josh got up, made himself a bowl of cereal for breakfast. His sister was not one for breakfast. She preferred apples, bananas and a fruit juice. He packed her a lunch box. Shanna was even on time to leave for school.

'You ready Shanna?' Josh stood at the bottom of the stairs.

'Yep,' she grinned as she came running down the stairs. 'And yes, I dressed my bed Josh,' she rolled her eyes at her brother.

'I was not going to ask,' Josh grinned.

'I know,' Shanna sighed. 'Even when mum is not here I feel her presence,' she laughed.

That evening, Josh washed the dishes, even though it was Shanna's turn. She'd asked Josh if she could finish her homework and then wash the dishes, he'd nodded and thought to do it for her, seeing she intensely disliked washing dishes. He smiled to himself, thinking if his sister ever moved out on her own, the first gift he'd buy her is a dish washer. His mum was not in favour of one, preferring to do it by hand. There was a knock on the kitchen door. Josh dried his hands with the tea towel and opened the door. He suspected it was one of the Shaws coming to do a courtesy call.

'Ms. Shaw, hi,' Josh smiled.

'Hi Josh,' she smiled, noting the tea towel in his hand. 'You and Shanna okay?'

'Yes thanks.' Josh was not sure if he should invite her in. This was his teacher.

'Where's Shanna?'

'Doing her home___.'

'Who's there Josh?' Shanna came flying down the stairs.

'Hi Ms. Shaw,' Shanna greeted happily. 'We done with dinner. I'm just doing my math, then I have to wash the dinner dishes,' she wrinkled her face.

Dominic looked at the sink. It was spotlessly clean, no dishes insight, dirty or clean. She looked at Josh, he was folding the tea towel to a minuscule size.

'You need help with the math Shanna?' Dominic offered.

'I guess,' Shanna murmured. 'I hate algebra. Josh always has to help me. I understand geometry though.'

'You done with your homework Josh?'

'Yep.'

'You want me to sign it off?' Dominic asked.

'Yes you may,' Josh started to walk towards the stairs. 'They're in my bedroom.'

'Um___ would you like to bring it down?' Dominic did not think it was appropriate to be in Josh's bedroom, especially after Kaz's comments. Boy am I getting paranoid?

'All six books?' Josh enquired. He thought it would be much simpler, if she just signed them all upstairs.

'Um__Shanna, let's get Josh's stuff signed then we can sit with your algebra.'

'Thank you Ms. Shaw. You're the best,' Shanna beamed.

Dominic laughed. 'You can always come over whenever you need help,' she offered.

'Big brother helps me,' she grinned, affectionately pointing her head towards Josh.

'May I make you some coffee or get you a drink Ms. Shaw?' Josh offered.

'No thanks Josh,' they walked up the stairs. 'I still need to have dinner.'

Dominic was surprised when she walked into Josh's room. She'd never been upstairs before. Actually she should not be surprised at how tidy his room was. His sport equipment were neatly stacked in one corner. His bed was neatly done. His school shoes were neatly on a pedestal that also held his blazer and tie. Dominic was impressed. She checked his homework and signed it off.

'Shanna let me know when you're done, so I can let Ms. Shaw out and lockup.

'Okay,' she nodded, leading Dominic to her bedroom.

Dominic hid her surprise at the state of Shanna's room. The young lady's room was as she expected Josh's room to be. Discarded clothes were lying on the bed and the floor. Three pairs of sneakers were thrown about the room. A soda can was opened at her bedside table. Cosmetics and hair brushes were scattered on her dressing table. It did not even bother Shanna that she was taking a guest to her untidy bed room.

The next afternoon, Josh popped into the local supermarket to pick up a loaf of bread and a carton of milk.

'Hi Mr. Greenstone,' Josh smiled at the owner.

'Afternoon Josh,' the old man greeted as he packed cartons of cigarettes onto the shelf.

'So now you just look the other way and ignore me,' an accusation was thrown at Josh. He turned around to see Kaz, standing behind him with her hands on her hips.

"'Ignoring you?"' Josh laughed. 'How could I see you behind me?'

'You ignored me during break,' she accused.

Sometimes when Josh saw her during breaks he would chat with her. 'I actually did not see you at all today in the breaks.'

'Yeah right,' she flung at him as if not believing it. 'Pass me a coke, will you?' she asked as Josh was standing in front of the refrigerator.

'I'll pay for it,' Josh offered as he reached into the refrigerator.

When he had his back to her, Kaz slipped an adult magazine into Josh's backpack. She quickly straightened up and schooled the expression on her face, as Josh handed her the bottle of coke.

'I have money,' she waved a bill in Josh's face.

The two of them walked to the till. Josh allowed Kaz to precede him. She actually did pay for her cool drink, he was pleasantly surprised to note. He promptly paid for the milk and bread and exited the shop. The second Josh stepped out, the monitors beeped noisily. He raised an eyebrow unbelievingly at Kaz, thinking she had something hidden on her person. She held her hands up defensively, the coke and her receipt in one hand. The security walked towards them. They did not even look at Kaz. They did not think the pretty, blonde young lady had anything hidden in her sleeveless school dress. The young man on the other hand had a back pack they were very interested in.

'Come with us,' the security spoke to Josh. 'You may leave ma'am,' they dismissed Kaz.

'Sure,' Kaz grinned and departed without even a glance at Josh.

'Is there something you have perhaps forgotten to pay for?' They questioned Josh politely. They knew he was the preacher's son.

'No. I just came to get the bread and milk. Here is the receipt.'

'Would you please open your back pack?'

'Yes off course,' Josh nodded and instantly removed his backpack for their inspection. When he unzipped it, Josh almost died of embarrassment. The two guards looked at each other and shook their heads.

'You will have to come with us,' the one guard spoke. Josh shut his eyes, cringing silently. That magazine was filth. He would never read that, let alone buy, or steal it.

'Mr. Greenstone, we have a situation here,' the guard spoke to the owner and jerked his head towards the office. The owner was astounded when he saw the evidence of Josh's alleged theft.

'Joshua what were you thinking?' Mr Greenstone demanded.

Josh remained silent, not uttering a word.

'I am going to have to call Pastor Ralph,' Mr. Greenstone announced.

'May I pay for the ___cost of that magazine? My parents are out of town,' Josh spoke quietly. 'The Shaws are watching over us. My sister is alone at home right now. I need to go to her.'

'I am afraid I am going to report this, young Joshua,' Mr Greenstone spoke gravely. 'Is there a number of somebody I can call to inform them about this?'

Josh lowered his head. Who could he trust? He wanted to die of shame and embarrassment. He needed to get to Shanna. She did not like being alone. His parents would be so disappointed. They trusted him. They expected him to behave responsibly.

'You can call Ms. Dominic Shaw.' Josh gave them her mobile number.

       -end chapter four-