Page 30 of Don't Tell Teacher

I’ve always preferred Lizzie to Elizabeth. It’s friendlier. And in this historical town outside London, maybe I can make friends.

At Tom’s last school, there was a cliquey vibe. Or maybe there wasn’t. Maybe I was just hard to know – the downtrodden wife, hiding in the shadows.

‘Good to meet you,’ says Leanne. ‘Hopefully we can … you know … help each other out.’ She wobbles her head towards the gossipy mothers. ‘Some people here … they couldn’t care less.’

I smile uncertainly. Then I kneel down and say, ‘Are you ready steady for school, Tommo? Take it easy today.’ I kiss him on the head. ‘Okay. Off you go.’

‘Bye, Mum. Take care today, okay?’

‘Okay, love.’

I watch Tom cross the playground. I’m still watching long after he’s disappeared into the classroom.

Eventually, the headmaster comes to padlock the gates.

As I turn to go, I nearly trip over my feet.

Oh God.

A green van cruises past in the distance.

It’s … it’s …

No, too small. Olly’s camper has a pop-top. That was just a trader’s van.

Olly couldn’t have found us. There’s nowayhe could have found us.

You’re being paranoid. Jumping at shadows …

Lizzie

I’m early for school pick-up today.

It’s been a few days since I saw the van, but it’s put a picture in my head that I can’t shake.

There are no other parents here yet. Standing on the pavement by the black railings, I watch the eerily silent school building, willing the time to pass.

As I wait, the headmaster heads across the playground. He’s wearing another smart suit, jet-black today, and his peculiarly boyish face is stretched in a smile.

‘Mrs Kinnock,’ he says, approaching the gate. ‘Hello again. You’re here early. Is there something I can help you with?’

I try for a smile. ‘I should have said before, Mr Cockrun, but I’mMissRiley now. You must know that Tom’s father and I are separated.’

‘Yes,’ says Mr Cockrun, all earnest and sincere. ‘I’m always sad when families separate. Let’s hope Tom isn’t too badly affected.’

‘It was for the best in our case,’ I say, surprised by my fierceness. ‘By the way, I need to apologise. My mother said she paid you a visit. I never asked her to. She … doesn’t always read social situations very well.’

Mr Cockrun frowns in thought. Then he has a flash of recollection. ‘Ah yes! I remember now. Tall woman. Nicely spoken. Rides horses.’

My mother doesn’t ride horses, but she’ll say anything to impress people.

‘I enjoyed meeting her,’ says Mr Cockrun. ‘We were in complete agreement when it comes to children’s schooling. Wasn’t she in education herself at some point?’

‘Um … no. She wasn’t. I did tell her not to visit again without me. I know schools are busy.’

Mr Cockrun ignores me. ‘“Act the best and you’ll be the best”– that was her motto. A very astute woman.’

I laugh. ‘My mother certainly knows how to make things look good.’

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