Chapter 11 Anna
Anna
I’m on the last day of my period, my cramps feel like I’ve swallowed a blender, and the pimple that’s taken up residence on my jawline is so big, it’s developed its own heartbeat.
It’s been a long day.
I check the clock behind me before popping two more ibuprofen. I know I’ve got an adhesive heat pack in my desk drawer, so I’ll slap it on under my shirt the second these kids clear out.
“Miss Brooowwwne,” one of my students drawls from the back of the classroom.
“What is it, Patrick?” I ask, not lifting my eyes from the stack of maths worksheets I’m grading.
“Lachlan farted.”
My nose scrunches as the unmistakable scent hits me. I swear that child has an intolerance to something.
“Eww, that’s disgusting!” Sophie shouts from her desk, covering her nose with her jumper sleeve.
A group of girls in the reading corner dissolve into giggles while the boys start making gagging sounds.
I press my lips together to suppress a laugh just as the end-of-day bell rings through the school.
Chairs scrape against the worn hardwood floor and backpacks swing through the air as the kids scramble to the door.
“Walk, don’t run!” I say, as they ignore me in their flurry of excitement to get home.
The classroom falls silent except for the gentle rustle of papers. Finn remains seated at his desk, slowly packing his pencils into their case. Beside him, Yuki does the same, her little tongue poking out while she concentrates.
They’ve developed the most beautiful friendship over the past few weeks.
Though Finn doesn’t say much, Yuki’s always by his side.
She picks him first for every partner activity, saves him a place in the lunch line, and always shares her colored marker pens.
She’s been a real pillar for him, and I’m so grateful, given everything Josh has put him through.
I’ve tried speaking with Josh’s parents about the bullying. Three times now. Every time they brush me off, refusing to believe their precious boy would behave that way. I must be exaggerating. Making this up. Targeting their son.
Never mind the bruise I spotted on Finn’s arm last week. Never mind that Finn’s stopped raising his hand in class. Having reached my tipping point, I need to involve stronger authority.
“You don’t seem too bothered about getting home,” I say gently to Yuki.
Yuki smiles, all big and gap-toothed. “Mummy’s always late. She says London traffic is mental.”
I bite back a grin. “All right, then. Why don’t you two help me open some of these windows? Finn’s dad is coming by shortly, then you can both go play outside while he and I have a chat. How does that sound?”
Finn and Yuki nod quietly, helping me crack the windows open before Finn takes Yuki’s outstretched hand to go play outside.
His dark eyes are always so serious. I can’t help but feel that this sweet boy carries a weight no seven-year-old should.
I never like to admit I have favorite students, but I’ve developed a real soft spot for these two.
Which is why it’s time for an uncomfortable conversation with Finn’s father.
After yesterday’s incident, I desperately need to find a different approach to protecting Finn.
At first, I thought it was typical testing, pushing boundaries, as Josh usually does. I assumed he’d grow out of it. But his dislike of Finn quickly escalated into something far worse. He’s—dare I say it—a little cunt to Finn.
I’ve tried everything. Assigned seating to keep them separated.
Pairing Finn with Yuki for all group work.
Moving Finn and Yuki close to my desk so I can monitor them.
I’ve given Josh extra responsibilities to keep him occupied and had countless chats about empathy and kindness.
Nothing’s worked. He either doesn’t respond or, worse, doesn’t care.
Yesterday, Josh cornered Finn by the lunch line and called his mother a two-bit whore. The ballsy little turd probably doesn’t even know what it means. Where does a kid parrot that from?
That’s when Finn snapped and landed a clean punch to Josh’s nose.
I’ve organized another meeting with Josh’s parents for next week, and this time Principal Taylor and the school counselor, Josie, will join us.
Everything since Finn’s first day has been documented, and I’m ready to push for serious intervention.
Sometimes a child acts out because they’re unhappy at home, and they take it out on other students.
It’s time we had a frank discussion about what might be contributing to Josh’s behavior.
I shuffle the papers on my desk, trying to organize them into neat piles, when a knock from our school receptionist interrupts me.
“Anna, Mr. Murphy is here for your meeting,” she says from the doorway. “Shall I send him in, or would you prefer to meet him in the principal’s office?”
My stomach does a little jig, and I’m surprised. I don’t usually feel nervous when it comes to meeting my students’ parents—I’ve done it plenty of times—but something about meeting the man my colleagues have been gossiping about sets me a little on edge.
“Send him down, please,” I reply. She nods and scurries away, her heels clacking along the corridor.
I stand and take a deep breath, smoothing my blouse.
The footsteps grow closer and I glance up, freezing as our gazes catch. My pen slips from my fingers.
I blink once. Twice.
Holy shit. I feel like my stomach’s about to fall out my arsehole.
I’m certain I’ve totally lost it, because standing in my classroom doorway is—
“Cooper?”