‘Try telling that to Rosie.’
Nancy was silent for a moment. ‘The other night...after the whole Halloween thing, I couldn’t sleep. I was thinking violent thoughts.’
‘You and me both. Martin couldn’t believe it when I got home and told him what had happened.’
Nancy sighed. She knew her friend was trying to help but she felt out of her depth.
‘Look, it’s only because you’ve been backed into a corner,’ said Beth. ‘It’s natural. It’s not like you’re going to do anything for real.’
‘I know.’
‘OK, so let’s look at our options,’ said Beth. ‘Move schools?’
‘Again?’ said Nancy, her heart sinking.
‘Exactly. Lara has only just arrived.’ Beth paused. ‘Actually, I took the liberty...I called the next two closest schools to you, to check. They’re both full.’
So there was no chance of moving anyway, thought Nancy.
‘It’s seven months until the end of the year. Five and a half, if you take off the holidays.’
Both a flash in the pan and an everlasting sentence, thought Nancy.
‘Maybe, now you’ve spoken to Rosie – and whatever you say about your technique, I do think what you did is a good thing – maybe she’ll lay off,’ said Beth.
Would she? Had she been frightened into submission? Most bullies backed off if people stood up to them, this Nancy believed. Maybe there was a glimmer of hope.
THIRTY-NINE
9 November
RIPTON PRIMARY, YEAR 6
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
The woman’s a total freak. Rosie hasbruises. Actual finger marks. 10:19
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
That’s assault! Who the hell does she think she is? 10:19
Sarah Ramsay, Noah’s mum
Poor Rosie. I’m really sorry to hear about this. It does sound as if Nancy is troubled. 10:20
Cheryl, Aisha’s mum
If anyone ever laid hands on my Aisha, I don’t know what I’d do. Go over and kill them probably. 10:20
Helen, Lottie’s mum
You’re amazing, Imogen, managing to stay back and let the school handle it. 10:20
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
What did Mr Whitman say? 10:21
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
