She knows that. We’ve been through that. Although part of me wonders if I shouldn’t have said,call 999 immediately.
She replies,I know.
And text me when you’re back home.
She knows that, too. ‘Don’t stay there one minute longer than you need to,’ I’d said. ‘Do your thing, then come home. Tell her that I’m expected back any minute and if you’re not there, there’ll be trouble.’
Holly texts back,I will.
On the way there, I fill the car with petrol and throw the rubber gloves Holly and I used into a large bin.
When I get to work, Mike is waiting for me in the staffroom. There are four other teachers with him, and I get the distinct impression they were just talking about me. But now I’m here, they’ve all fallen silent.
‘Hello,’ I say, then try to think of something funny or clever to say, but nothing comes.
‘Hello, Kate,’ they all mumble.
I start to unbutton my coat, but Mike says, ‘In my office. Now.’
I stop unbuttoning my coat.
‘Pauline will take your class,’ he says somewhat coolly as we walk into his office. ‘And before we go any further, I know all about the altercation you had with Mrs Ashford-Wells yesterday.’
I swallow a sigh. ‘You and all of Brookford, apparently.’
He takes his seat behind the desk and indicates the smaller chair to me – the one that’s a bit lower than the desk. I sit down with my phone on my lap in case Holly calls or texts.
Mike drags his hands down his face. ‘I have no words, Kate. Truly.’
‘I’m really sorry. The Facebook post really upset me.’
‘That’s no reason to behave like you did.’
‘I know.’ I feel my cheeks redden. I mean, he’s right. It’s embarrassing. It’s like Holly said yesterday: ‘You’re losing it!’ I bite my bottom lip. ‘I came to tender my resignation. And to apologise.’ I stand up. ‘I know I should give two months’ notice, but if it’s possible, I’d like to leave sooner. Also, I can’t stay today.’ I check my watch.
He waves his hand up and down at me. ‘Please sit down.’
‘I do need?—’
‘This won’t take long.’
I do as I’m told. Mike checks his watch. He sighs. ‘I was going to fire you.’
I give him a small smile. ‘I thought as much. Sorry to beat you to the punch.’
‘The children will miss you,’ he says.
I nod. I don’t want to think about the children right now. If I do, I’ll probably burst into tears.
‘I loved my job, Mike, truly, and I want to thank you for the opportunity.’
‘I just wish—’ he begins, but a sharp knock on the door stops him.
Turning around, I see Diana Ashford-Wells standing there. She’s wearing a black coat with a fur collar and a cloud of expensive perfume. Her mouth is pursed. I can’t see the rest of her face because, for some reason, she is wearing enormous sunglasses. It’s not even sunny outside, let alone in here.
‘Mrs Ashford-Wells. Please come in. I was about to tell Mrs Price that you were on your way.’
I stand up immediately. ‘Hello, Mrs Ashford-Wells,’ I say. ‘I’d like to apologise. I’m really sorry about my behaviour yesterday. It was unforgivable.’ She gives me a quick shake of the head and a confused look. She clearly wasn’t expecting that.
