‘Except the other two children involved both said it was an accident.’
‘They’re lying. Mia is under duress.’
‘And Rosie has been nothing but contrite,’ said James.
‘I’ll bet she has.’
Mr Whitman paused. ‘Mrs Miller, I am aware that children can – and do – lie. All children. And I’m also aware that there have been other incidents here at the school where Lara has reported unkind acts – althoughnot physical – by Rosie. Today’s incident is a difficult one,’ he continued. ‘No member of staff witnessed it. I’ve asked all the lunch teachers to keep a close eye on them. Miss Young is also going to keep a distance between them in the classroom.’ He leaned forward, his arms resting on the tops of his thighs, his hands clasped together. He looked younger up close, Nancy realized, more good-looking. He had a sort of George Clooney thing going on: eyes alive with intelligence, flecks of grey in his hair. Good for him. But she wasn’t done yet.
‘Rosie has done nothing but pick on Lara since she started at this school.’ She looked him in the eye. ‘It’s bullying.’
‘That’s a very strong word.’
‘But appropriate in this case.’
He didn’t answer at first. Nancy knew he didn’t want to admit to the accusation. It made it official, something that he had to take more seriously.
‘We all here – especially myself – take any sort of unkindness, whether it’s bullying or not, extremely seriously. There’s no place for it in this school and I won’t have children made to feel unhappy.’
Nancy considered him. He sounded genuine but it was the sort of stuff every head teacher across the land would say.Hadto say. And he still hadn’t admittedbullyingwas what was going on in his school. Right now. She had a sudden overwhelming longing for Sam, so acute it felt like a heavy weight had landed on her chest. God, it was hard doing this alone.
‘Have you spoken to Rosie’s mother?’ she asked.
‘Imogen?’ Mr Whitman indicated his desk, presumably referencing a notepad or something. ‘I was actually just about to before you popped in.’ He smiled, to soften what could be construed as a criticism.
Nancy nodded. She believed him but there was something about the way he’d said it that sat a bit strangely with her. She couldn’t put her finger on it.
‘Please reassure Lara it’s not that we don’t believe her. We just have to be sure. And I know Miss Young has spoken to Rosie about the previous incidents and Rosie has recognized that what she did was wrong. So I hope Lara knows we do act when we have all the evidence.’ He sat back in his chair again. ‘And hopefully, to reassure you, my door is always open.’ He smiled. ‘Even when it’s closed.’
Was she supposed to be amused at that? She suddenly felt awfully tired. Maybe she was too uptight. She looked at him and his expression was warm and genuine. She knew he would be accommodating should she barge into his office any time she wanted. He also appeared to have the situation in hand, so why did she feel dissatisfied?
Maybe it was simply because it was her child with the bruise on her head, she thought.Lara. Poor thing, she’d be wondering where her mother had got to. Nancy stood up. They shook hands and said their goodbyes.
She stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her. In the corridor she could see Miss Young talking to Lorna. They both looked up.
‘Oh, hi, Nancy,’ said Lorna, her eyes flickering to the head’s door.
God, does the woman never stop poking her nose in other people’s business?thought Nancy.
‘I’m sorting out the second-hand uniform sale, ready for Friday,’ said Lorna. She indicated a cupboard behind her, full of bags spilling over with blue and grey clothing.
‘Is Lara OK?’ asked Miss Young quietly.
‘Oh, is she ill?’ asked Lorna. ‘Poor thing.’
Nancy didn’t confirm or deny. She looked at Miss Young. ‘She’s been better.’
Miss Young seemed uncomfortable, as if there was something else niggling her, something she wanted to say, but couldn’t. Nancy wanted to get to Lara, take her home. She said as much and left them to it.
As she walked back across the playground, Lara beside her, Nancy realized what it was that Mr Whitman had said which had seemed so off to her. Teachers always,alwaysreferenced other parents as ‘Mrs So-and-So’ or ‘So-and-So’s mum’. Particularly in a situation like this.
But Mr Whitman had said ‘Imogen’. Without a second thought.
Nancy wondered why.
29 September
RIPTON PRIMARY, YEAR 6
