Tender (A britpop era fiction)

The Headmaster Ritual

Guess what, I'm still procrastinating. And therefore, a new update! 

This chapter turned out VERY different from what I originally planned. It's a further glimpse into the Gallaghers past and I'm very excited what you'll think. 

Next chapter will either be the 15k chapter with Liam or the concert and afterparty in Sweden. I haven't decided yet. 

And before I forget it, I know very little about the Gallaghers time in school. Only that they hated it, left as early as they could and that Noel threw a pack of flour at a teacher once (one of my favourite stories). But I know from my dad british schools in the 70s must've been grim, so here is a warning: This chapter will contain the mention of verbal and physical abuse.

With a heavy sigh I lock the door behind me and throw the keys on the cabinet. Thank fuckin' God I'm home. The conference with my youngsters teacher was just beyond awful. I remember her rambling on about the fact that we pulled them out of school for a few weeks, while I put my shoes and coat out and walk to the kitchen. I put on the kettle and think about her words, how harmful missing their education would be for them, how difficult interrupting their routine could turn out and how important it was for them to return to the class as soon as possible. None of my objections were valid in her eyes and because I didn't want to highlight the exceptional situation our family is in the moment to a stranger, I listened to her humbly.

Regarding their progress in school, Finan found her full praise. But then she started to slag off Alika. 

"Your son is a calm and friendly boy, Mrs. Gallagher, polite to his teachers, very considerate towards his class mates and attentive in the lessons. He puts effort in everything he does and keeps concentrated and patient in case he can't solve a task at first. In case a class mate struggles he likes to help and he learns quickly. One can see it brings him joy. I was told in the music and art lessons he flourishes. The only issue is to get him to put an instrument aside once he started playing. No wonder, regarding his parents professions..." She chuckles. "Altogether, Finan is what we like to call a high flyer."

I smile proudly hearing her words. 

"Alika, on the other hand..." 

Immediately I get careful.

"I can't stress enough that next to his...extroverted sister, Finan sometimes struggles to hold his own." She obviously doesn't expect me to interrupt her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask.

"They have very different personalities."

"As they should. They are two different people."

"One can't help but have the feeling she's a little...bossy around him."

"Alika's not bossy. She's quite headstrong, yes." I know that sounds like a weak excuse, but I can't help it. I lean forward. 

"Their teachers have expressed concern that she commands him around. They are always together and Alika is more of a talker than Finan. They are afraid she talks over his head."

"Have they seen that happening?" I ask.

"No, but-"

"I never, not ever saw my daughter not caring about her brothers opinion, or not letting him talk his mind. She disagrees with him, of course, but she doesn't control him or summat. That's not how we raise our kids."