Page 16 of Lessons in Life

‘Coming.’ I hesitated, unwilling to leave Blane when he so obviously needed someone to talk to. Once Dave had set off back down the corridor to the staffroom, I turned back to the kid who was now yawning but making little attempt to move. ‘What’s up, Blane? Tell me.’

‘They’re after me.’ Blane’s head was bent into his frayed shirt collar, his words muffled.

‘Who’s after you?’ Disregarding protocol re no physical contact (unless it was in order to restrain a pupil) I put out a hand to Blane’s arm.

‘It’s nowt, miss.’

‘Blane, it’s obviouslysomething.’

‘Nah, it’s fine. I’m getting off home.’ And with that, he stood, kept his head down and left the classroom.

Hell, something else to worry about. I gathered my bags and laptop and headed for the staffroom.

* * *

‘I’ll cook,’ Jess said. ‘If Fabian’s coming over.’

‘Don’t be silly, you’ve been working all day up at Hudson House.’ I frowned.

‘You don’t get it, do you?’ Jess shook her head in my direction. ‘Cooking, for me, is relaxation. Bring Fabian round about seven.’

I laughed at that. ‘You just want to show off how much better a cook you are than he is.’

‘Shedoes, Aunty Robyn.’ Ten-year-old Lola grinned. ‘She pretends she doesn’t show off about her cooking, but she does, you know. And ever since she beat Fabian in that Christmas cooking competition, she’s been wanting to show off again. You know, show him it wasn’t just a… what’s the word?’ Lola pulled a face. ‘Fluke, that’s it. Wants to show him how good shereallyis.’

Jess went pink and was about to defend herself when, instead, she tutted as the kitchen door opened. ‘Well, just look what the wind’s blown in.’

‘Grandpa!’ Lola threw herself into Jayden’s arms and he put down his bag, swinging her round.

‘You obviously think you’re staying.’ Jess nodded towards his overnight case.

‘I’ve come to see you all.’ Jayden grinned his usual infectious gap-toothed smile that had beguiled women and broken hearts throughout his life. ‘Should have been flying into Newcastle this afternoon – got a gig up there tomorrow evening – but the plane was diverted – bad weather apparently – so we flew into Manchester. Bit worried about the snow, to be honest, although the rest of the band have carried on straight up to the North East. So, great opportunity to pop in and see my family.’

Jess snorted slightly but turned it into a cough as Lola continued to hug Jayden.

‘And, bonus,’ Jayden continued, ‘I finally get to meet this man of yours, Robyn. I hear he’s coming over. You’ve kept him under wraps long enough.’

‘Mum knows you’re here, does she?’ I asked.

‘Yes, I’ve been round there for the last hour. Had a cup of tea with her. She says I can’t stay there.’ Jayden’s words held an air of surprise. ‘No room at the inn, she says. Have to say, girls, your mum’s looking fantastic. She looks so much better than when I saw her last month. This consultant of yours, Matt, is it, Jess? Obviously knows what he’s doing.’

‘He does,’ Jess said pointedly.

‘She’s a fine-looking woman is your mum,’ Jayden said, sitting down and making himself comfortable. ‘You know, she could be your big sister rather than your mum. Hmm, a bit strange, that,’ he went on, almost to himself, ‘her saying I can’t stay round there.’

I glanced across at Jess, exchanging looks: this must be the first time ever Mum had turned Jayden away.

‘She’s finally, after all these years, seeing some sense, Jayden,’ Jess said curtly. ‘So, I suppose you’re wanting my box room here, then, for the night?’

‘Well, I can always book into the Premier Inn down in town or The Green Dragon in the village.’

‘Good, do that, then,’ Jess suggested. ‘Means I don’t have to change the sheets in the morning.’

‘No,’ Lola pleaded. ‘Let Grandpa stay.I’llchange the sheets if you’re too busy. So, how many’s that for tea? I’ll go and lay the table and have a go at the poinsettia napkin folding I’ve been practising.’ Lola counted on her fingers: ‘Grandpa and Granny; Aunty Robyn and Fabian; Mum, me, Matt and Sorrel. Shall I get out the best cutlery, Mum?’

‘Matt’s on duty at the hospital, Lola,’ Jess said, ‘so just lay for seven. And, seeing there’s so many of us…’

‘Look, Jess, forget me and Fabian coming round,’ I protested, feeling guilty at putting her to all this work.

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