Nancy lifted her head. ‘No, Lara has not been invited. Although it would appear every other girl in the class has.’
‘Wow,’ said Hannah. ‘Pretty low blow. Sorry,’ she added.
‘It’s not that I mind Lara being missed out – they’re hardly best friends, after all – but it’s that Imogen has let Rosie do this so publicly.’ She kept her voice low so Lara didn’t hear.
‘Yeah, well, it’s kinda the way she operates. Lara could do without friends like Rosie, to be honest.’ Hannah leaned in closer. ‘Don’t pay any attention to the petition either.’
Nancy’s head jerked up but then the bell rang and Hannah was already turning to go and Lara was collecting her bag from Nancy’s feet.
‘Bye, Mum,’ she said.
She looked so forlorn Nancy got an agonized lump in her throat. Somehow she had to gee her up. As a mother, it was her job.
She leaned down, put on her biggest smile. ‘Don’t let it get to you.’
‘But I don’t have any friends.’
Slice. Another part of her heart shaved off.
‘You do. Not all the girls are like Rosie. I’ll pick you up later, OK?’ She gave Lara a hug, part of her never wanting to let go, to take her home again and look after her and not release her to make her own way amongst the class of hyenas she would have to encounter.
She watched until Lara had disappeared into the school, her bag huge on her tiny back, then she turned and sighed.
Oh yes. What was that Hannah had said about a petition?
15 October
RIPTON PRIMARY, YEAR 6
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
I think it’s time we made a stand on the Head of School. 07:45
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
Yh, it’s not like we haven’t given it a chance. 07:45
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
It’s almost the school’s fault, not Lara’s. Too much for her when she’s only just joined. 07:45
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
None of the kids really respect her. 07:46
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
FFS ever thought it’s because your kids haven’t exactly made her feel welcome? 07:46
Cheryl, Aisha’s mum
I object. Aisha’s been friendly. 07:46
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
Let’s not forget she tried to drown one of those kids. Mine. No wonder she’s not exactly flavour of the month. I think we need a petition. I’m happy to collate votes and hand them in to Mr Whitman. A show of thumbs, please. Up to keep Lara, down to request another vote. I’ll kick off. 07:46
Cheryl, Aisha’s mum
