by M J Hardy
As we clink glasses, we say in unison. “Cheers.”
Looking back on that weekend, I should have taken a photograph to treasure. I never knew it but if I could take a snapshot of the time I was happiest, it was then. Nothing prepared me for the turn my life took. If I could have seen what was coming, I would have booked my own holiday and never returned. But life doesn’t give you a warning when it lands a low blow and I was about to be knocked senseless by what happened next.
3
“Will you hurry up?”
Already my nerves are frayed and we still haven’t started the actual school run. What with rising at 6 am, making Tom his packed lunch, not to mention his breakfast and then seeing him out of the door with the usual kiss.
Then it involved waking a grumpy, sleepy 6-year-old and nagging him to eat his cereal, clean his teeth, brush his hair and get dressed in the uniform I pressed and laid out the night before. Then moving on to loading the washing machine and making his packed lunch. After that, I need to consult my daily chores list which reminds me to post the letters, leave the money out for the window cleaner and unload the dishwasher before loading it with the dirty breakfast things.
All of this while peering up at the sky and deciding whether it’s worth the risk to peg out the washing to give the dryer a much-needed day off. I also need to dress smartly and prepare my own packed lunch while speed reading the notes I should have memorised by heart for the important meeting I have set up for today.
“Mum, I can’t find my socks.”
“Look under your bed, they may have fallen when you brushed past it.”
I notice that my phone is low on charge and curse when I see the charger lead is unplugged and Tom’s iPad is plugged in instead. Great, now I won’t be able to charge it until I reach the office because my car is so old, USB points hadn’t been invented when it was made.
It must be close to 8.35 before I manage to bundle my son into his school shoes and coat and drape his oversized backpack across his back, while grabbing my bag and the car keys from the table in the hall.
As I charge down the path, I meet Tina and Jamie heading up it and say apologetically, “Sorry, it’s been one of those days.”
She laughs. “Every day is one of those days. Are you sure it’s ok to drop Jamie to school?”
As the boys climb into the back of the car, I smile. “Of course. I hope it all goes well today. Call me when you have any news.”
Tina’s eyes fill and she looks worried. “What if it doesn’t work out?”
Taking her hand, I squeeze it gently and say calmly, “It will. Think positive thoughts and it will happen.”
She smiles shakily and then yells inside the car, “Jamie, be good for Karen and behave yourself at school. I’ll pick you both up later, so wait for me in the playground.”
As I head around to the driver’s side, I look back and smile. “Go - everything will be fine.”
As she heads down the path, my heart goes out to her. Tina and Harry have been trying to have another baby ever since Jamie was one years’ old. For some reason, it hasn’t happened and Tina is booked in for more tests to see if there’s something medical stopping it. This is their last chance before trying to adopt which won’t be easy because they never married and Harry works away a lot. I feel sad for them because they would make such amazing parents – as they already are and I wish with all my fingers and toes crossed that they are successful.
The boys chatter amongst themselves as we start the journey to school. It’s not far, in fact, we could walk, but I drive to my job in the city as soon as I drop them off. Tina collects them both after school while I work in a nearby department store in the HR department. The arrangement suits us and enables me to work almost full time, while Jack is happy and cared for. Tina makes sure they do their homework and eat their tea. Occasionally they have after-school clubs where I collect them to give her a break.
The queue to park near the school is a long one and I fear we will be later than ever today. It takes me a little longer than normal to find a space which will involve a sprint finish if I’m to get there on time.
We race from the car against the stream of mothers and fathers who are heading away from the school after having got their timing right and actually managed to get their children to school on time.
As we hurtle towards the classroom door, I look in surprise at the new face smiling her welcome.
Jack and Jamie look at the slim, petite, woman who can’t be much older than I am and turn to me in confusion. The woman smiles warmly and consults the list on her clipboard. “Now, let me guess, one of you is Jack Mahoney and the other must be Jamie Sears.”
The boys nod and she laughs. “I’ll take that as a yes. Well, I’m very pleased to meet you, Jack Mahoney.”
She turns to Jack and shakes his hand formally and then winks at Jamie as she smiles and says, “Jamie Sears, I’m very pleased to meet you too.”
The boys look embarrassed and head off as quickly as possible and I say in surprise, “How did you know who was who?”
She winks. “I saw Jack’s name on his schoolbag. It pays to be quite observant in this job.”
Grinning, I shake her outstretched hand. “I’m Karen Mahoney, Jack’s mum.”
She looks at me with interest and then says slowly. “I’m Isabel Rawlins. I’m their new teacher courtesy of Mrs Batchelor who retired at the end of the last term.”
“Oh, yes, of course. To be honest, I completely forgot about that.”
She looks at me with interest. “I’m looking forward to working here. I don’t know many people as I’ve just moved into the area. Can you tell me where a stranger would be best to hang out in order to make new friends?”
She smiles and looks so friendly I find myself warming to her. “Well, you could go to the local pub, The Cockerel and the Spider.”
She laughs and I roll my eyes. “Yes, a little strange but quite a nice place to hang out. Most of the women here congregate in the nearby gym where there are all sorts of classes to keep you occupied. The social side is good too, maybe you should join with your um ... husband?”
She appears to take a deep breath and I see a tinge of sadness darken her otherwise light green eyes. She shakes her head and says a little wistfully, “I don’t have one. It’s just me, myself and I, so as you can see, I need to make friends a priority otherwise things could get lonely around here.”
I feel a pang as I see the sadness within her. Isabel Rawlins is an attractive woman. It’s doubtful she’s not without her fair share of suitors and I wonder what has happened to cause such sadness in her eyes.
She appears to shake herself and smiles sweetly, “I should head inside. These children won’t teach themselves. It was lovely to meet you Mrs Mahoney.”
“Please, call me Karen. You know, if ever you need anything please let me know. I would be happy to help.”
She nods. “Thank you, I may take you up on that offer.”
As she heads inside, I feel sorry for her. It must feel strange being in a new town all alone.
However, I don’t have time to think about the new teacher or I’ll be late for work. So, almost as quickly as I arrived at the school, I leave it and brave the morning traffic heading into town.
4
Life hurtles along at supersonic speed as usual and things carry on as normal. The only unusual thing to happen is a note from the school that I find at the bottom of Jack’s bag. It simply asks for me to arrange a meeting with Miss Rawlins along with my husband.
I look across to Jack who is learning his spellings with Tom and say, “Honey, why do you think Miss Rawlins wants to see us, did something happen at school?”
Tom looks up sharply and Jack shrugs. “I don’t think so. She gave everyone one.”
Feeling slightly better, I look at Tom. “When shall I arrange it for?”
He sighs. “I’m not sure when I can make it. Work is so busy, and it’s the year-end audit. Maybe you should go
alone.”
Feeling a prickle of irritation, I stare at him for longer than necessary and he sighs. “I’m sorry, Karen but work has to take priority at the moment.”
I answer sharply, “What even above your own son?”
Tom throws me a warning look and I turn away. He’s right, I shouldn’t have said that in front of Jack. It’s not fair. I feel him behind me and he says softly, “Listen, it’s obviously just something going out to all parents. Go and see what it’s about and if necessary, I’ll arrange to see her. It may be nothing and I really need to put the hours in, after all, that holiday in Greece won’t pay for itself.”
I nod and sigh heavily. “You’re probably right, it does appear to be a general request. If it’s anything you need to know I’ll give you a call.”
“Mum, can I play on the Xbox?”
“Have you done your homework?”
“Yes, mum.”
“Go on then but only until dinner’s ready. You’ve got thirty minutes.”
Jack races off and Tom wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close. “I’m sorry, honey. I hate letting you down.”
Reaching up, I stroke his face lovingly. “You could never let me down, darling.”
As we share a kiss, at that moment, I believe every word I said.
When I drop the boys off the next day, I see Isabel in the distance and head over.
She smiles as she sees me coming. “Karen. How lovely to see you.”
“You too, Isabel. I hope you’re settling in ok.”
She smiles happily. “I love it here. The staff are so friendly and the children mostly well-behaved.”
She grins. “I would worry if they were always well behaved, because that’s just not natural.”
The bell rings and she makes to leave so I say quickly, “Oh, I just wanted to arrange the meeting with you that you requested.”
She smiles. “Great. I have some slots available this evening if they suit. Hm, let me see.”
She consults her usual clipboard and jabs her finger on a vacant line. “How does 7.30 suit you?”
“That’s fine, thank you.”
She pencils me in and then says lightly, “May I ask your husband’s name so I don’t call him Mr Mahoney all evening?”
I feel my face flush and say awkwardly, “I’m sorry but Tom can’t make it. Things are hectic at work and he asked if I would come on my own. I hope that’s ok.”
I’m slightly taken aback when her eyes flash and a hint of steel creeps into her voice as she says tightly, “I would appreciate his attendance but if he’s too busy, I quite understand.”
Something about the change in her unnerves me. The normally mild-mannered, butter wouldn’t melt, teacher is a force to be reckoned with and for some reason, it annoys me. So, I adopt the same tone and say firmly, “No, I’m sorry but you’ll have to make do with me this time. I’ll pass on any comments and if necessary, he can make an appointment to see you himself.”
She shrugs and turns away saying, “No problem. I’ll see you later.”
As I head back to the car, I feel unsettled. That was odd. She seemed so angry over something so mundane. Maybe something has happened regarding Jack and she needs us both there.
Grabbing my phone, I call Tina who answers on the third ring. “Hey, Karen, is everything ok?”
I don’t miss the anxiety in her voice and quickly reassure her. “Everything’s fine. The boys are in class but I just wondered if you could mind Jack for me later. I have a meeting with Miss Rawlins at 7.30 and Tom’s going to be late.”
She says quickly, “Of course. It’s no problem, maybe you can return the favour tomorrow. Harry and I are booked in at 6.30.”
“Of course. Do you know what it’s all about? I mean, parent’s evening is usually towards the end of term. This is unusual, don’t you think?”
“Not really. I’m guessing she just wants to get to know the student’s parents. I’m sure it’s nothing.”
I relax a little. “Yes, of course, you’re probably right. Anyway, I should get off to work, thanks, Tina.”
I make to end the call and she says quickly, “Listen, I’ll just keep Jack here after school. It isn’t worth me bringing him home for an hour or so. Take the time to grab some ‘me time’ before the dreaded meeting.”
“Thanks, Tina, you’re an Angel.”
She laughs softly. “Takes one to know one. Anyway, you can tell me what it’s all about when I see you. You know, give me time to prepare myself for the dreaded meeting tomorrow.”
“Of course. I’ll make sure to keep you fully briefed.”
Feeling a lot better, I push my unease aside and head off to work. After all, how bad could it possibly be?
5
I’m quite surprised to find the school in darkness when I arrive just before 7.30. I’m not sure why but I thought there would be other parents waiting to see Isabel but apparently not. Maybe they’ve all left already and I’m the last one to show. The poor woman must have waited for me and is desperate to get home.
Picking up my pace, I walk the empty corridors towards Jack’s classroom and shiver as the air conditioning blasts out above my head. The whole place feels eerie and lifeless, unlike it does for most of the day when the sheer energy of the pupils could probably power the whole school for a month if it could be harnessed.
The door to the classroom is open and I’m relieved to see the light is on. Poking my head around the door, I see Isabel hunched in her seat marking the students’ work and I cough nervously.
She looks up and I smile apologetically. “I’m sorry, have I kept you waiting?”
She smiles sweetly and beckons me inside. “No, not at all. Please come in and take a seat.”
She laughs as I approach. “This almost feels like my second home. I spend more time here than I do in the flat I rented nearby.”
I look at her with curiosity. “It must be lonely living on your own.”
She looks a little startled and I shake my head apologetically. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
Smiling sadly, she scrapes back her chair and looks at me as if wondering whether to say something and then she sighs. “To be honest, it is quite lonely. Having moved away from all my family and friends, I never really understood how that would make me feel.”
“What made you move away?”
Her eyes look sad and she says bitterly, “I never really had a choice. I needed to move to make a fresh start. You know, too many memories to deal with. This job came up and here I am.”
She appears to shake herself and then glances down at the notebook on her desk and smiles.
“Anyway, you didn’t come here to listen to my problems. You’re probably wondering why I summoned you.”
She smiles warmly. “Nothing to worry about. I just wanted to meet the parents as they say and thought this would be a good opportunity. I’ve met the students obviously and I’m curious about their home life. I always find it can reflect in their behaviour at school and so thought I’d do some digging to see if there was anything I needed to know. It’s why I asked for the fathers to come too. I can tell a lot when I see the parents together. You know, pick up on things that may make sense of their child’s behaviour at school.”
I feel a little nervous as I wonder what she’s picked up from Jack’s behaviour and almost as if she senses my discomfort she laughs. “However, Jack appears a happy, well-rounded child and I can tell he has a happy home life. I would just like to get to know you a little. Find out if there is anything you think I should know, that sort of thing.”
I relax a little and smile warmly. “I’m not sure if I have anything to enlighten you. Jack’s an only child and so can be a little spoilt as a result. My husband works as an accountant for a large insurance company in town and I work in the HR department of Driscoll's department store. We like to make sure that one of us is home with Jack and if not, Tina minds him, you know, Harry’s mother. They only live two doors away and we s
hare the pickup and drop off from schools and clubs. It works well and suits everyone.”
Isabel smiles. “Yes, it’s good to have a secure network in place.”
She looks at her watch and smiles sweetly. “You know, I don’t know about you but I could use a drink right about now. If you have the time, would you like to grab one with me at the local pub?”
She must see the surprise on my face because she blushes and says awkwardly, “That is, if you want to, of course.”
There’s a yearning in her eyes that can’t be ignored, so I nod. “Of course, that sounds like a good idea.”
I wait while she turns off the lights and locks the classroom door and I follow her out to the staff carpark. She leads me over to a large 4x4 and as she flicks the locks to open the door she says airily, “Why don’t I drive and then I can drop you back here afterwards to pick up your car. It’s only around the corner, in fact, we could probably walk but as there’s rain in the air I thought it better to drive.”
“Great, thank you,” I say gratefully as I climb in beside her and push away any doubts. The poor woman is obviously lonely, so the least I can do is spare her an hour or so of my company, after all, she is going home to an empty flat.
By the time we grab our drinks and find a table, I find myself warming to Isabel. She is quick witted and funny and any reservations I had, appear to have evaporated as she has me in stitches with yet another tale from the classroom.
As we sip our drinks by the fire she says innocently, “So, tell me about your husband… Tom, isn’t it?”
I smile. “Yes, Tom and I have been married for ten years now. To be honest, I’m not sure where that time went.”
She smiles. “You must be doing something right to still be married. What do they say, after seven years they get the itch and most marriages break up?”
Laughing, I take another sip of my drink. “Yes, don’t get me wrong, we’ve had our moments. There was a time I thought we would also be one of those statistics but things turned around for us and now we’ve never been happier.”
