Chapter Thirty-Two
Sam
June
Sam perched on the edge of his desk, clapping his hands lightly to bring the room’s attention back to him.
‘Ok, everyone, eyes up here for a moment. Let’s talk about persuasive writing. Who can tell me what they think it means?’
A few hands went up. Sam pointed to Eve Miller in the front row.
‘It’s, like, convincing someone to agree with you,’ she said.
‘Spot on.’ Sam nodded. ‘Persuasive writing is all about convincing your reader to see things your way. It’s like being a lawyer in court – you’re making a case and presenting evidence to back it up.’
He crossed his arms and started pacing slowly in front of the class.
‘Now, it’s not just saying, “I think we should have a three-day school week because it would be fun”.
You need to give me real reasons. Why would it benefit everyone?
What problems would it solve? And most importantly, how can you make me – the stubborn MSP that deals with education – agree with you? ’
Tommy Craig raised his hand, and Sam dithered about whether it was worth asking, because Tommy liked being the class clown.
And this was a weird, almost limbo-like time of year.
All the pupils moved into their class for the next year now the exams were finished.
There were no first years – except during the induction week – and the school always felt a little bare.
Sam missed his sixth years, who’d now left, and it would take a while for the new contingent to make their mark.
‘Go on, Tommy.’ Sam relented.
‘What if the MSP that deals with education is only stubborn because it’s a five-day week? Wouldn’t that make it easier to convince them?’
Sam held out his hands. ‘You could certainly use it to your advantage. Play to your audience. If you know a five-day week is the cause of my stubbornness, use that in your argument. But’ – he held up a finger – ‘you’ve got to back it up with facts.
For example, “Studies show that shorter weeks improve student focus and teacher wellbeing” sounds better than just “we’ll all have more time to play on our Xbox,” doesn’t it? ’
A few kids chuckled, and some scribbled notes.
‘So, here’s the task,’ Sam continued. ‘I want you to write a letter to an imaginary MSP persuading them to adopt a three-day school week. You can make up a name if you want, or I’ll write some on the smart board that you can use.
Think about your argument. You’ll need a strong introduction to grab their attention, three main points to make your case, and a great conclusion to leave a lasting impression.
Remember, a little emotional appeal – something heartfelt – can work wonders, but it has to feel genuine. ’
‘Can we make up studies?’ Tommy asked again, his hand half-raised.
‘For this exercise, yes. But if this was a real situation, you would want to fact check and state references. We haven’t fully covered that yet though, so we’ll focus on the persuasive part.
That’s what I’m looking for. Your arguments as to why a three-day week would be beneficial in schools.
Now, you’ve got twenty minutes to brainstorm your main points and start drafting your introductions. If you need help, wave me over.’
The class got to work, the room settling into a productive hum, and Sam scanned around, checking they were focused and not gossiping.
‘Mr Addison?’ Tommy piped up.
Sam glanced over, raising an eyebrow. ‘Yes, Tommy? Do you need help with something?’
‘Um, no.’ He glanced sideways. ‘Is it true you’re dating Miss Morgan?’
The room erupted in a chorus of low chatter and muffled giggles. A few heads swivelled and looked at other people. Sam’s cheeks felt a little warm, but he kept his expression neutral.
‘Ok, let’s focus,’ he said firmly, and he gave Tommy a no-more-questions look.
Tommy was, however, undeterred. ‘So… is that a yes?’
‘It’s a get back to your work before your persuasive writing is about convincing me why you shouldn’t be kept in detention every break for the rest of the week,’ Sam said, earning a ripple of laughter from the rest of the class.
Tommy chuckled, and the distraction settled, though a few knowing smirks lingered. Sam scanned the room again, and Isabella Denby, seated near the window, caught his eye for a moment before leaning over her work.
Making his way over, he crouched by her desk and lowered his voice. ‘Are you ok?’
She looked up, then gave a shy smile. ‘I’m ok, yeah. Just… taking my time.’
Sam nodded. ‘Good. That’s absolutely fine. And sensible.’
Her gaze flickered to her paper before returning to his, her cheeks colouring. ‘Um, Mr Addison?’
‘Yes?’
‘Congratulations,’ she mumbled, ducking her head slightly.
Sam blinked. ‘For…?’
She glanced at him and gave a half shrug. ‘If it’s true about you and Miss Morgan. You’re… um… two of my favourite teachers, so… I think it’s nice.’
Sam let out a little laugh and gave her a tiny wink. ‘Thank you,’ he said quietly. ‘That’s very kind.’
He straightened up and went back to his desk. That was unexpected, but rather nice.
At the end of the day, Sam gathered his papers, tucking them into his backpack. He made his way through the now quiet corridors. The staffroom door creaked as he pushed it open. His eyes landed on Clara almost straight away, like he was drawn to her. She was deep in conversation with Adele.
‘I’ve had it up to here with that man,’ Adele was saying, her voice tight with frustration. ‘If he thinks he can bully me, he’s got another think coming.’
Clara nodded, her brow furrowed. ‘Honestly, I’m not sure who the bigger problem is right now, Max or his father.’
Adele huffed. ‘I’d take Max personally. At least I can get through to him. His father is a bull, who won’t listen to either me or his son.’
Clara smiled as Sam approached. ‘Oh, hello, my lovely. Are you ok?’
Sam nodded. ‘Yeah, all good. Just wondering if you were ready to leave.’
Adele gave Sam a pat on the arm. ‘She’s ready. It’s me who’s holding her up. I’m just moaning about my favourite person.’ She gritted her teeth. ‘The delightful Mr Lyndell.’
‘Oh dear. He sure likes to complain, doesn’t he?’
‘He just loves the sound of his own voice and doesn’t like anyone who disagrees with him. Anyway, I’ll leave you to it. Friday tomorrow.’ She held up her fists and silently cheered.
Sam put his arm around Clara as they headed out. ‘Guess what happened today?’ he said.
‘Tell me?’
‘Tommy Craig decided to ask me in class if you and I were dating.’
Clara giggled. ‘It’s going to get out sooner or later.’
‘Yeah, I know, and I’m not really bothered. But after that, you won’t believe this. Isabella Denby, bless her, said we were two of her favourite teachers, and congratulated us, saying she thought it was nice that we were together.’
Clara’s hand flew to her heart. ‘Aw. That’s just beautiful.’ Her eyes glistened slightly. ‘Isabella’s such a sweet girl.’
‘Yeah. She really is.’
As they crossed the car park, Clara linked her arm through Sam’s. ‘I’m glad she’s coming out of herself a bit again and has the confidence to say something like that to you.’
‘Yeah, I like that too.’ Sam squeezed her arm gently.
‘But you are very approachable and very easy to talk to. As I know very well.’
‘As long as you think so, that’s all that matters.’
‘You’re good at reading people and knowing the right thing to say. I mean, you were the only person who worked out my infatuation with—’
Sam nudged her, indicating ahead. Kerr was waving to Eddie and about to get into his own car. ‘Speak of the devil,’ Sam muttered.
‘Hey.’ Kerr raised his hand, keys jangling off his finger. ‘Look at you two. So cute.’
Sam chuckled, feeling Clara’s arm tighten around his. ‘Thanks, we aim for cuteness above all.’
Kerr chuckled. ‘Mission accomplished then. Thank God it’s nearly Friday, eh? I swear this week’s dragged on forever.’
Clara nodded. ‘Oh, I know. I’ve had back-to-back counselling sessions all week with so many kids traumatised about their new classes.’
‘I think I need one after my week with Max.’ Kerr chuckled, leaning against his car door. ‘But anyway, you got any exciting plans for the weekend?’
Sam and Clara exchanged a quick glance. Her eyes sparkled, and he rested his hand over hers as she clung to his arm.
‘Actually, yeah,’ he said. ‘We’re going to look at a puppy on Saturday with the boys.’
‘Oh cool. That’s brilliant. What kind?’ Kerr asked.
‘A cocker spaniel,’ Clara replied.
‘Your cuteness has just intensified.’
‘They sent us pictures.’ Sam fished out his phone. He scrolled through a few photos before holding it out to Kerr. ‘That’s the little girl we’re thinking of.’
Kerr peered at the screen. ‘Aw, look at those eyes.’
Clara leaned in, her cheek brushing against Sam’s arm as she looked at the photo. ‘I know, right? We fell in love as soon as we saw her. I think Skye will adore her too. She’s so sociable. She’ll love having a friend.’
A lump formed in Sam’s throat as he watched Clara’s face. Her eyes were bright, her smile radiant. They may never have children together, but it didn’t matter. They would fill their lives with love – for each other, for his boys, for Skye and for any other furry babies they would cherish together.
Clara had some time on the lease of her little cottage at Glenvorneth, but after that, she’d agreed to move in with him, and together they could work on the house at Clachnabronnachan, adopt puppies, go on long walks, have both their families around, and build a beautiful future together.
Sam couldn’t put into words just how overwhelmed and happy he felt about it.
His heart was lighter than it had been in years.
He didn’t have to worry about more upheavals for him or his boys in the foreseeable future anyway.
Hopefully this new relationship would enrich all their lives.
‘Well, I’m chuffed for you both.’ Kerr handed the phone back. ‘You’ll have to bring her in for show and tell once she’s settled.’
Sam laughed. ‘I’m not sure Gil would approve of that.’
‘Ah, what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.’ Kerr winked. ‘Anyway, I’d better dash. Georgie’s home early tonight, and I promised I wouldn’t be late.’
As Kerr climbed into his car, Clara called out, ‘Say hi from us.’
‘Will do.’ Kerr waved through his open window as he reversed out of his parking space. ‘Have a great evening.’
Sam and Clara watched as Kerr’s car disappeared around the corner, then turned to each other. ‘He’s nice,’ Clara said. ‘Though I don’t know why I ever fancied him. He’s really nothing next to you.’
‘Just as well.’ Sam smiled at her, then dipped in and kissed her cheek. ‘I love you so much, and we’ve got so much to look forward to.’
‘We really do. You, me, Kaleb, Jacob, Skye… and hopefully a new addition very soon.’
‘It still doesn’t feel real yet.’
She giggled. ‘Is that because I’m your fake date?’
‘Always my fake date.’ He booped her nose. ‘Though nothing about what I feel is in the least pretend.’
‘I’m so glad I made the grade.’
He winked at her. ‘Faked the grade more like.’
‘Not another pun,’ she groaned.
‘Yes, beautiful Clara, more puns.’ He cocked his head and gave her a mock serious look. ‘And just think how many more years you have to put up with them for.’
She let out a laugh, then threw her arms around his neck. ‘I’ll take it. The more, the better.’
The End