Ok everyone here is the next chapter i hope you enjoy :)
Chapter 8
I was so nervous on Thursday morning that Tessa had to do her own thing until I was capable of moving.
“Have you packed everything for tonight?” I asked her
“Yes have you?” she asked. I raised both my eyebrows at her remark but she just grinned and laughed before grabbing her school bag.
“Get in the car troublesome child” I said ushering her out of the house. We were heading straight to Declande’s after school so I wasn’t rushing around and neither was Tessa. When we arrived I got out of the car
“Mum what are you doing?” Tessa said slowly
“I am visiting an old friend” I said shrugging. She scowled
“Ok but don't walk with me” she begged. I looked at her shocked
“I didn't realise how much I embarrassed you” I said. she got a guilty look and then hugged me
“You don’t but some of my guy friends have seen you and they think you are hot. I don't like hearing the discussion” she shuddered. I laughed
“Alright sweetheart well I need to go to the office so I will see you this afternoon. Have a good day” I said smiling and walking towards the office. When I walked in I was welcomed with the familiar surroundings. I was even amazed to see Grace Henry still working here.
“Hi Grace” I said smiling
“Oh hello Sophia! I haven’t seen you for a long time” she grinned “But I have seen your daughter” she said with a bit of an edge
“Tessa”
“I actually thought she might belong to Taylor and his wife or Declande and his but the moment I saw her I knew she was yours I just didn't know the father” Grace said grinning. I smiled
“It’s good to see you” I said
“What can I do for you? are you here to see Greg about Tessa’s bullying?”
‘Tessa’s what?” I asked frowning. Grace got a huge guilty look
“I’m so sorry I thought you knew about it. She said that she told you”
“No she told me she got into a fight not that she was being bullied” I said frowning and feeling like the worst mother in the world.
“I’m so sorry but Greg will be back in half an hour if you want to talk to him?” Grace offered
“Sure thanks Grace. I originally came here to talk to Clive Gregson” I said
“Oh yes sure he is in room 32” she said smiling
“Thanks. I will see you in half an hour” I called as I walked out. I made my way down to my old English class. I knocked and walked in. Clive was writing on the board and he stopped to see who had come into his empty class. When he saw me he grinned
“Soph!” he said happily coming over and hugging me. Clive had gotten slightly taller and he looked good in a suit
“Hey Clive long time no see” I said shrugging
“I know. The moment Tessa walked into my class I almost called her Sophia” he said grinning
“Yeah she told me she saw you. You freaked her out dude” I said playfully punching his arm.
“Sorry you know me I can’t keep my mouth shut” he joked sitting on his desk
“I got to ask you something”
“Shoot”
“Is Tessa being bullied?” I asked. he frowned and looked uneasy
“Yeah. She sat in the wrong seat and it escalated from there. But seriously I thought you had a temper but that girl can sure fight back” Clive said shaking his head
“I can’t believe she didn't tell me” I said running a hand through my hair
“She has yours and Taylor’s temper combined. She can fight her own battles but it has gotten worse. This girl who bullies her had all girls for friends”
“How does that effect anything?” I demanded
“Well Tessa takes after you. She doesn’t get along with girls so she hangs with a group of guys. Guys can’t fight girls” He said straightening his tie
“Great” I scowled
“She has that same look sometimes. Seriously it is crazy how much she looks like you and acts like you” he said shaking his head again.
“trust me she sometimes has Taylor’s attitude” I said.
“How are her grades?” I asked
“Pretty good. Caught up easy enough. She just gets distracted” he said
“thanks Clive. It was good to see you. We should catch up again like all of us but for now I need to go see principal Greg” I said straightening my skirt
“Does it feel different going to see him without actually being in trouble?” he laughed. I rolled my eyes and we hugged before I went back to the office just in time to see Principal Greg walk in. When he saw me he smiled
“I just knew I would see you soon” he said opening the door for me. I walked in and we sat down
“I have just been informed that Tessa didn't tell you she was getting bullied” he said clasping his hands together
“No she didn't. She told me she got into a fight but nothing about being bullied” I said frowning.
“It isn't a serious case and Tessa can certainly take care of herself but it has worried me the extent that these girls go to to make Tessa feel bad about herself” he said looking concerned
“Like what?” I asked
“Like vocally abusing her parents” I felt my jaw tense
“It is a very touchy subject I gather” He added. I nodded and then sighed
“Taylor and I aren’t together but we tried to work out something that could be beneficial to Tessa” I said choosing my words carefully
“I understand. But Tessa get’s more fired up when they abuse you. Not so much Taylor” he said slowly. I closed my eyes and sighed
“I had no idea. She came home the other day with a red mark on her face” I said
“Yes I believe that she and the other girl had a fight after a few words were exchanged” The other girl started it therefore she got suspended for the duration of this week but Tessa received a half school suspension”
“So that was why she was home early” I said shaking my head
“Thank you so much for telling me”
“Anytime. But Sophia?” I looked at him
“Maybe you should talk to her. she is clearly having issues about her family” I nodded and left feeling worse about my mothering than ever.
