The Art of Friendship

by Lisa Ireland

  ‘That’s the whole thing, though. You don’t get to make the decision about how I react to things. That’s up to me. And of course I will be rushing home to deal with this. I’ll be on the first flight I can get on.’

  Chapter 15

  Kit smiled and waved as John Quinlan approached the café entrance. He returned the smile and headed to her table. She stood and offered him her hand. ‘Thanks for meeting me here, Mr Quinlan.’

  ‘Please, call me John. Sorry I’m late. Bit of an issue with one of the buses after school. You know how it is.’

  Kit shrugged. ‘Not really, actually. I don’t have much to do with the day to day operation of schools these days, not having kids of my own.’

  He took the seat opposite her. ‘Ah, but my PA tells me you conducted a talk at our school last year, just before I started there in fact.’

  ‘I’m surprised she remembered me.’

  ‘Not much gets by Jane. She said your face was familiar so she searched the school database for your name. So, you’re actually Doctor Kathleen Munroe?’

  She nodded. ‘Yes, but you can call me Kit. Nobody calls me Kathleen.’

  ‘So are you a medical doctor, Kit?’

  She shook her head. ‘No, PhD. I never use the “doctor” part of my title unless I’m flying somewhere. I’ve found it will occasionally get me upgraded to business class.’

  He laughed and she was surprised at the amount of pleasure she felt at his response.

  ‘So what do you do at the women’s centre then?’

  He’d obviously done some googling. ‘I’m actually the director of educational services, but I also do some part-time lecturing at Melbourne Uni.’ Oh God, now she sounded like a try-hard.

  ‘That must keep you busy. Director of educational services, what does that entail exactly?’

  She shrugged again, trying to make sure he didn’t think she was full of herself. ‘It’s an impressive title, but the fact is it’s a pretty egalitarian workplace. We all muck in and do a bit of everything. Officially my role is more of a directional one, rather than hands-on, although that’s not always the way it works out.’

  He nodded. ‘Understood, but just so I have a bit of an idea, give me the official version of what you do.’

  ‘Program planning, that type of thing. Sometimes I implement a program such as the one we did for your school last year. So you weren’t the principal then?’

  ‘No. There was an acting head at the time of that unfortunate incident. I was employed the following term. One of my goals has been to turn around the culture of bullying that existed in the school and I thought we were winning that war, but this incident involving Harry has me a little concerned.’

  ‘Well, these things don’t change overnight, as I’m sure you’re aware.’

  ‘Yes, but from what you said over the phone, it seems like there’s a bigger issue at play than just some pushing and shoving at the lockers.’

  ‘That’s why I wanted to meet you away from the school grounds. Harry feels that if he tells the truth at school it will only make things worse. I’m actually breaking a promise to him by talking to you, but I don’t know what else to do.’

  ‘It’s a common fear of students and, much as I hate to admit this, it can be a valid one, especially in these days of cyber-bullying. To some extent we can control the environment when the kids are in school, but we can’t control what happens once they leave the schoolyard. The real damage is done at home, when their parents think they’re tucked up safely in bed, but they’re actually plugged into some device reading soul-destroying messages about themselves.’

  ‘Well, thankfully this situation doesn’t seem to be as bad as all that. Not yet at least. I’ve had a talk with Harry and I know what’s gone on, or at least his version of it, but before we speak about that I just want to warn you that Harry’s parents have been made aware of the situation and are on their way back home to deal with it. Or at least Harry’s mum is. She told me she’d be on the next available flight.’

  ‘I see. I’m glad you decided to inform them so quickly. It’s a shame Harry’s mother’s trip will be cut short, though.’

  ‘Unfortunately Libby had already been made aware of the incident before I had a chance to call. Apparently there’s another parent of one of your students there with them. That parent heard the story from her child and shared it with Libby.’

  ‘Oh, that is unfortunate indeed. Perhaps I should call them then and explain the school’s position. It’s not ideal that they got the news second-hand like that.’

  ‘Yeah, sorry, that was my fault. I should have foreseen something like this happening. I never even thought about the gossip factor. As I said before, my knowledge of high school is a bit rusty. I’m actually surprised she hasn’t called you, although maybe she thinks her wrath will be best appreciated in person.’ She winced. ‘Sorry.’

  He brushed off her apology with a wave of his hand. ‘Don’t worry about it. Dealing with angry parents is part of the job description.’

  He was smiling at her again. Her delay in relaying the news of Harry’s suspension was about to land him in a bucketload of shit and he was smiling. Either this bloke was the most understanding school principal on earth or . . . No, he couldn’t be, could he? Was the principal hitting on her? The thought sent heat rushing to her cheeks and she looked away from him. ‘Shall we order? I think we might need to go up to the counter.’

  He nodded. ‘Sure. What can I get you?’

  ‘Oh no, this one’s on me. My way of saying sorry for the torrent of abuse my best friend is likely to subject you to once her plane hits the tarmac. So what’ll it be?’

  He laughed. ‘Long black thanks, with one sugar.’

  Kit stood in the line and eyed him surreptitiously. He was seated with his back to her, playing with his phone. He was definitely a well put-together package. Broad shoulders, lean and smartly dressed, if a little conservative. Very different from her normal type. She usually went for a scruffier look, long hair, beards, jeans and leather jackets. Anti-authoritarian, according to Libby’s assessment, whereas Principal Quinlan was authority personified. And that might make for an interesting romp. Yes, he was definitely fuckable.

  Jesus. What was she thinking? This was her godchild’s principal, for heaven’s sake, and Harry was in strife. She was supposed to be sorting that out, not thinking about ways to get the bloke into bed. Although, surely bedding the boss of the school wouldn’t hurt Harry’s case? She laughed out loud at her wicked thought, causing the surly girl behind the counter to look up.

  ‘You right?’

  Kit bit her lip and placed her order.

  ‘So,’ John said as she took her seat. ‘What did Harry have to say for himself?’

  ‘Well, John, I think you’ll find this is a story you’re all too familiar with.’

  ‘Hit me.’

  ‘It involves a girl.’

  ‘Ah, I see.’

  ‘Apparently Harry has caught the eye of some young woman, but unfortunately some of the other boys don’t appreciate the new boy coming in and encroaching on their turf. They’ve been spreading rumours about Harry being gay, though Harry says that wasn’t the catalyst for the punch.’

  ‘Oh?’

  ‘No, apparently he was standing up for the young woman, who, according to Harry, was being slandered.’

  ‘In what way?’

  ‘Harry wasn’t specific. He just said the boy was telling lies about her.’

  John grimaced. ‘Right. But he did throw the first punch?’

  ‘It would seem so, yes.’

  ‘Hmm, well, I’ll take the provocation into account when I’m looking at sanctions, but I’m afraid the school’s zero tolerance policy means that at the very least Harry’s suspension will need to be placed on his school record and that will preclude him from receiving any award
s such as school colours this year.’

  Kit shrugged. ‘No argument here. I was just concerned he would be expelled. But of course his parents might have different ideas about sanctions, which they no doubt will discuss with you.’

  ‘When are they returning?’

  ‘I expect his mum to be home tomorrow. And I don’t expect she’ll be happy.’ She paused as the surly girl placed their coffees on the table. ‘Look, to be honest, Libby, Harry’s mum, is a bit . . . how shall I put this?’

  ‘Overprotective?’

  ‘Yes, exactly. How did you know?’

  ‘It’s an epidemic and it seems to be getting worse. Don’t get me wrong, I love that parents are so involved with their kids, it definitely beats not caring about them, but there is a tendency, particularly among the year seven and eight parents, to be just a little too involved in their kids’ lives.’

  ‘That’s Libby to a T. She’s always been the same. Cameron, Harry’s dad, is a bit more relaxed and probably a bit more realistic about teenage boys.’

  ‘Good to know. Well, if they’re coming home tomorrow, I can discuss the incident and its consequences with them.’

  Kit nodded. ‘Yes, of course. Look, I know this is between you and Harry’s parents now, but I just wanted to give you a bit of insight into the whole situation, for Harry’s sake. I’m worried that he’s not developing resilience. Libby has constantly stepped in to save Harry from any perceived disaster, or even discomfort, really. I’m concerned that once she knows he’s been bullied that she’ll excuse his behaviour, or make the situation worse for him somehow by getting visibly involved.’ Kit paused and stirred her coffee. ‘We don’t want Harry thinking he can solve his problems by smashing kids in the face, no matter what the provocation.’

  ‘No, of course not. I’ll be making that very clear to him.’ John raised his eyebrows at her. ‘What? You don’t seem convinced.’

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t realise my scepticism was so obvious.’

  He grinned. ‘Not a poker player, I take it?’

  She shook her head. ‘I guess I just feel that talking doesn’t always solve the problem. In my workplace we constantly see women whose partners have problems with self-control. They’re not necessarily stupid men. In fact some are very intelligent and well-educated. Some can even articulate what their triggers are, and why what they’re doing is wrong. At least on the surface. But underneath? Underneath, they believe they’re entitled to be happy and comfortable one hundred per cent of the time. And when that doesn’t happen they get angry. They take that anger out on the people closest to them.’

  ‘So if not talking, then what?’

  ‘I wish I had the answer, really I do, but I think it’s a matter of trying some alternative strategies alongside whatever we’re currently doing. Getting back to Harry, I think as well as talking to him, we need to think about ways that he can learn to positively harness his aggression, strategies to deal with his anger, that sort of thing.’

  ‘Agreed. Do you have any specific thoughts on that?’

  ‘I do, actually, but it’s not something I think his mother will agree to. Maybe if you suggested it, though . . .? Sorry. I’m probably overstepping the mark here, aren’t I? I don’t really want to interfere and normally I would never have inserted myself into this situation, but I am responsible for Harry until his parents get home.’

  ‘You are. The school would never have involved you otherwise. So, run your idea by me and I’ll see. Obviously I can’t make any promises, and what I actually discuss with Harry’s parents will be confidential. Still, I can’t see the harm in hearing new ideas. If it doesn’t help Harry, then maybe it will be appropriate for another student.’

  ‘I know this may sound ridiculous, but one idea I have is that Harry take up a martial art of some form.’

  John laughed. ‘Never in a million years would I have predicted an answer like that from someone like you.’

  ‘What do you mean, someone like me?’ Her tone was more indignant than she meant, but what the hell did he mean by that? Did he think she was some idealistic do-gooder with no idea about the real world? ‘I’ll have you know I have a purple belt in Brazilian jujitsu.’

  He raised both hands in a surrender motion. ‘Wow, really? That’s amazing. I meant no offence. It’s just, with your job, I thought you’d be against combative sports like martial arts.’

  She shook her head. ‘Just because I’m anti-violence doesn’t mean I’m anti-sport. In fact, organised sport can play a big role in preventing violence provided the right culture is encouraged.’

  ‘I totally agree. I’ve had a lot of success at other schools using sport as a motivator for kids with social or academic issues. But why martial arts in particular?’

  ‘With the proper instruction, martial arts teach self-discipline and control. This is something I think Harry would benefit greatly from, and not just Harry.’

  ‘I’m not sure we have room in the program to accommodate another sport at the moment, but we could consider running it as an extracurricular activity after school if there’s enough interest.’

  ‘That might be a good start, although I very much doubt Libby will let Harry participate. She’s not that keen on contact sports.’

  John smiled. ‘I’ll do my best to convince her, but I’m not making any promises.’

  Kit looked at her almost finished coffee with regret. It seemed like they’d exhausted the conversation about Harry, and once her drink was done she’d have no excuse to sit here any longer.

  As if reading her mind, John asked, ‘So, while I have you here, do you mind if I pick your brain a little?’

  Kit inwardly rolled her eyes at how flattered she felt by the principal’s attention. She hoped the pleasure she felt at John’s interest in her – even if it was only professional – wasn’t overtly obvious. In her experience it never paid to let a man know you were too keen. ‘Sure.’

  John went on to question her in detail about her work and ask her opinion on programs that might be beneficial to his students. She talked about the anti-violence pilot program her centre was trialling in a number of schools and he seemed impressed, expressing an interest in the school participating in the next round of trials.

  ‘And tell me, Kit, would you be running this course yourself?’

  She shook her head. ‘No. We have specially trained educators who run the programs.’

  ‘That’s good.’

  She raised her eyebrows. ‘Don’t think I’m up to the job, then?’

  He laughed. ‘It’s not that, it’s just that, well, it wouldn’t really be appropriate for me to ask you if you’d like to have dinner sometime if we were going to be working together.’

  Her teenage stomach gave a flip. ‘Yes.’

  His brow creased. ‘Yes, it would be inappropriate, or yes, you’ll have dinner with me?’

  ‘Yes, I’ll have dinner with you, Mr Quinlan. It will be my pleasure.’

  *

  When Libby got out of the taxi that pulled up in the driveway the following morning, Kit was ready for her. Well, as ready as she could be. She’d taken the morning off work to deal with the situation and fortunately Harry had been allowed to return to school that day. She raced out to help Libby with her luggage as the taxi drove away. ‘How was the flight?’

  ‘Fine. Where’s Harry?’ Obviously Libby wasn’t keen to engage in small talk.

  ‘He’s gone to school.’

  ‘I thought he was suspended.’

  ‘Well, yes, he was, but only for two days. John, the principal, thought it was important that he not be out of class for too long. Have you not spoken to him? He said he was going to call.’

  ‘He left a voicemail yesterday. I called him back as soon as I got the message but it must have been after hours because I just got a recording. I thought I’d call him once I’d spoken to y
ou.’

  ‘Okay, come inside. I’ll make you a cup of tea and explain everything. I take it Cameron decided to stay on in Malaysia.’

  ‘Obviously,’ Libby said tersely. ‘Apparently his son’s welfare is less important than making a good impression at work.’

  Kit made no comment.

  Once the tea was made she took the pot and two cups to the dining table in the open-plan living area and set them down. They both took a seat and then she told Libby everything – well, almost everything. She glossed over some of the finer details of what had been said about Harry by the other boys because she didn’t want Libby to get sidetracked and start justifying Harry’s actions. Besides, focusing on the taunts would only upset her further and in the end it had no bearing on what was happening now. No doubt she would question Harry, and if he wanted to tell her those things that would be up to him.

  ‘What I don’t understand,’ Libby said when Kit finally finished, ‘is why Harry was suspended at all. For heaven’s sake, he was being picked on, surely that’s obvious to the principal?’

  ‘The school’s policy is not to tolerate violence in any form.’

  ‘Well of course, but does that mean Harry shouldn’t be allowed to defend himself?’

  ‘But, Libby, he wasn’t being physically attacked. Taunted, yes, and I’m not for a moment saying that’s okay, but look at it this way – if another child had hurt Harry badly enough to send him to the emergency room, wouldn’t you expect that child to be punished?’

  ‘Harry wouldn’t bully someone until they snapped. He’s not like that.’

  Kit tried to keep her voice even despite the annoyance she felt at Libby’s attitude. ‘But rules are rules, Lib, that’s the way it works. The school can’t give Harry a free pass on this just because he’s usually a good kid. And honestly? I’d be more worried about why he has such poor control over his emotions. If I were you that’s what I’d be focusing on.’