Words Left Unsaid (Love Hurts 3)

“Ah.” She grins. “Anna has tried that once or twice,” she adds, ruffling her daughter’s hair.

“So, I’m glad to hear you’re all better, Anna. Are you looking forward to starting back at school?” I ask her.

She shrugs, pushing her dark bangs from her eyes.

“She’s missed nearly four weeks with a pretty serious kidney infection. But she’s been doing work Miss. Walker has been sending home for her, so I think she’ll be okay with keeping up.”

“Miss. Walker?” I say, raising my eyebrows.

Kelly nods. “She’s a bright kid. I don’t think there will be any issue with her keeping up. I’m happy to spend a little extra time tutoring her if she needs it, but I honestly don’t think she will.”

“Okay, then we’re sorted.” I say, wondering why the meeting was organized in the first place. Surely Kelly could’ve sorted this out herself? “She can come back whenever she’s ready.”

“Thanks, Mr. Wilson.” Mrs. Forster stands up and puts her hand out.

I take it and smile at her warmly. “Anytime.”

Chapter Eight

Kiara

I’m nervous when I walk through the halls after class to pick up Tilly. I’ve never had to meet a teacher about her behavior before, and I’m not sure what to expect. I’d met Ms. Walker once before at a student-teacher night, and while she was nice, I’m stressed about how much Tilly isn’t telling me.

Her version of the story is that Jimmy and Tommy were teasing her again. She told Ms. Walker, who pretty much dismissed her complaints. The boys wouldn’t let up so Tilly took matters into her own hands and pushed Jimmy. What worries me is the wording of the letter. Telling me that my kid’s behavior is appalling and that the school has a zero policy on violence feels a bit extreme. She’s five years old, for God’s sake, and they started this. Where’s their zero tolerance on bullying?

At three forty-five, I knock lightly on the door. Tilly looks up from her bookwork where she sits in the middle of the empty classroom, her face lighting up.

“Mommy!” she squeals, pushing her seat back.

“Matilda,” Ms. Walker says sternly from the front of the room.

Tilly’s head drops as she slumps in her chair. Who does this woman think she is?

“Come over here and give me a hug,” I say, purposely shooting a sour look in her teacher’s direction.

Tilly nods and swoops into my arms. “I don’t wanna get in trouble,” she whispers in my ear.

“You’re not in trouble, princess,” I say, stroking her cheek. “Just remember what we talked about. Hitting people is never allowed, okay?”

She nods solemnly, her wide eyes not leaving mine.

“So,” I say, turning my attention to Ms. Walker, “I’ve heard her side of the story. I’m assuming you have a different one?”

“Actually, the principal, Mr. Wilson, has requested to be the one to speak to you.” Her tone is clipped, and I wonder if her cold attitude is directed at me or at Tilly. Either way, I can’t work out this woman’s problem.

“Great,” I say, taking Tilly’s hand. “And where will I find him?”

“I’ll take you to his office,” she mumbles, sighing as if we’re the biggest inconvenience in the world.

I make faces at Tilly as we walk down the hallway. She giggles, causing Ms. Walker to shoot us an annoyed look. The next few faces I direct at her back make Tilly hysterical. I know I’m being childish, but this woman’s holier-than-thou attitude is pissing me the hell off.

“Just take a seat and I’ll have Rana tell him you’re here.” She walks over and whispers something to the receptionist, whom I can only guess is Rana. Ms. Walker then turns on her heel and stalks out of the room without even acknowledging us.

“Is your teacher always like that?” I ask Tilly.

“Yep.” She nods, rolling her eyes.

Why would you want to teach children if you’re going to act like that around them? I shake my head and try to put her out of my mind.