‘Yeah, of course.’ Sophie goes back to looking nervous again.
I walk out of the room and stand on the attic landing. ‘Hello?’
‘Mrs Taylor?’
‘Yes.’
‘It’s Tina Lovatt here, deputy head at Ashridge Academy.’
My breath catches. This can’t be good. ‘Everything okay?’
‘Can you come into school?’
‘Er, what,now?’
‘Yes please.’
‘Are Ryan and Sonny okay?’
‘They’re fine. But Ryan has been involved in an incident.’
‘An incident? What do you mean? What kind of—’
‘I think it’s best if you just come in.’
‘Um, yeah, okay. Give me ten minutes.’
My heart has started beating out of control. What on earth could have happened? She said he was fine, so he’s obviously not hurt. Could he have been in a fight? Maybe he’s upset. And what am I going to do about Sophie? Can I really trust her enough to leave her on her own in the house? We don’t keep anything valuable here, like jewellery or money. There are a couple of laptops, but that’s about it. I know I offered to let her stay over, but I thought I’d be at home the whole time as I’m not due at work until tomorrow. I don’t want to ask her to leave. Not after I’ve just said she can stay. But I can’t let Sophie’s situation sidetrack me from my family; I need to focus on what’s going on with Ryan.
I slip my phone back into my pocket and return to the bedroom, where Sophie’s looking at me with wide eyes. ‘Everything all right?’
‘Yeah… no… not really. Something’s going on with my eldest and I have to go into school for a quick meeting.’
‘Oh. Right.’ Her face closes down and I’m sure she’s waiting for me to throw her out.
‘But, look, you’re welcome to stay here while I’m out. I shouldn’t be too long.’
Her face relaxes. ‘Are you sure that’s okay?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Wow, thanks. I’ll just stay up here. I won’t go into the rest of the house.’
‘That’s fine. You can go downstairs and watch TV or help yourself to any food if you’re hungry.’
‘You’re so nice. But it’s probably safer if I stay up here out of view. Just in case…’ She tails off. I’m sure she was about to open up to me, but, much as I’d like to, I can’t stay and talk to her right now.
‘Okay, well, make yourself comfy up here. The loo’s downstairs and, like I said, there’s food in the kitchen. I’ll lock the front door behind me, but you can always go out the back way if you decide you want to leave. Just… leave me a note if you do, so I know you’re okay.’
She nods. I want to give her a hug, she still looks so nervous, but I refrain, giving her a warm smile instead.
‘Um…’ she starts to say something but tails off.
‘What is it?’
‘Could you… I mean, would you mind not telling anyone I’m here?’
‘That could be a bit difficult with the kids. Especially my youngest – he’s not known for keeping quiet aboutanything.’
