Mr. Masters (Mr. 1)

“This isn’t his fault,” I snap. “Don’t try and blame him. The school counsellor, which is you, should have been aware of a problem long before I got involved. She is in your care and one of you should have noticed and called Mr. Masters to discuss what’s been going on here. If a child has no friends, it’s a huge issue.”

The counsellor lifts his chin defiantly. “I can assure you that I’m aware of it now and we will be handling it.”

“How, exactly?” I snap. “And I want to know what you are going to do about the bullying. Willow is being attacked daily about her mother’s passing and we will not tolerate it.”

The headmaster and counsellor exchange looks.

“Are you aware of the destructive effects of bullying on young teenagers, and how deeply it’s linked with depression?” I ask.

“Yes… but—”

“There are no buts! I want the girls reprimanded for saying what they did to her.”

“It wasn’t on school grounds.”

“I don’t care,” I hiss, losing my temper. “This simply isn’t good enough. I warned you before that if I have to bring the police into the school to press charges, I will.”

“Miss Johnston, please calm down.”

I glance over at Julian who is still staring at the carpet, lost in a world of regret.

For God’s sake, he’s useless.

I scramble through my handbag and retrieve the piece of paper I have brought from home. “Here, these are the three girls involved. I would like a meeting with their parents as soon as possible.”

Emily Edwards

Michella Topan

Kiara McCleary

Teigan Hoslop

Bethany Maken

Karen Visio

The headmaster’s face falls as he sees the names. “I’m sorry, this isn’t going to be possible. This matter is confidential, and until something happens on school grounds, the parents and children won’t be involved.” “What?” I snap in horror. “This is simply not good enough. I don’t want another incident. She can’t take another incident. More to the point, she shouldn’t have to.” I hit Julian on the leg to drag him out of his daze.

“There won’t be another incident, because if there is, I’ll personally have you charged with neglect of a minor who has been placed in your care.” He growls.

The headmaster sits back in his seat, unsure what to say next.

Julian stands. “I’ll be back next Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. to meet all of her teachers in this office.” He pauses as he glares at the two men, and they wither under his glare. “Are we clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“If one thing—one more thing—is said to my daughter about her deceased mother, I’ll bring Hell and all its fire down on those involved.”

The two men glance at each other.

Julian glares at them intensely, and then he turns and storms out of the door.

I smile proudly. That’s my man.

I power walk to catch up with him. He marches to the car, not forgetting to open my door for me.

Ah, ever the gentleman even when furious.