Page 114 of Our Secrets and Lies

‘What? Did she accuse me of bullying? Seriously? Well,where’s the proof? My friends will tell you I did nothing. She’s just a freak with anger-management issues.’

‘Melissa.’ The headmaster’s voice was cold. ‘Let’s not forget the incident last year with Naomi.’

‘Yeah, well, I didn’t think she’d be so sensitive about her weight, did I? Some people can’t take a joke.’

‘There is a very thin line between joking and being cruel. You need to rememberthat, Melissa. Please note that I will be keeping a very close eye on you from now on. Try being kind and sensitive to others. It costs nothing.’

Melissa’s eyes narrowed. ‘Excuse me, but why am I being lectured? She cursed at me! Why don’t you talk to her about being sensitive?’

Mr Gough smiled. ‘I have spoken at length to Kelly about what happened and she has something to say to you. I haveno doubt that you will behave graciously.’

Kelly cleared her throat. Apologizing with the headmaster present was actually fine. She hated Melissa’s guts but she wasn’t in big trouble, she hadn’t ruined everything and her mum would never know, so all in all it was a great outcome.

‘I’m very sorry for shouting at you, Melissa. It was wrong and I promise it will never happen again. I really amso sorry and I hope that you will be kind enough to accept my apology and forgive me.’ Kelly had laid it on thick, so Melissa would have to be nice in front of the headmaster.

‘Well, it better not happen again,’ Melissa snapped.

‘And you accept Kelly’s gracious apology, isn’t that right?’ the headmaster prompted.

Melissa shrugged.

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you,’ Mr Gough said.

‘Yeah,’ Melissareplied sulkily.

‘Excellent. Let that be an end to the incident. I’d like no more said about it outside this room. Not a word. The matter is closed.’ He looked straight at Melissa. ‘Now, Melissa, you can go back to class. I want to have a final word with Kelly.’

Melissa turned to go and closed the door loudly behind her.

Mr Gough turned to Kelly. ‘Well done, a very effusive apology.’

Kellygrinned. ‘I didn’t want her to be able to refuse it.’

‘Hopefully, now that she knows I’m watching her, and I’ll make sure all the teachers do the same, she’ll leave you alone,’ he said. ‘If there are any inappropriate messages sent to you, please take screen shots and bring them to me. As I said, we do not tolerate bullies in St Jude’s and we must avoid any negative media exposure for the school.So please don’t discuss this with anyone else and come straight to me if there are any more issues.’

Kelly nodded. She knew Melissa would find ways to make her life hell – teachers had no clue about social media, whispers in the corridors and bullying in the toilets. Kelly’s life was about to get worse, she knew that, but she’d suck it up.

‘Thank you so much for everything. I’m sorry I let youdown and I promise I’ll be a perfect student from now on.’

Mr Gough opened the door to see her out. ‘Kelly, you don’t need to be the perfect anything, just be your lovely self.’

Kelly turned so he wouldn’t see her tears.

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