by Michelle Day
He sat and opened a file in front of him. “Unfortunately Miss Young, Mr Jensen, Gavin’s expulsion is conclusive. I’ve called you in because I think it’s important to discuss his educational options from here. I have made some calls and there are two other schools willing to trial Gavin. I feel perhaps the mix of pupils here wasn’t a suitable match for him and he may continue to excel academically elsewhere. Your son is an exceptional student. In that way he gives us no bother whatsoever. When it comes to things like sport and outdoor time in the quad however, it’s quite another matter. He is competitive and combative and his temper is quite something to see. I am happy to help you obtain a placement in another school but I also strongly suggest you seek some sort of counselling for his temper.”
Sitting in Carmen’s car after a hefty session debating what would happen from here, the family sat quietly contemplating.
“Counselling for his temper?” Paul finally spoke.
Gavin looked up at his father from the back seat. He was quite proud of himself for keeping it together in the head teachers’ office as he explained in minute detail what had happened the previous day even though going over it again started his blood boiling and he found himself clenching his fists.
Looking across the car, glancing at Gavin before facing Paul. “I think it’s an avenue we should explore.”
“I don’t need counselling.” Gavin blurted causing both his parents to turn and look at him.
“The only reason you haven’t been arrested is because of your age. I think your mother is right. You need help beyond what we can give you.”
“That’s fucked up.”
“Watch your mouth young man.” Carmen admonished. She turned back to Paul. “I’ll look into it and let you know. Now, this first school can see us Monday.”
Shaking his head as he checked his phone, “No good for me. They’ll see us today or he goes elsewhere. In case you’ve forgotten, Gavin and I have a plane to catch on Sunday.”
“He isn’t going to Spain with you.” She wasn’t surprised when they both responded with:
“What?”
“Do you think,” She addressed her son, “That I will reward your current behaviour by letting you flit off on holiday?”
“Come on Carmen, you can’t withdraw his holiday.” Paul attempted to cajole. They both turned as the rear door of the car opened.
“You’re such a bitch.” Gavin spat, slamming the door with such force that it rocked the car, before storming off at a run.
Jumping out of the passenger side, Paul ignored Carmen’s shouted “Leave him.” And took off after his son. Leather soled shoes and a Versace suit were not the ideal clothes to go chasing after a furious and incredibly fit fifteen year old.
Finally catching sight of his son as he made to jump a wall, he called his name, albeit slightly out of breath as he slowed to a stop.
Shocked that someone had actually come after him, Gavin jumped down off the wall and faced his father. “I’m surprised you kept up.” He sneered.
“You underestimate my determination.” Paul grinned. “I always get what I want. Don’t forget that.” Leaning a hand on the wall, he paused to properly catch his breath. “I’m pretty sure I heard mum drive away, looks like you and I are walking home. In that time, you can think up a suitable apology for calling her a bitch. She loves you son and is trying to do what’s right for you.”
Gavin was silent as they began to walk. “Does that include taking away my holiday?” He eventually asked.
“I think so. I’ll try and talk her around but I wouldn’t get your hopes up.”
“I thought you always got what you want.” Gavin chanced a glance at Paul and saw him hide his grin.
“I usually do, however in this instance, I have a feeling I’m going to come up short.” Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket, he continued. “Look at it from our point of view. Do you think you deserve to be allowed to come away with me?”
“I suppose not. I have been in a bit of trouble lately but I work hard at school, I’m never late with homework, I get good marks all the time, doesn’t that count for something?”
“If you hadn’t got expelled, it would count for everything. I think it’s time for you to show some contrition. Maybe, she’ll give in.”
Gavin reached for his key as they neared the house. “She won’t give in. She never does.”
Paul left for home later that evening having made sure his son had a school to go to and failing miserably to change Carmen’s mind about Gavin going to Spain.
Laying on his bed after a further argument with Carmen over his refusal to apologise, Gavin repeatedly threw a tennis ball in the air, making sure to hit the ceiling, safe in the knowledge that the constant, rhythmic thumping would drive his mother crazy, he began to brood. He had been grounded for an undetermined length of time which meant even though they lived in the same house, he was forbidden from hanging out with Novak.
Every time he replayed the argument with Carmen in his head, he became angrier and threw the ball harder. He couldn’t even listen to music as she had removed his stereo and anything he could possibly use to amuse himself.
His bedroom door crashed open, thumping against the wall, making him jump. He threw the ball with more force than necessary causing it to ricochet off the ceiling. He wasn’t quick enough to catch it on the rebound and it thumped into his stomach.
“Dude, get up, we’re going out.” Novak, larger than life and grinning from ear to ear stood in his doorway.
Rubbing his stomach, he slowly sat. “I’m grounded.” He stood and lifted his t-shirt, the red splodge from the ball evident.
“What did you do?” Novak asked, leaning down to look at the red mark.
“The ball hit me.”
“Why didn’t you catch it?”
“Because you scared the fuck out of me by nearly breaking my door down.”
“Dumbass.” Novak grinned. “You are free for a few hours. I have to go and watch some art house film for school. I convinced your mum that it would be educational for you too and she said ok.” He reached out and messed up Gavin’s hair. “I think there were conditions but I took off before she could get started.”
“You rock dude.” Gavin laughed. “How the hell did you manage that?”
Looking confused, Novak cocked his head to one side. “I’m charming.” He stated.
“You are a God.”
“Damn right I am.”
Chapter Thirty Six
Paul’s skin glistened with droplets of water as he hauled himself up onto the boat. He dragged a towel across his hair, drying the worst of the drips. Although she must have felt the boat move under his weight, Suzanne had yet to acknowledge him so he took the opportunity to go to the galley and gather up a bottle of champagne and two crystal glasses.
This boat or rather yacht, was a far cry from the humble cruiser his grandfather had owned. Paul had purchased it on a whim a few years ago and although it had been maintained to the highest standard since he took over ownership, this was the first time he had had the opportunity to take it out to sea.
Suzanne lay stretched out on one of the well acquainted sun beds, her skin turning a lovely golden brown. She sat up when she heard the chink of glasses and the pop of a champagne cork. Smiling up at her bronzed God of a man as she accepted the glass of amber liquid, she couldn’t help but notice his somewhat stiff demeanour.
Instead of sitting beside her, he perched his behind against the safety railing and sipped his champagne as he looked at her. For this moment alone, he was happy that Carmen had refused to let Gavin come away with them.
“This is where it all started Suzie. Where we began.” He spoke softly, remembering. “I knew then that one day we would make this work. My only regret is how long it’s taken, how much time we have wasted but here we are, finally together, in it for the long haul.” He pushed off from the railing and placed his glass on the table next to her. She had yet to speak but she watche
d him closely as he reached behind the cushion of his sun bed and dropped down onto one knee. “I will do anything in my power to make you the happiest woman alive. I want to be your everything like you are mine. I love you Suzie. I would be truly, deeply honoured if you would agree to become my wife.” He opened the dark blue velvet box in his hand and pulled the tear drop shaped diamond ring from it. Then he waited.
He waited some more and then a little longer before she swung her legs over the edge of the sunbed and closed her hand over his. “Yes. God yes. I want nothing more than to be Mrs Jensen.” She held her hand out and smiled as he slid the ring onto her finger. “I’m going to need a bodyguard to wear this in public.”
“It’s just a trinket. A token of my affection.” Re-filling their glasses, he raised his in a toast. “To us.”
Echoing his words, she held her hand out in front of her, completely mesmerised by the gem adorning it. She loved diamonds, for her there was no other stone but never had she imagined owning a gem such as this. Saying it was huge did it an injustice of magnificent proportions. The central pear shaped diamond was big enough in itself but it was surrounded by smaller ones that caught the sun and reflected it back onto the larger stone. The shoulders of the white gold band were also diamond encrusted, making her finger a beacon bright enough to warn ships of impending doom on the reef. It must have made a terrific dent in his bank account.
“Trinket my arse.” She looked at him. “This screams this woman is mine. I love it”
Grinning stupidly at her comment, he had been going for just that. If he could have got her a ring that shouted from the rooftops “Property of Paul Jensen” he would have but he thought it might have been a bit too much for her delicate hand.
“You are mine and there’s plenty more where that came from.”
“It must have cost a fortune.”
Reaching out, he pinched her lips together, shaking his head. “You never have to worry about the price of anything ever again. Even if the club failed and the gardening business went catastrophically in the shitter, money is something we will never have to worry about. I have enough squirrelled away to last four lifetimes and then some so from now on, no more talk of how expensive things are.” He released her lips and leaned in to kiss her.
“You have offshore bank accounts don’t you?”
“What? Avoid paying tax on my wealth? Me? Never! I’m an upstanding, fully paid up member of society.” He was laughing and nodding his head as he denied everything.
Moving from her sun bed onto his lap, she wrapped her arms around him as she laughed “I knew it.” Resting her hand on his bronzed chest, she found it difficult to take her eyes from the diamond glistening on her finger. She straightened her back and faced him. “I love you Paul Jensen. Not for anything you can give me, not for whatever amount of wealth you have amassed but for you. The boy who wasn’t ashamed to stare at my boobs or flirt with me when his sister wasn’t looking, for the young man who knew he wasn’t ready to commit even though deep down that’s all he wanted and for the man you have become.” She wrapped her legs around him as she kissed him, pouring every ounce of feeling she had into him.
He leaned into the kiss, holding her tight. His whole life in this moment with this woman, knowing he had made the right choice. He had never been so certain of anything in his life.
Burying her face in his neck, breathing in his scent, she sighed with contentment before stiffening and sitting up again. “My parents are going to freak.” She told him.
Paul stood, carefully placing her back on the sunbed before downing his entire glass of champagne in one gulp. “It must be such a disappointment when your daughter marries a millionaire.”
“It’s not about the money for them.”
“No, it’s because they think I ruined your perfect marriage. I didn’t touch you when you were married to him. I wanted too. I’d have given anything to swoop in, your knight in a shiny black Porsche to save you from the drudgery of life with him but no, I kept my distance.”
Giggling from a mixture of his words and the champagne on an empty stomach, Suzanne came to her feet, pressing herself in to him. “My knight in a shiny black Porsche?” She asked. “I’m not sure the armour would have fit inside.”
It was amazing how the feel of sun warmed breasts pressed into him could break the tension and lighten his mood. “I’d have found a way.”
Three weeks into life at his new school, Gavin was bored. He rolled his eyes as his mother explained to the head teacher that it was completely out of character for him to be disruptive in class. He sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping when he was told he would spend the rest of the week working from the head teachers’ office. It worked to his advantage as the head quickly realised how adept and advanced Gavin was and made arrangements for him to join the sixth form upon his return to the school’s population the following Monday.
Being moved up two whole years brought about its own problems. Gavin found it easier to relate to the older pupils but they in turn resented him and his work ethic, especially when he maintained excellent grades with ease.
Sitting on the wall outside the house with his good buddy James, Novak dropped his backpack into the front garden as they waited for Gavin to come home.
Novak had had a very fruitful but late night causing him to oversleep. Leaving the house late, he was now locked out having forgotten his key and with both his mother and Gavin’s at work, he found himself waiting.
His animated conversation with James continued as he spotted Gavin but he stopped mid-sentence when he saw another boy closing in on his friend.
“Oh no, don’t do that.” Novak said as the other boy reached for Gavin making James lean around him to watch. “Dude, you really don’t want to do that.” He continued his narration as the stranger took hold of a handful of Gavin’s hair and wrenched his head back.
Gavin whirled around as his head was released, instantly fired up and ready to fight, he snarled at one of his new classmates who now seemed to see the error of his ways and took off at a run, Gavin hot on his heels.
Flinging his backpack in the general direction of his home, Gavin put his head down and chased the other boy.
“Bollocks.” Novak spat as he got to his feet. “Don’t they realise I’m on a sure thing tonight?” He asked rhetorically as James retrieved the contents of Gavin’s bag. “I can’t go turning up battered and bruised.” He sighed dramatically as he eased into a run.
He caught up with the pair just as Gavin got a hand hold on the back of the fleeing boys shirt. Wrapping one arm around his friend’s rib cage, Novak planted his feet, hauled Gavin backwards and reached for his assailant. “I won’t be rescuing you again dude so don’t go starting shit you can’t finish.” He warned, giving the other boy a healthy shake before shoving him away.
Turning back to the house, heaving a struggling Gavin with him, he finally lowered his friend to the ground and gave him a shove. “Thanks Novak, sorry I nearly fucked up your evening by getting you grounded by association.” He mimicked Gavin’s voice while saying what he wanted to hear. “Don’t be a twat Gav, get in the house.”
“He started it.” Gavin sulked. Thanking James for grabbing his things from the floor and pulling in vain at the broken zip on his bag, he found his door key. “Thanks bro.” He looked at the taller, calmer boy beside him.
Novak smiled, his agitation already forgotten. “Anytime Gav.”
The boy who had misguidedly been egged into following Gavin home and seeing just what it took to push his buttons was mysteriously absent from school for the rest of the week much to Gavin’s amusement. He could only presume that the way he had reacted was the reason he stayed away. He kept his head down and tried to ignore the jibes from the other pupils but it was getting to him and they could see it.
Returning to school on Monday morning, Gavin spied the boy who had grabbed him in the midst of a group of other students. He kept his eyes averted but his blood was still boiling fr
om the incident as well as the constant shoves and nudges he received as the others tried to get him to rise to the bait. It seemed the reason for his expulsion had become common knowledge.
Someone slammed into him, a petite red head who had done nothing more than trip. Helping her upright as she apologised and blushed. His mood was lightened somewhat by her charming blush and he couldn’t help but smile but it was short lived as the group of approaching older students laughed and jeered.
The girl scuttled away as Gavin turned to face the group, keeping his face a mask of impassivity. He continued to walk forward and didn’t miss a beat as he swiftly kicked his previous assailant in the crotch. When the boy buckled forward, Gavin brought his knee up sharply, forcing his head back up whereon he delivered a single punch to his already bleeding face before shaking out his hand and walking on, glancing down to see if his knuckles had split open, pleased to see the skin still intact.
So swift was the attack that those on the periphery of the group missed it. To the casual passer-by, it seemed to be completely unprovoked. The group that gathered around the moaning and bleeding boy drew the attention of the teachers and it wasn’t long before Gavin was apprehended within the corridors of the school.
“Gavin’s been expelled.”
Paul had a huge case of déjà vu over Carmen’s opening gambit. “Again? What for? No, don’t answer that, I can guess.”
“We need to do something about him.”
“I thought you were looking in to that.” Paul scratched the side of his nose, his concentration distracted by Suzanne in a bikini as she prepared to try out the freshly filled and heated pool.
“He’s in therapy. So far it’s not working.”
“Give it time, something will get through to him. Do you want me to come up?”
“No. I don’t think there’s any point. The only school that will take him now is the one Luke attends. That in itself might be a good thing. Luke has a calming effect on Gavin and besides, Helen has her first lot of foster children arriving today, there’s no longer a spare room so you’ll be relegated to the sofa when you come to visit.”