The Things That I Know || George Michael

four - we always lose something

Note: this chapter contains some homophobic views and attitudes.

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"I can't believe you're starting Year Three today. What a big boy you are." George's hand is interlocked with Kieran's, as the pair walk through the school gates. It is the kids' first day back at school following the Summer holidays — having had the day off, the day previous, due to their grandmother's death. Levi walks alongside them, holding hands with Gemma; as they approach Kieran's new classroom, George turns to Levi. "Don't forget to tell Gem's teacher about Mum. Just in case she gets emotional during class."

"Of course." Levi nods, ushering for his daughter to follow him towards her new Year Four classroom.

George heaves a soft sigh, as he comes face to face with Kieran's new teacher, Mrs Hall. "Good morning, Mrs Hall. I'm George Panayiotou-Jones, Kieran's father."

"Hello, Mr Panayiotou-Jones." Mrs Hall's pronunciation of the prolonged surname is rather impressive; she looks down at the young boy by his father's side. "Hello, Kieran. How are you, sweet?"

"I'm okay," Kieran answers briefly.

"You're okay, what?" George presses, encouraging his son to use his manners.

"I'm okay, thank you," Kieran reiterates politely.

"Good boy." George is satisfied with his response, so he glances back up at Mrs Hall. "I just needed to drop by to talk to you quickly about our home life as of recently." He averts his eyes to Kieran. "Mate? How about you go into your class, and I'll just talk to Mrs Hall. Is that okay?"

"Okay, Daddy." He leaps up, to hug George tightly in farewell. "See you after school." He smiles at his beloved father, before hurrying into the cloak room to put his school bag and jacket away.

Once he's settled inside the classroom, George brings his attention back to the teacher. "Look ... my mother died earlier this week. Kieran isn't quite aware of how death works yet. I've told him his grandma has gone to some party in Heaven." He seems a little shy about this made-up scenario he has painted a picture of to his son, but he knows it's the only chance he has for Kieran to accept his grandmother's passing. "He's ... taking it very well, so I don't want to upset him by saying anything different. But I knew I needed to warn you, just in case he does suddenly click on to what's actually happened."

"I'm so sorry for your loss," Mrs Hall apologises sincerely. "I can't imagine the pain you've been through the last few days. I'll make sure Kieran does okay while he's under my care. I promise you that."

George smiles weakly in appreciation of her kindness. "Thank you. It's been rough." He shrugs, as if trying to dismiss the turmoil he has faced as of lately. "But I suppose it's all part of life, isn't it? He'll figure it out once he's older. And then he'll be a little more mature; and he'll know how to grieve properly."

"Bless his little heart," Mrs Hall frowns. "Leave it with me. I'll make sure he's alright. Get yourself home, Mr Panayiotou-Jones."

"Thank you." He turns away from the classroom door, beginning to make his way towards the school entrance gates to exit the premises. As he moves his head around to check behind him, he spots Levi walking speedily to catch up with him; once his husband is finally by his side, the pair walk together out of the school grounds. "Gem's teacher knows. I would have been quicker, but she started getting a bit teary-eyed when I tried to leave her."

"Oh, bless her." George frowns at the idea of his daughter being emotional. "I'm hoping she'll settle into class once we've left."

"I'm sure she'll be okay. She's a tough little girl." Levi brings an arm around George's back, bringing him in closer as they head back to their car together.