If They Don't Kill Us... We Will

Chapter 7 - Kaitlin

“Come in Kaitlin.”

Biting my lip nervously, I slowly opened the door into the Headteacher’s office.

“Sit down.”

I sat down in the chair offered and looked up to where Mr Woodrow was staring at me, disappointment etched into his face.

Besides me, my parents sat in a state of confusion and worry.

“I-is it true?” my mum whispered, breaking the silence.

I debated whether to lie but decided I’d just get it over with. Besides, I was legal.

So I nodded, trying to ignore my mother as she let out a strangled cry.

“With Andy?” My father’s voice was stern but even I could see the worry.

I nodded again.

“Mr and Mrs Byrnes, I hope you are aware we are trying to sort this out-” Mr Woodrow began but my dad was having none of it.

“This is what happens when you don’t keep a better eye on your students!” he roared, standing up.

“Dear!” my mother exclaimed. “I’m sure it’s not the school’s fault-”

“Oh it is,” my dad said through gritted teeth. “You’re meant to teach them about this stuff! So things like this-” he jabbed a finger in my direction. “-don’t happen!”

“I’m sorry,” I said miserably, sinking down in my seat. In the corner of my eye I could see Sephy walking past with Rae. A rush of hatred filled me. How dare she tell everyone? What had I done to her??

“There’s no use being sorry!” my mum said. “It’s already happened now. We’re going to have to remove you from the school.”

“No!” I cried. If I moved schools I would never see my friends again, I would never see Andy…

“I’m sorry but you’ve brought this on yourself young lady.”

I blinked and tried to keep the tears away.

“Please do consider this more carefully,” Mr Woodrow said. “There’s no need to do

that-”

“We’ll sort this matter out on our own if you don’t mind,” Father said harshly.

Mr Woodrow sat back down in his chair, frowning.

“You can go to Koster Grove School, it’s only a twenty minute drive from our house,” my mum said anxiously, shooting my dad a look. “You’d like it there Kaitlin. And you can make new friends-”

“No I can’t!” I said desperately. “I love it here! I have the most amazing friends and-”

“And look where’s that’s gotten you!”

“Please mum! Don’t make me go.”

Mother gave me a look of deep sympathy but her mind was already made up.

“We’ll sign you up as soon as we get home,” my dad said. “You can be home-schooled until that time-”

“Mr Byrne,” the Headteacher said, trying again. “I will not stop you moving your daughter but surely it would be better for her education if she stayed here, instead of going to technically three different schools?”

My dad frowned as his mind processed it.

“I suppose so…” he said slowly, not noticing Mr Woodrow’s relieved expression.