Tracks

by Karen Woods

  ‘I feel Ged’s making good progress in most of his subjects and if we can get him to study just a bit more, I’m sure he could get some decent grades when he sits his exams.’

  Clare didn’t give a flying shit about his exams right now, they were the last thing on her mind. She jabbed a finger in her son’s direction. ‘Something’s up. He’s turned into a cheeky little bastard, his attitude stinks. You should hear the way he speaks to me at home now. He sits here in front of you two like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth, but he speaks to me as if I am less than a stranger in the street. That’s when he’s even at home, not off hanging out God knows where. He was never this bad, he’s changed, and most of the time I don’t even know him anymore. I need help with him before I lose the plot.’

  Ged was trying his best to hold it together, but he was struggling, temper rising. Donny clocked the signs instantly.

  ‘Ms Grey, just calm down. I know you’re angry but let’s keep our voices down and try and deal with this the best we can…’

  But Clare was livid; she’d started and there was no way she wasn’t going to finish. ‘I work all the hours that God sends, so he can have a good life and when he is actually home, all he does is moan or play on that game all night. His bedroom is a shit-tip and he just treats the house as if it’s a bleeding hotel—’

  Ged had had enough, she was doing his head in. He didn’t care who else was in the room.

  ‘Mam, wind your neck in. How embarrassing are you? Shut up, will you?’

  That was it. Clare was going for gold. She sprang to her feet, ready to throttle him. ‘You see what I have to put up with? He needs anger management. It was bad enough before. But now it’s like he’s changed overnight. One minute he is the son that I love, a decent lad. Now he’s just a cheeky bastard who doesn’t give a toss about anyone but himself.’

  Tina took control of the situation. This wasn’t how she had planned the meeting at all.

  ‘Ged, would you agree that things haven’t been that good at home? You can see how upset your mother is.’

  Ged didn’t get why he was the one at fault. ‘She’s the one who started it. Every time I speak about my dad, she disrespects him and calls him a fucking idiot. Go on, Mam, tell them you said he was just a sperm donor, that he’s never been a dad.’

  Clare raised her hand to her throat, his words choking her. Donny sent Ged across to the other side of the room before they started laying into each other. He meant business now; this was his school with his rules, not a bleeding boxing ring. No wonder the kids here had problems when their parents were just as hot-headed as their children. Tina poured Clare a glass of cold water.

  ‘Here you go, it will help you calm down. Might I suggest that we just have a five-minute breather so everyone can calm down?’

  Donny nodded. ‘Come on, Ged, let’s me and you go and grab a bit of fresh air for a few minutes. We’ll sort this mess out, don’t worry.’

  Ged stood up – it was clear he was about to snap. ‘Just get me out of here away from her. It’s her fault winding me up all the time. She’s a crank.’

  ‘Come on, let’s get that fresh air,’ Donny steered him out of the room.

  Tina sat facing Clare and passed her some tissues; she was sobbing now. She lifted her head up and looked at Tina directly. ‘I love Ged with all my heart, but I can’t cope with him anymore. He’s started coming home at all hours and some nights he doesn’t even bother coming in at all. My nerves are shattered with him. I keep thinking I’ll get a knock at the door telling me he’s been found dead in some alleyway or something. The streets are dangerous, and I don’t want him getting mixed up with the wrong kind of people. His dad was the same; he was a follower and look what happened to him. I don’t want that for my Ged. I want him to get a good job and make something of himself. I don’t want him ending up in jail.’

  Tina was sympathetic. God knows she knew how hard bringing up a teenager up could be. ‘I agree with you. Ged’s got so much going for him. Like I said, he’s doing OK and if he gets his head down, he will get decent results. Do you think a lot of this anger is to do with his dad? I know it’s hard to admit, but sometimes we have to let our children see for themselves what the other parent is really like.’

  If only she could have followed her own advice, Tina thought. Maybe it was time to take the gloves off and encourage Nevaya to have a proper relationship with her birth mother. Maybe then she’d see what she was like with her own two eyes and then it could be put to bed once and for all.

  Clare dabbed the crumpled white tissue into the corner of her eyes. ‘Kevin is out of jail next week and I’m scared to death of what will happen. Ged loves his dad, but he doesn’t know him like I do. He’ll let him down, he always does.’

  Sometimes silence was for the best. Tina knew the value of that bit of thinking time that slows the heartbeat down and lets people gather their thoughts together. Clare had clearly been struggling with all this for days, maybe weeks, and now that she’d got it out, she would feel that maybe something could change. Mothers who came into school were usually like that; they’d shout and scream but after they’d said their piece and felt like someone had actually listened to them, they’d start to calm down. Tina had seen this situation time and time again. The kids were growing up, finding their own paths in life. It was scary for them too, hormones flying all over the place, they didn’t know if they were coming or going either.

  Clare looked out of the window and sniffed. ‘I don’t know what to do for the best. I feel like a failure as a parent. I’ve let him down. I should be at home with him every night making sure he’s safe, but I have to go to work, I have to pay the bills. It’s just me on my own, nobody else, just me.’

  Tina was aware that she’d have to mention to Clare that as Ged was a minor, she shouldn’t be leaving him on his own every night, but for now she put it on the back burner.

  Outside, Ged walked away from the school with a fag hanging out of his mouth. The nicotine seemed to be calming him down.

  Donny’s voice was low and steady as he walked with him. ‘So, do you want to tell me what’s going on? Are you blazing the bud or what?’

  Ged knew Donny was a straight talker and didn’t see the point in dodging the question. ‘I just have it to calm me down. I need it when she’s doing my head in.’

  Donny edged closer to him and looked him straight in the eye. ‘Are you selling it? I’m not being funny but looking at the some of the clobber you’ve started wearing – it’s either that or you’ve won the lottery or something. Those clothes cost money, mate, and as far as I can see your mam isn’t the one who’s coughing it up. Low-paid jobs, bills, rent…’

  Ged had his answer ready. ‘They’re not my clothes; my mates borrowed them to me. Like I could afford a Canada Goose coat. They’re about eight hundred quid, where would I get cash like that from?’

  Donny nodded. A calculating look came into his eyes. ‘Just checking. A lot of kids your age get mixed up with drugs – selling and taking them. I just want to make sure there is nothing that I’m missing here.’

  Ged flicked his cigarette to the floor and ground the butt into the tarmac with his heel. ‘Nope, you’re barking up the wrong tree with that. I chill at my mates and get stoned, sure, but I’m not doing anything else.’

  Donny rubbed at his arms. He should have put his coat on. It really wasn’t the weather for a short-sleeved shirt. ‘Shall we go back in now? Listen, Ged, your mam loves you and maybe you should start showing that you appreciate her too. You should be glad she cares about you. Do you know how many kids I deal with whose parents are not bothered where their kids are or what they’re doing?’

  Ged sighed and kicked the pavement. More anger. ‘I just want my dad to come home. Everything was great when he was with us. My mam didn’t have to go to work all the time and it was good having two parents at home.’

 
‘Lots of kids just have one parent who cares for them. If I’m being honest, I’d say over seventy-five per cent of kids coming to this school only have a mum at home, some kids don’t even know who their dads are. Imagine that, not knowing who your old man was?’

  Ged digested what Donny had said. He was quieter now. ‘She has to realise that I’m not a kid anymore. I want to live my life and if I make mistakes, then I’ll have to deal with the consequences myself, not her. She’s not stopping me from having a relationship with my old man, no fucking way in this world. He’s looking forward to spending some time with me. He’s told me how sorry he is for the way things have turned out and I believe him. My mam just needs to give him a chance. He still loves her; he’s told me he’ll always love her. It’s just her being a stubborn cow.’

  Donny realised that this went a lot deeper than he’d first anticipated. He could give all the advice in the world, but it seemed that this had the potential to get a lot worse before it got any better. ‘Come on then, let’s go and face the music and see if you can patch things up with your mam. Remember what I’ve just said. Your mother only cares about you, that’s why she’s stressing.’

  Ged remained silent as he followed Donny back into the building.

  As Donny walked back up the corridor with Ged dawdling behind him, he spotted a woman sat on one of the chairs in the reception area, with a young teenager next to her. She seemed familiar, but he couldn’t quite place her. He turned to Ged to hurry him along. ‘Come on, lad, you’ll have it dark.’

  As Donny and Ged returned, Tina could tell by the head teacher’s expression that there would be no more shouting and screaming in this room today. She pointed to the chair facing her and asked Ged to sit back down. The ball was in his court now and it was up to him to make the first move. He coughed and sat forward in the chair, nervously playing with his fingers.

  ‘Mam, I’ll start to clean up my act and speak to you better. I need to talk to you about my dad when we get home, not here, that’s our business. I don’t think you know how much it’s affecting me; it hurts.’

  Clare looked at him. Her son was right, this was nothing to do with school; it was a private matter, nothing really to do with anyone except the family. ‘OK. I just don’t want any more shouting and screaming. It’s making me ill. We need to sit down and speak to each other with a bit of respect.’

  Donny raised his eyebrows at his colleague. Tina started to talk about the subjects Ged was struggling with and by the end of the meeting a new learning plan was put in place. Hopefully, when the two of them got home they would talk about Kevin’s release from jail without it turning into another dog fight.

  When Ged had gone back to class, Donny and Tina walked Clare to the door. After the enforced intermission they were already fifteen minutes late for their next meeting. Tina nudged Donny.

  ‘I’ll go and get the new kid and his mam from reception. Follow me up when you’ve finished.’

  Donny pulled her aside. ‘Do us a favour. I have to nip out, can you take the next meeting? I just have to drop some money off for Susan.’

  Tina nodded her head. ‘OK, but you owe me one. Go on, get gone, before I change my mind.’

  Donny patted her on the arm and hurried off. He could hear Tina’s heels clipping down the corridor as she headed to the reception area to meet the new pupil. He wondered what their story would be. No one – teacher or pupil – wound up here without a tale to tell.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Donny walked into Susan’s salon and took a seat in one of the silver crushed velvet bucket chairs. He smiled as he looked around, silver glitter walls, huge silver mirrors, proper glamorous. The girls loved it when Susan’s husband came in – he was great with the banter. Chrissy the receptionist smiled at him.

  ‘I’ll let her know you’re here, she’s just doing a spray tan.’

  Donny crossed his legs and unwrapped the tin foil containing his lunch.

  ‘I’ve told the missus that I will do all the spray tans in future but she’s having none of it. I don’t know why, but I reckon I would do a better job than she does. I’ve creosoted a fence before – same thing, isn’t it?’

  Chrissy burst out laughing. ‘You’re a rum bleeder, you are, Donny. I don’t know how she puts up with you.’

  He took a large bite of his food and carried on. ‘She loves me, that’s why. Look at me, who wouldn’t love this face?’ Chrissy shook her head. So much confidence – mind you, he was the full package, good looking, good job, great body, what more could a woman ask for? Chrissy walked to the end of the salon and knocked softly before opening the door slightly.

  ‘Sue, Donny’s here.’

  ‘Can you make him a coffee, Chrissy? Tell him I will be with him shortly.’

  Chrissy closed the door and walked back to deliver the message while Susan left her client to dry off and went into her office where Sadie was looking through a magazine. They both looked through the small window at Donny talking to the girls; he was like a kid in a sweet shop.

  Sadie shook her head.

  ‘He’s a cheeky fucker, look at him acting like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Fucking ruin him, Susan. It’s about time us ladies showed these men that they can’t walk all over us. I’m sick of them taking the piss, destroy him, take him for every penny.’

  Susan nodded. ‘Don’t you worry, love, he’s going to think he’s been hit by a two-ton bus when I’ve finished with him. I’ve already got plans for his Rolex – it’s his pride and joy. The moment he puts it down, it’s going missing. Trust me Sadie, this is just the start of it. If he thinks he can have me over again, then he’s got another think coming. I swear to you, I don’t know how I’ve held myself back. I know something’s up, I just need proof. Then – boom.’

  ‘You show him Susan, I’ve never liked the cocky fucker anyway. He’s never really had the time of the day for me. It serves him right and I can’t wait to see the arsehole fall off his pedestal.’

  Susan checked her hair in the mirror. ‘Come on then, I’ll walk you to the door. Remember, act normal, don’t give anything away.’

  ‘My lips are sealed.’

  Donny watched Chrissy make his drink and smiled. His wife ran a tight ship here and it was a successful business. Of course, he’d funded it at the start. His wife had always wanted her own salon and as soon as he’d saved enough money, her dream was the first thing on his list. Her brothers threw a few quid in too, they were always willing to help out, and they liked a good investment. Donny would have much preferred they stayed out of it but, as always, they had to stick their noses in where they didn’t belong. He messed around on his phone as he waited. Not much on the news. He clicked on Facebook. A friend request from Melanie. What the hell was she playing at? Like he’d accept. His wife was on the ball, she knew the friends on his list. Apart from when she’d seen her in the car park, he’d never said a word about Mel to his wife. If she had even the slightest idea that she was trying it on with her man, she would rip her to shreds. Susan would take no shit. If she thought it, then she said it. It was like she had no filter sometimes. And now she’d seen what she looked like he had no doubt that she would put two and two together and come up with six. He knew he’d given her reason to doubt him in the past. But he’d put that behind him. He had other things on his mind.

  He saw Susan and stuffed his phone in his pocket. He’d delete the friend request as soon as he could.

  ‘Two minutes, baby, and I’ll be with you.’ Susan shouted over.

  Donny finished his food and threw the rubbish in the bin.

  ‘No worries, love, whenever you’re ready.’

  Chrissy passed Donny his coffee. ‘There you go, is it still no sugar?’

  He patted his hand on his stomach. ‘Does this body look like it has sugar, Chrissy, come on love. My body is a temple.’

  Donny leant back in his ch
air. The smell in this place was lovely; sweet, floral. His wife was into all this aromatherapy stuff – it was the same at home. Susan re-emerged with her client and walked her towards the door, with Sadie close to her side.

  ‘See you soon, honey, and remember, no shower til tomorrow. Let me know how your date goes too, I hope you like him.’

  The middle-aged woman looked optimistic. ‘Thanks so much, Susan. I feel amazing. I hope he likes me too. I need a bit of a tan to cover everything up!’

  Susan put her hand on her client’s shoulder. ‘You stop that negative talk right now. You’re lovely and this man is lucky you are even giving him the time of the day. You get out there and show them all what they’re missing, lovely. Too many men these days take us ladies for granted, so if he’s not ticking the boxes, cart him.’ She darted a look at Donny, making sure he’d heard every word. Donny whistled at the woman.

  ‘You look stunning, love. Like my wife said, any man should be happy to take you out.’

  The woman blushed. ‘Oh stop it. I’m not used to all this attention. My head will burst if you carry on.’

  Susan waved her client off and turned to Sadie. ‘Right, my love, you keep your chin up too.’

  Sadie nodded. ‘I’ll ring you later and thanks for listening, as always.’

  The two of them shared a hug before Sadie left. Donny kept his mouth shut; he knew it would only end in tears if he slated his wife’s best friend again.

  Susan sat down next to her husband. ‘Poor Amy, that last client, has had a bad time lately. She got divorced last year and she’s not been herself for a while. I think she’s been a bit depressed. Anyway, she’s joined a dating agency and she’s got her first date tomorrow night.’ There’s a lot to be said for these agencies. A few people I know are using them to find a partner. I suppose if you work all the time you never get the chance to meet someone new, do you?’ Susan looked piercingly at her husband.

  Donny tried to look sympathetic and thought that buttoning his lip was the best way to avoid trouble.