Miss Hartwell's School Daze

Chapter 4 - Lonely hearts club

Things had been going well for Ceira and she had fallen in love with 4D.  They were supposed to be the worst class in the whole school, but Ceira just couldn't share that opinion.  She had gotten to know them individually now, and yes, there were a few characters, but on the whole most of the children just wanted attention.  Mrs Dixon tried her hardest but with a class like 4D, she decided the stick rather than the carrot was best.

During half term break, Ceira had caught up with her old friends whom she hadn't seen for a long while.  She told them about things at Drayton Road school and was subsequently questioned about her new flat mates and colleagues.  She was really pleased at how happy she was and this was noticed by her old friends, who both commented.  

"You look like school life really suits you" Jackie cocked her head as she observed her old school friend.

"I think it's more than that -" Deborah smirked and looked at Jackie. "I reckon she's got a fella !"

Ceira nearly fell off her bar stool. 

"No I have not !" she said indignantly.  

"Methinks the lady -"

"Don't you dare say that !" Ceira swatted at Deborah playfully before she could finish the quote then blushed, embarrassed. 

"What's wrong with having a love life? I sure as hell could do with one !" Jackie shrugged and sipped at her wine spritzer.

The conversation changed to Jackie's old boyfriends and before long they were hugging each other goodbye.  Ceira had promised not to leave it so long before their next rendezvous and smiled as she headed off to the tube station.  She had really enjoyed the evening but was now looking forward to her bed. On her way home she passed her local pub. People were just starting to leave even though it was well on the way to 1am by now.  She was almost to her door when she heard her name being called.  

"Miss Hartwell? Miss Hartwell !"

She spun round to see a middle aged woman jogging up the road from the direction of the pub.  She was dressed in a sparkly top and jeans, her hair tied back in a tight pony tail, (what was widely known as The Croydon facelift). Ceira vaguely recognised her as the mother of one of her pupils. 

"Ooh, I am so glad I caught you. " The woman gasped and panted, obviously not accustomed to exercise. "It's just my girl, Caroline, she's in your class, see." The woman was now controlling her breathing and stood with her hands on her hips waiting for Ceira to respond. But Ceira didn't see at all. Why on earth would this woman want to talk to her at this time of the night - or morning to be more precise. It wasn't even school term time !

"Forgive me, Mrs. ?" 

"Thomas, "  the woman replied.

"It's just that I don't understand what's so urgent?  Isn't this a matter for the class teacher ? You could make an appointment for after school - when we go back ."  Ceira felt a little annoyed at being confronted in this way.

"Well, that's just it. My Caroline is not doing very well at school. She's very shy. She's very unhappy and it's making her miserable. She doesn't want to go back to school. Her sister's in the year above and told us all about you.  She said you were the best person to talk to at Drayton Road. We have spoken to her teacher, but she feels it's just a phase and nothing to worry about. The thing is we are having a party on Saturday - it's my husband Jim's birthday.  We would love you to come, you could see for yourself then and maybe you could have a word with her? We just don't know what else to do. I'm really at my wits end !"

Ceira mellowed as she watched Mrs. Thomas' face crumble into a hot mess of tears .She consoled her and told her she would be happy to come on Saturday and asked for the address.  She watched Mrs Thomas straighten herself up and smile.  She thanked Ceira and walked away with her head held a little higher.