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“I thought we could stay behind tonight and put some of the children’s collages on the wall,” Margot says, and I nod my head. There aren’t that many, and it’ll make the classroom look a lot less bare. Besides, Tanner won’t be able to come over until at least six, so it’ll kill some time.
Even though Alexander hasn’t been in yet again, it’s been a tough day. My limbs are aching and I’m glad to see the last of the children from the premises. I don’t know why it’s been so hard, other than my tiredness, I suppose, and I smile to myself as I return to the classroom, wondering if Tanner and I should take things easy tonight. Maybe we should cook something and watch a movie together… always assuming we can stay awake long enough to see it to its conclusion.
“The children’s names are on the backs of the pictures,” Margot says, laying them out on the tables, so we can see what we’re doing. “But Miss Montgomery has a pet hate of us writing their names on the front when we display them. She prefers us to make little name tags for them, and I think there should be some paper already cut up somewhere…” She rifles through the drawers at the side of the classroom, as I sort through the collages, smiling when she lets out a triumphant cry. “That’s one less job,” she says, bringing over the neatly cut strips of paper.
“Shall I write while you stick?” I say and she smiles.
“Definitely. You’ve got much nicer handwriting.”
I’m not sure that’s true, but I’d rather sit and write out names than stretch around sticking things to the walls. My muscles could do with a break.
Margot gathers up some collages as I sit at my desk.
“This one will look best in the middle,” she says, flipping it over. “It’s by Ralph Hamilton.”
I find a marker in my top drawer and print his name in capital letters, replacing the cap on the pen just as I hear a cough at the door. Both Margot and I turn to see Miss Montgomery standing there, her pale gray suit as immaculate as ever, and the white blouse beneath it buttoned up to the neck.
“Miss Howell?” she says, ignoring Margot and focusing on me.
“Yes?”
“Would you be kind enough to come to my office, please?”
“Now?”
“Yes. Now.”
She doesn’t wait for my answer, but turns, disappearing toward the front of the school, and I look up at Margot, who’s poised, her mouth open, and the next picture in her hand.
“What’s that about?”
“I’ve got no idea, but I suppose there’s only one way to find out. Are you going to be all right for a minute?”
“I’ll be fine. You’d better not keep her waiting.”
She rolls her eyes and I smile, straightening my top as I hasten from the room and follow Miss Montgomery to her office. The door is closed, and I knock once, entering when she calls, “Come in.”
As offices go, Miss Montgomery’s is no different from any other, I suppose. It has one wall which is filled with bookshelves, and another that has a window overlooking the schoolyard. The other two walls have been used to display the many certificates and awards Miss Montgomery has attained during her no-doubt illustrious career, and I glance at them as I make my way to her wide desk, which is positioned a few feet away from the window.
“Take a seat,” she says, nodding to the chair positioned on this side of the desk, and I perch on the edge, surprised by how nervous I feel.
“Is something wrong?” I ask.
She looks up at me, and then refers to a piece of paper in front of her, her lack of response doing nothing to calm my anxiety.
What on earth can I have done?
Miss Montgomery takes her time, clearing her throat before she raises her eyes to mine.
“I’m sure you appreciate that, in a small town like this, the reputation of the school and its staff is of paramount importance,” she says, resting her hands on the desk in front of her.
“I’d have thought that was the case, whether the town was small or large.” I’m surprised by how strong my voice sounds, considering my stomach is turning somersaults.
“Yes. But in a small town, there’s nowhere to hide, and we have to be whiter than white.”
“Are you saying I’m not?”
“I’m saying that’s why I’m so disappointed in you.”
