Page 32 of Rhythm Of Redemption

Chapter fifteen

With irritation fuelling her every step, Lou swiftly escaped from the house, propelled by a sense of urgency as she raced against the ticking clock to reach the school. The detective's unwelcome intrusion had disrupted her plans, leaving her unsettled by his probing questions. A storm of emotions raged within her, as thoughts of Logan and the swirling turmoil that clung to him pulled at her heartstrings, entangling her in a web of conflicting feelings.

Lou refused to allow the detective's visit, or the mounting issues surrounding Logan, to overwhelm her. Keeping Dani's wellbeing at the forefront of her mind, she pressed on, determined to find a resolution.

Under the scorching sun, Lou navigated the serpentine road that wound its way downhill in the direction of the school. The panoramic view of the sparkling azure sea stretched before her, its tranquil beauty contrasting with the knot of apprehension tightening in her chest.

Lou located a vacant parking spot and made her way towards the school building. As she approached, the halls were hushed, with lessons already underway. Glancing at the head's office window as she passed, Lou noticed Mrs Ellis sitting alone inside. Determined to address Dani's situation, she bypassed the reception and gently knocked on the door.

She waited outside the head's office, anticipation and unease intertwining within her. When Mrs Ellis finally called for Lou to enter, it was clear that Lou was the last person the head expected or wanted to see. As Lou stepped into the office, she braced herself for the conversation that lay ahead, determined to find a solution for Dani's situation despite the obvious reluctance in Mrs Ellis’s demeanour.

“I understand you're busy, but if I could just have five minutes, I'd really appreciate it,” Lou requested, her voice filled with earnestness. The head's gaze lingered on the clock, accompanied by a slow exhale.

“Very well,” she acquiesced, setting her pen down and gesturing for Lou to take a seat across from her.

“I'll get straight to the point,” Lou began.

“Yes, that would be best,” she interjected.

“It's about Dani,” Lou continued.

The head let out a long sigh. “If it's about her suspension, I've already told you that you will be notified of the outcome once a decision has been made.”

“No, it's not about that,” Lou clarified. “Although I am worried about the length of time it’s taking and the impact it's having on her education.”

“Whose fault is that?” Mrs Ellis retorted, glancing at the clock.

Aware of the limited time available, she steered the conversation away from blame. “I wanted to find out whether any of Dani's teachers have mentioned problems she may have in class.”

“Well, now that you mention it,” the head responded, “several teachers have complained about her disruptive behaviour and lack of effort in certain lessons.”

Taking a deep breath, Lou attempted to quiet the voice in her head, urging her to confront Mrs Ellis about her treatment of Dani. “Did any of them say what they thought the problem might be? Perhaps-”

She rolled her eyes dismissively. “We are well aware of Dani's issues, Lou.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?” Lou questioned, her frustration mounting.

“Well, I hate to say it, but this latest incident of sneaking into nightclubs, drinking, and drug use …” the head trailed off, implying her judgment.

“Hey, Dani doesn't do drugs. The hospital didn’t find any traces of drugs in her bloodstream. Something at the club triggered her allergic asthma.”

“Really? And did the hospital say what exactly had triggered the allergic reaction.” Mrs Ellis glared at her; her eyebrow cocked in disbelief.

“Well …no, they couldn’t be sure without carrying out further tests. Anyway, it’s not like Dani’s the only student sneaking into bars and clubs?” Lou retorted, defending her daughter.

“I couldn't say, but it's clear that her unsettled home life and separation from Dani's father have likely contributed to the problem,” Mrs Ellis asserted.

Recognising that their current conversation was veering off course, Lou swiftly changed direction. “I understand your opinions on my so-called unsettled home life, but can we focus on Dani's schoolwork?” The head tutted in response, prompting Lou to continue. “I believe Dani may be dyslexic.”

The head scoffed, a smug expression crossing her face. “And what makes you think that? Google, I suppose?”

“No,” Lou lied, determined to wipe away the head's smugness. “Actually, a friend noticed similarities in the challenges he-she faces and suggested getting Dani tested.”

With feigned sympathy, Mrs Ellis replied, “Lou, there is nothing wrong with Dani that a little old-fashioned discipline wouldn't solve. She's a bright girl, I can't deny that. If only she channelled some of her energy into her work, her academic performance wouldn't be an issue.”

“What are you suggesting? That I should resort to physical punishment to make my daughter work harder in school?” Lou's voice held a mixture of disbelief and indignation.

“No, absolutely not. But you can't ignore that she's a strong-willed girl who could benefit from some discipline,” the head insisted.

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