Page 36 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

Day One of parent-teacher interviews has been a success. But it hasn’t come without its range of emotions.

I put away my paperwork and flop into my chair. Tension tight in my shoulders, my stomach growls, a reminder of how little I’ve eaten today. I’ve been snacking whenever I get the chance, rather than having a proper meal.

I dig my phone out from my bag and find a text from Jerry at 3:12 p.m. today. My heart pounds as memories of yesterday spring to mind.Parking. We totally did that.

Jerry: I’m showered and smelling good. Fancy dinner tonight?

Oh, Jerry. You have no idea how much I need to see you. It’s been a long day. The thought of seeing him has me giddy.And salivating in response to how good he smells.

Me: I’d love dinner. Where and when?

Jerry: Pick you up at 6.30? That work for you?

I love that he’s old school like that. When I’ve dated in the past, there were no pick-ups in the early stages but mutual meeting places. Guess this is dating in a small town.Manners matter.

Me: That’d be great. See you then

A soft knock raps at the door, and Principal Young enters. “Ah, Liv. You’re still here.” He loosens his maroon striped tie.

I stand and smooth my hands down the front of my skirt.How is it I still get nervous when he walks into my classroom?

“Gareth. Hi.” I smile. “I’ve just finished my last interview for the day.”And I’m busting to get out of here. Hot farmer awaits...

“Hmm, that’s what I’ve come to see you about.” His tone is flat, but I sense a hint of disappointment.

My heart jumps out of rhythm. “Oh. Okay.”

He motions towards a chair. “Please.”

We sit where Campbell and I did moments ago. “Ms Masters is quite upset that you haven’t made time to meet with her this week.”

“I’m sorry?” I pull up the interview schedule on my phone, noting the absence of her name. All parents must book interviews online. I’ve made myself available every morning and afternoon this week to accommodate parents. There were enough slots to cover every student. “Did she have trouble with the booking system?”

A weary sigh leaves his lips. “I don’t know, she just said you haven’t made contact with her.”

It takes every ounce of my being to suppress the growl clawing its way up my throat. I put a big red box around a reminder in last week’s class newsletter to parents. “Please contact me if none of the offered sessions work”. Not everyone can easily cut their work hours short, and I’m happy to be flexible.

“That’s true, but I’ve sent out a couple of emails to parents.” I don’t have the capacity to contact every parent and make sure they sign up for interviews. It’s not compulsory.

Gareth hums. “I appreciate you doing that, I do, but there are some parents who need a little”—He scratches his temple—“massaging. Ms Masters needs to know that you’re doing your job.”

Doing my job? Is she kidding? I grit my teeth at the insinuation I’m not performing. I’m working my butt off, and if she’d asked Lucas, she’d know I’ve spent more time with him since her complaint, ensuring he’s being challenged; from locating take-home readers above his age group to providing advanced spelling words and complex math problems. What else can I do? This is year one, not high school.

I close my eyes for a beat and try to calm the storm raging inside. Gareth pushes a soft smile to his lips.

“I assure you, I’m doing my job, Gareth. To the best of my ability.”

His shoulders drop, and a tight smile tilts his mouth. “I know you are.”

I straighten my spine. Do your job, swallow your pride, and contact her. “Okay. I’ll ring her now. I’ll sort it out.”

He retrieves a yellow Post-it note from the pocket of his navy blazer. Her name and number are scrawled on it.As if she had to give out the number again, as if I’m so incompetent.

“She asked if you’d call at seven a.m. tomorrow.”

Oh, beauty.I’ll barely have sipped my morning coffee.Can I handle her at that hour, barely caffeinated?

I stand. “Sure. I’ll call her and work out an interview time. I won’t let you down.”

---