Page 78 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

Chapter Twenty-Four

Liv

Even as an adult, ateacher on staff no less, going to the principal’s office still takes me back to moments in high school when I was sure I was going to get detention.

Gareth stands behind his timber desk and waves me in. The room is large for an office but feels closed in with every wall lined with bookcases loaded with faded books and folders. “Ah, Liv. You wanted to see me?”

I sit in a grey bucket chair opposite him and wipe my damp palms down the front of my skirt. “Yes, I did.”

“Oh, I need to update you on the complaint.”

I swallow hard as my stomach churns. The damp smell of musty carpet doesn’t help. Nor does the hint of mouldy lunchboxes in the lost and found in the next room. “Yes?”

“The investigation has been finalised.”

I swallow again, as if shards of glass are lodged in my throat.

He offers me a smile, which briefly meets his eyes. “Claims were unfounded, and the complaint has been closed. I’d hardly say you were extravagant in the use of resources.”

When he’d questioned me last week about what resources I’d used from the supply cupboard, I had hoped he’d see reason. I’d never take more than my share, leaving another class without.

“So, what happens now?”

“A record of it will go on your personnel file. That’s policy, I’m afraid. But the good news is we can get on with things, and you can get back to the very important business of teaching first-graders.”

“Thank you. I’m glad it’s over.”

“Now. What is it you wanted to see me about?”

Instinctively my hands go to my stomach. It’s taken me a week since the ultrasound to psyche myself up for this conversation. My recent appointment with the midwife, assuring me everything is perfect and on track, was the push I needed. At fourteen weeks, I’m showing, and my skirts are getting tight.

“I’m pregnant,” I blurt before I chicken out.

His thin lips part, a hushed breath escaping. Silence stretches between us, so I continue to fill the awkward void with words.

“I’m due December nineteen,” I continue. “I’m not sure how far I’ll be able to work into term four.”

He frowns and leans back in his high-backed chair, his index finger worrying at his bottom lip. “I didn’t realise you were in a relationship.”

Wow. How about congratulations?

I straighten my spine. “I’m not.”

“Oh.”

My stomach quivers. Is my boss the kind of man who thinks a woman can’t raise a child on their own? Because I can, and I will. The thought is scary as hell, but I’ll give it everything I can.

“I only ask because once the students know your news, there will be questions.”

“I’m sorry,” I say and mentally slap myself. Why should I be sorry? This is life, and whilst this situation is unexpected—

“No.” He shakes his head. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t prepared for the news, and I’ve gone straight into Principal mode thinking about relief teachers and finalising semester reports.”

“I’ll work as long as I can, whenever the doctor says it’s safe to work up until.”

He holds up a hand, open palm facing me. “We’ll manage. The important thing is your health. I’ll contact Rosie in administration and ask her to get in touch with you if that’s okay?”

“Sure.”

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