Moving on (Waterloo Road)

Chapter 4

The next morning, dressed in her trouser suit, boots and white top with her hair half pinned up in a feathered look, Rachel and Kim walked into the staff room where all of the teachers stopped their conversations and looked at her.

"Morning everyone; I know we don't usually have staff meeting on Fridays but a situation and arised that you all need to be aware of. Yesterday morning, Nikki James' mother was admitted to Royal Manchester Hospital with extremely serious injuries; her father was arrested. As many of you may know, a fight did break out between Nikki and Rebecca Jones so I need all of you to be on your guard; any problems with Nikki, behaviour wise or anything out of the ordinary for her, you let me know as soon as possible. This is a very unusual and an extremely delicate situation so let's tread carefully; as of last night, it wasn't clear whether Nikki will even be in today and please be aware of the fact, if she needs to take a break, dont fight her. She needs all of our support and discretion; thank you and have a good day."

As the teachers carried on talking, Kim and Rachel left the staff room abd went back into the office; they sat down opposite each other as Rachel fired up her laptop and looked at Kim.

"What's the plan for today then?" Kim asked.

"Just keep an eye on things; like I said, she might not even turn up and to be honest, I'm not really expecting her to."

"I'd better go and set up for first lesson; I'll catch up with you later."

"Okay, thanks."

As Kim left the office, Rachel stood up and looked out of the window where she saw Nikki arguing with her dad at the gate. Rachel ran down the stairs and outside to Nikki; she put her arm around Nikki as she looked at Richard.

"Mr James, I don't think this is such a good idea, do you?"

"She is my daughter; I've a right to talk to her."

"And by doing so, you're breaking your bail conditions; I suggest you leave."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"If you set as much as one foot in the school grounds, I will call the police."

"Fine, I'll catch you later honey" he said innocently to Nikki before walking off.

Rachel led Nikki into the school and up to her office where they sat on the sofa as she handed her a glass of water to help calm her down.

"Are you okay Nikki? Did he touch you?"

"No"

"You know you don't have to be here?"

"I do."

"Okay. Well all the teachers know the situation; if it gets too much, just take a break in the canteen or come and find me, okay?"

"What about my dad?"

"I'll sort it, don't worry; did you speak to your nan last night?"

"I'm meeting her at the hospital at lunch, if I'm allowed to go?"

"Absolutely, I can take you; I'm going to have to let DI Ross know your dad has been here. You okay with that?"

Nikki nodded.

"Okay, why don't you sit in here until you're ready and I'll let Miss Redpath know you're here and get you something to do?"

"Okay."

As Nikki sat quietly with her water, Rachel went to the English class where she knocked on the door and opened it.

"Can I have a word please Miss Redpath?"