Child (Ish) Dreams

Chapter Six

Sapphire left the classroom and went down the stairs, into the office behind the receptionist's desk. The receptionist was there and they both smiled at each other before Sapphire went to photocopy twenty prints of the homework for the year one class. The middle-aged receptionist followed her into the office.

"Hello, Kate," Sapphire said, turning to face her.

"Hello Sapphire, Mr Glory would like to see you in his office after school time." Sapphire blinked anxiously.

"Really? Is it bad?"

"No! No... Well, I couldn't tell, he seemed a bit... Preoccupied. I'm sure it'll be fine." Sapphire looked at the clock. She still had an hour to go before home time. She was sure she hadn't done anything wrong. She had kept on top of everything the year one teacher asked her to do. Mind, the year one teacher, Miss Mary Smithie had seemed a bit... Off lately. Had she done something wrong? Sapphire scooped up the paperwork and left the office to go back to the classroom, smiling absent-mindedly at Kate.

Sapphire remained absent-minded, wishing she could contact Sam to beg for some help and advice. She helped Mary hand out the homework, complete the science work and help the children into their coats, sort out their backpacks and take off slippers, putting on shoes. Finally, it was just Mary and Sapphire.

"I should go..." Sapphire said, gesturing to the door.

"I'll be here," Mary said, sitting at her desk and smiling sadly at Sapphire. Sapphire left the classroom, went downstairs and to the ebony wood door that had a gold plate attached declaring it was the headmaster's office. Sapphire knocked and waited for an answer before walking in.

The headmaster's office was a decent size. Ebony wood desks, chairs and shelves to match the door with a picture of Ian Glory in all his glory at graduation. Countless certificates and newspaper articles were framed all over the walls. Ian himself was sat at his desk. He was a man that was in his late forties, early fifties. He had white hair already though, making him look older. His face was lined but not enough to show an elderly age. His thick glasses shielded his eye colour from standing out as much. Sapphire wished she could have put on a bit of a smarter suit, feeling underdressed in her black smart trousers and pink flowery blouse. Ian himself was in his usual black suit with white shirt and blue tie. He smiled at Sapphire.

"Take a seat, Miss Greene." Sapphire obeyed, taking the seat in front of him. Ian linked his fingers together.

"Is everything okay?" Sapphire asked.

"Everything is good. As a matter of fact, this is a purely business matter. Miss Mary Smithie has put in her resignation yesterday."

"I'm sorry?" Sapphire's heart sank. Mary had been a fantastic teacher and the children loved her. Ian seemed to know what Sapphire was thinking as he nodded.

"Miss Smithie has been with us for ten years. She is still in her prime, she is only thirty-two. The children love her and the staff have appreciated her efforts here, as have I. However, she has got engaged recently and is wishing to move in with her finance where he lives in Manchester. She has got a job offer there and that leaves a vacancy."

"I see." Sapphire nodded, knowing what was coming next. She was going to be with a substitute until a new teacher was hired.

"I have started to get a vacancy notice prepared. However, the children are young and they may struggle to adapt to someone new. As I'm sure you found out when you first arrived." Sapphire nodded. The five to six years old had been a bit wary of her but quickly got attached. She honestly didn't believe this was the reason that Ian was going on but she let it slide.