Page 46 of Come Back To Me

“I see.” Vivian moves in her seat, checking her watch. “Listen, we have five minutes before everyone starts arriving. You need to clear your head. You’re damn good at your job, and I need you here.”

I offer a smile this time, placing my hand on top of hers on the table. “Thank you. I think I… I need to tell her she did nothing wrong, and she needs to know we care for her. I got through to her before she left. I just want the chance to try again.”

“I get that,” Vivian starts. She places her hand on top of mine and leans forward in her chair, looking at me. “But you need to understand that there are children here, at this school, who need you too. If Lauren chooses not to return, I hate to say it, but she’s not your concern, Madison.”

I remain quiet, not prepared to even consider that notion.

Vivian sighs. “At some point, you need to realise that some people just can’t be helped. I’ve worked in this job long enough to know that no matter how hard you try, or how much love you give, sometimes it just isn’t enough.”

The sting in her words pinches, and my throat tightens. Is she just referring to Lauren? My eyes start to fill.

“Maybe take some time to decompress. Step back from this whole Lauren thing and let someone else take over?”

I immediately answer, “No.”

“Madison—”

“—No, please. Trust me. I can get her back on track.”

“I’m not asking you to. I’m asking you to think about yourself. You’ve got a lot on Madison, take the time—”

“—I don’t want time off,” I snap.

There’s a slight pause. “I’m not asking.”

“You’re telling?”

She smiles, wickedly. “Ah, you know me so well now.”

Giving her a blatant eye roll, she winks at me as the door opens, and the people joining us file into the room. Vivian taps my hand, then turns to welcome everyone.

An hour later, Lauren’s still not here. I knew she wouldn’t be, but her uncle didn’t show either. We proceed to talk about the structure and planning of her case, and I’m pleased when I hear that she will be allowed to sit her final exams, even though she’s missed a large chunk of school.

What’s not so good to hear, is because the finer details are not known to the board of men and women sat here, unfortunately I can’t plead her case and prove that the reason for her not attending school is unprecedented.

Meaning she’ll have to work hard if she wants to do well.

Once we’ve said our goodbyes and everyone leaves, Vivian sits back down, picking up right where we left off before the meeting. “Give me your calendar so I know what needs doing.”

“Vivian, no, please, I can handle it.”

“Oh, I know. But it is my job to make sure you are okay. I personally feel as though a week off will do you some good. Tell me, how’s the headache?”

Hurting like a bitch. “It’s fine.” I fake a smile and shake my head.

“Right, and on that lie, I don’t want to see you here ‘til Monday. Got it?”

“Seriously?”

“Deadly.” Her eyes never falter. Her tone, consistently dry.

“What am I supposed to do?”

Vivian stands and starts gathering her things. “You rest. You binge on shitty food. Take a walk, listen to music, bonk. Whatever it takes to destress.”

Bonk. I can’t help but laugh. “Vivian!” I scold.

“What? I might not be a spring chicken anymore, but you know what I’m talking about. A good lay will set you straight. Get Dean to bonk the stress out of you—”

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