Page 5 of Glow

Scott shook his head. “I’m not in the mood to put on a show.”

“You don’t have to. It’s only us.”

“Even so. I’ll lick my wounds for a bit. I might join you later. Don’t eat everything.”

Eddie got up and closed the door behind him. As soon as Scott heard Eddie’s feet on the stairs, he let out a sigh.

He would rally. He always did.

TWO

PRIN

Prin Lum stood in the front of his class feeling a little choked up. Twenty people he’d thoroughly enjoyed getting to know stared back at him.

“You’ve all come such a long way since the first class only three months ago,” Prin said. “I want you to congratulate yourselves. I’m very proud.”

“It’s all thanks to you,” Cathy said. “When I showed my grandson how I can use the internet? Well, he was bowled over. He said he’s getting me a smart telephone. Whatever that is.”

Prin smiled. “That’s great news, Cathy. I’m so glad you’re confident now.” He glanced around the room. “Does anyone else have any success stories?”

Not long after Prin had arrived in Brighton, he had approached the college about running an over-fifties computer course. He had loved every second.

Colin, Prin’s secret favourite pupil, raised his hand.

“Yes, Colin?”

“Not sure you will think this is a success story,” Colin said with a glint in his eye. “I went on the website for that company you work for.”

Prin was sure he’d be blushing. He tried not to discuss Pleasure Seekers in the classroom. People often took it the wrong way and judged him as a wanton pervert.

“Did you get yourself anything, Colin?” Cathy piped up, apparently not one of them.

A ripple of amusement reverberated around the room.

“That’s between me and my credit card,” Colin replied.

This time everyone hooted with laughter.

Colin always entertained. Prin guessed he would be in his mid-seventies. Colin had the biggest selection of colourful blazers and would wear a different one to each class. They’d had a union jack, pink sequins, tartan and the rainbow flag. Today he’d chosen one with clouds and dragons on.

Prin had no idea where Colin would buy something like that. Coupled with the rest of his immaculate appearance, Colin pulled it off with great aplomb.

In comparison, Prin usually felt a little dowdy. He generally opted for black jeans and a black T-shirt. Fashion had never been a huge factor in his life. He’d always been told he was good-looking. The combination of dark hair and a light complexion set off his chiselled bone structure perfectly. Prin preferred to think his mind his best feature.

“I hope you weren’t shocked, Colin,” Prin said.

“It would take a lot more than that to bother me,” Colin replied. “I’m sure you kids think we’re born old. You’ll get here one day.”

At twenty-seven, Prin wouldn’t exactly describe himself as a kid. Still, he supposed in Colin’s eyes he was.

“Ageing is a privilege,” Prin said.

Colin’s face grew serious. “Yes, you’re right there.”

The atmosphere had changed. Prin hadn’t meant to do that. It was their last class together and he wanted a more jovial time.

“Anyway, it doesn’t matter why you’re going to the computer. It’s the fact that you’re no longer nervous about it that makes me the proud.”