Mrs.Sinclair nods slowly. “But Mr.Ward says he told you to go to the little meeting room, and not his office... It goes without saying that I don’t want to accuse anybody without good reason,but I almost get the impression that he wanted you to see the exam papers.”
“Me too.”
“But why would he do such a thing, Emma?”
“I think I might be able to help answer that question.” Now Mum speaks up. “And I’m afraid that this whole thing has less to do with my daughter than with my past history with Alaric Ward. He, Emma’s father, and I were all at Dunbridge together. Until an accident, years ago, in which Alaric was injured and after which my ex-husband left the school.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that was you,” Mrs.Sinclair says, to my surprise. “I remember. It was so horrible. I heard about it at the time, even though I was at university by then.”
Mum nods. “It was terrible. And it destroyed our friendship. After school, we went our separate ways. While I was at university, I got together with Emma’s father and never expected to see Alaric Ward again. I didn’t know he’d gone into teaching or that he was working here at Dunbridge. And even if I had known, I’d never have dreamed he’d make my daughter pay for the mistakes we made as teenagers.”
“I wish you’d told me all this straightaway,” says Mrs.Sinclair.
“I really should have,” says Mum. “Especially once I realized that Alaric was clearly still dealing with the fallout from the accident. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that he’s addicted to painkillers.”
Mrs.Sinclair stares at her in amazement. “You’re aware that a suggestion of that kind could have serious consequences, Ms.Beck?”
“Yes, and I wouldn’t have mentioned it if I weren’t concerned for the welfare of the pupils here at Dunbridge Academy,” says Mum. “Let alone for Alaric himself.”
“I will look into all of this. If you are correct, of course we will take all necessary action.” Mrs.Sinclair looks at me. “So Emma, I understand how complicated this entire business is, but with the best will in the world, it doesn’t change the fact that you clearly did photograph the exam papers.”
“I know,” I stammer. “And I’m really sorry. I never planned to do any such thing—you have to believe me. I would have left Mr.Ward’s office straightaway, but I couldn’t help it, because I was thinking about Henry. And I made a mistake, but I was so desperate. I didn’t know how to help Henry, and I felt like he needed to pass these mocks. But it was wrong. We didn’t look at the questions, not even once. I wasn’t thinking, I was scared, but I’ll take the consequences for my actions. But Henry—he honestly didn’t have anything to do with it. You know he wants to be a teacher. He normally works so hard, and he deserves to do well in his exams. He was trying to protect me. But I can’t let him take the blame for my mistake.”
Mrs.Sinclair gives me a long look. “As you know, honesty is one of this school’s core values. But so are loyalty and willingness to help. And I understand that you weren’t seeking your own advantage but were trying to help Henry. I have no way of proving whether or not you looked at the papers, but that doesn’t change anything either way. I’m only wondering why you didn’t come to me sooner with your worries about Henry, Emma.”
I shut my eyes but the tears still roll down my cheeks. “I don’t know.”
“He didn’t even have to take these exams—we offered him the chance to skip them. He has plenty of time and support available, so there was no need at all for it to come to this.”
“I know that now. It was all a huge mistake. And I’m really, really sorry. I was honestly just trying to help, but I know I did it all the wrong way.” My voice is hoarse with tears. Mrs.Sinclair doesn’t reply, which makes everything feel even worse, if that’s possible. She just looks at me.
“Emma, I’m proud of the way you have developed at our school,” she says in the end. “And I’m a big advocate of second chances for anyone who means it seriously. Which you do, I can tell.” My heart skips a beat. “I’m duty bound to suspend you for five days, but I don’t consider it necessary to go to the Council about your return to school. And you will take on an extra duty until the end of next half-term. On top of which, because I have no way of knowing whether or not you and Henry did actually have an unfair advantage, you and your class will have to repeat the maths test to ensure that conditions are fair for everyone.”
I nod. Before I can open my mouth, Mrs.Sinclair continues, “And you may tell Henry to be back here for classes tomorrow.”
36
Henry
It’s my second day of suspension, and I’m running out of things to do. Yesterday evening I ate with Theo and Harriett, but I haven’t seen either of them yet today, because I haven’t got out of bed. Why would I? To do prep, or revise? What for? I haven’t the faintest idea when or if I’ll be allowed to set foot back at school again.
I groan quietly and roll onto my side. Emma isn’t answering my texts, and I’m starting to get worried. I’m about to start searching for my phone, which went down between the cushions during myOuter BanksNetflix binge, when I hear a muffled buzz.
Great. That could be her, and I can’t find the bloody telephone. I dig through the bedding until I find it and pause as I see an unknown number. Then I take the call.
“Hello?” I say, stifling a cough.
“Henry, this is Mr.Harper from the school office.” I’m unable to speak, but fortunately, he carries on. “I’m calling on behalf of Mrs.Sinclair to let you know that from tomorrow, you are welcome to take part in classes again.”
“What?” I sit up. “Tomorrow?”
“Exactly.”
“But what about—”
“Mrs.Sinclair will speak to you as soon as you get back, but you’re no longer suspended. Everything else can be explained once you get here.”
Emma...
