‘I let a pupil in with that earlier,’ Tanya said. ‘There’s a Mrs Denby here to see you.’
‘Thank you, my lovely.’ She came to the door and peered around. ‘Aw, hi.’ A smiled spread over her face when she saw Isabella Denby clutching a massive bunch of flowers that almost completely hid her from view. Behind her, Mrs Denby stood with a watery-eyed smile.
‘Goodness, look at those.’ Clara beamed.
‘They’re for you.’ Isabella smiled, her cheeks turning pink. ‘Thank you for helping me this term… with everything.’
‘Oh, you’re so welcome, and really, you’ve done all the hard work.’ Clara took the flowers from her, feeling just as dwarfed as Isabella. ‘I was just there to support you.’
Isabella’s mum stepped forward, dabbing her eyes, and pulled Clara into a side hug. ‘You’ve no idea what it means to us,’ she murmured. ‘You’ve been amazing. All of you have.’
‘Well, I’m still here next term, even when you’re on your exam leave, don’t hesitate if you need anything.’
Giving her a little pat on the shoulder, Clara watched as Isabella and her mum walked up the corridor towards the stairs. This – these moments – were why she loved the job. All the stress of the term was worth it really when she saw how much it meant to people.
Clara spent the morning chatting to some sixth years and a couple of younger students who were leaving, either to work or to continue their studies elsewhere. She also caught up with a blushing Eve Miller – a fourth year, who’d started during the Christmas term and had needed some help to settle after a family bereavement and a house move – who turned out to be behind the giant Easter egg on Clara’s desk.
‘Thank you so much,’ Clara said to her.
‘It’s ok. You helped me loads when I first came here and I didn’t know anyone. And I wouldn’t have gone for the part in the Christmas show if you hadn’t pushed me.’
‘I’m so glad you did. You made an excellent Ghost of Christmas Past.’
Eve blushed again.
‘How are you feeling about the exams?’
With a shrug, Eve said, ‘Ok, I guess. My dad says just to do my best.’
Clara gave her a gentle pat on the arm. ‘That’s exactly what you have to do. And make sure you also take some time for yourself during the holidays. Studying is fine but be kind to yourself.’
When the final bell rang later in the day, sounds of jubilation echoed around the school. Lissa was leading a small group of sixth years who had just completed their last day through the main corridor in an impromptu conga through lines of laughing students and teachers. Clara joined in chuckling and clapping as the dancing line passed by. Tears welled as she watched them celebrating their last day of school, hoping they would all have bright futures whatever they chose to do next.
Once the conga line had made its way outside, Clara joined Gil, Adele and some other teachers at the exit to wish the other pupils happy holidays.
‘Bye, Max.’ Clara waved to Max Lyndell as he passed.
‘Bye.’ He tossed her a filthy look that contained the whisper of a smile, then his eyes flicked to Adele and he smirked.
‘That’s one person I won’t miss,’ Adele muttered in Clara’s ear, still waving to other pupils.
‘Right, let’s chill.’ Gil’s voice was so loud, Clara drew back. He closed the doors after the final stragglers and they all headed to the staffroom.
‘Holidays.’ Adele threw her arms up and made jazz hands. ‘We made it.’
‘Thank goodness.’ Clara hugged her, and they laughed.
Some people were already inside chatting, and others were still coming in.
Brenna slung her bag over her shoulder and came over to Clara and Adele. ‘I’m not sticking around. I’ve got to pick up Leo, and for once I’m determined not to be late.’
‘I hope you have a lovely holiday.’ Clara reached up and hugged her.
‘You too.’
Eddie and Kerr were just coming in as she left.
‘See you.’ Kerr gave her a little salute.
