Beth clapped her hands in delight. ‘I was hoping you’d say that. I’ll be able to see her from my office window on her way to maths.’
‘Well, I have all this money. Lara should benefit as much as possible. It’s a great school and now I can afford the fees.’ A year ago, she’d never have been able to say that; the very notion of it would have been laughable.
‘You need to promise me something,’ said Beth.
‘What?’
‘You call me if you need anything. And I mean anything. I’m only thirty miles away now.’
Nancy looked up at her friend. She knew what she meant. When Nancy had been living in London, the calls had been few and far between. Life had caught her up in its whirlwind: the nursing shifts, Lara’s illness, and more recently, Sam.
‘I can’t hear you,’ said Beth, cupping her ear.
Nancy smiled. ‘Course. I promise.’
4 September
RIPTON PRIMARY, YEAR 6
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Don’t mean to stir but does anyone think the Head of School vote was a bit unexpected? I mean, she seems lovely, but they’ve only just moved here! I had to volunteer two years at the school before I was voted PTA Chair. 15:21
Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum
It’s a novelty vote. Not to mention the brazen use of bribery. Someone should have intervened. The teacher or someone. 15:22
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
It was the teacher who agreed to the sweets. I’m still gutted we didn’t get Miss Brookes. Tilly’s already bored in Miss Young’s class. I don’t think the teacher’s bothered with her. It’s always the same with the bright ones. Miss Young knows Tilly’s going to get a high SAT mark so spends her time with the less able. It’s not fair, Tilly needs stretching too.
Re vote. Imogen, you should have said something to James. What’s the point of being besties with the head if you can’t exercise some influence? How is Rosie, btw? 15:22
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
Devastated. Inconsolable. I just feel it’s so unfair. She didn’t deserve this. 15:23
Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum
Bella’s SO sorry she was off sick. She would have voted for Rosie defo. 15:24
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
That new kid, Lara, shouldn’t have been allowed to run. 15:25
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
She’s as much a part of the class as anyone. It doesn’t seem right to criticize Lara for this. 15:27
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
It’s all right for you to say, Jakob wasn’t even interested! 15:27
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Did you see what the mother drove up in? A brand-new Tesla. Probably worth more than my house 15:29
Sarah Ramsay, Noah’s mum
