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?