Teen Wolf – E-podaroK

Wolf Cub

– Mrs Reynolds, good afternoon! Could you possibly come to school?

– Is something wrong? Is it about Daniel?

– Yes. Theres a rather serious matter to discuss. But please, dont worry, your son is safe. Its just the situation is tricky, and we need you to come as soon as you can.

I put my phone down, befuddled, and looked helplessly at Olivia. Who better to calm me than a good friend?

– Whats up? Liv glanced up from her laptop.

– The school rang. Somethings happened.

– Is Dan all in one piece?

– Seems so.

– Well, then, hes either got into a fight or mouthed off to someone. Its the age, isnt it? Teenagers. When Christine was fifteen, I thought Id lose my mind. We got through it. Calm down, go see whats what. Youll sort it.

Liv returned to her stack of reports, while I sat motionless. Why was I sitting here, wasting time? Anything couldve happened there!

Stuffing my makeup bag, mobile and wallet the one Id just taken out to pay for lunch into my bag, I snatched my coat from the hook.

– Oh! Liv, I

– I know the drill. Go. Ill cover for you.

– Thanks!

Miraculously, the car started straight away, and as I left the office car park, I racked my brain for what might have happened to my son. Dan was a sensible boy a sound lad, as Mrs Carter, the form tutor, had called him a few months after we moved back home and I enrolled him at my old school.

– Good boy, Anna. But I never doubted. Children are a mirror of their parents. Would be odd if your lad turned out otherwise. Only thing is, I do worry hes as honest as you, and that always makes life tough.

All I could do was nod. Mrs Carter did know me a little too well, after all wed spent years sharing the same landing. Morally, she was always Aunt Vera outside school; Mums best friend, champion supplier of illicit sweets to little Anna. She taught me to draw, to read, to play chopsticks on the piano whenever she visited. Birthday parties, bank holidays spent picnicking on the edge of a wood; games until we couldnt run anymore, falling asleep under the oaks, music in the old Ford belonging to Uncle Mike, her husband.

And then there was school. Where Mrs Carter was my form tutor. We played our parts she Aunt Vera at home, Mrs Carter in class, and never once did I let on to my classmates we were anything more than teacher and pupil.

Our parents were friends, and so was I with Alex, her son. People even said wed end up married, but Alex and I just laughed. Sweethearts? Us? We were simply mates.

That friendship endured. I married and moved away. Alex headed east, found his other half, and our rare reunions became precious gems I stored in my memory. Theres nothing like knowing someone as long as you can remember and knowing, whatever happens, youre not alone. Your problems are their problems, too.

It was Alex who helped me when my husband died. Dave was a trucker, strong and athletic, but the disease took him cruelly quick. Despite everything I tried, nothing stopped the inevitable.

Alex heard from Mum and first sent money, then arrived himself stayed for over a month, shouldering things no friend should have to. He drove us to specialists, sat up nights when the pain relief no longer worked, and held me together while I watched my husband turn into another person. Dave was always gentle, never a bad word. But towards the end, anger flowed from him, and I had to send Dan to Grandmas for a while. I understood it was the illness, but how do you explain that to a boy?

– Sorry, Dan, but its better like this. You shouldnt see Dad like this. Hell get better and then I couldnt finish. I knew it was a lie. Thered be no recovery, only memories I could hope to keep.

Dave slipped away at dawn, after a terrible night. Alex was dozing against the bed, and I stared out at the paling sky when Daves voice came, clear as before his illness.

– Anna

I froze, not daring to move. I wanted that moment to last forever, everything as it once was. As if none of this had ever happened, and Id wake up to Dave gently stroking my cheek.

– Anna love, Ive got to go out on the road again. Will you wave me off?

But reality doesnt let you dream. He groaned, and I hurried to his side, taking his hand.

– Dave

– Sorry Ive put you through this.

– Dont say that!

– I know everything. Anna look after yourself, and our boy. And no tears! Well all be there someday. Just seems Im needed a bit earlier. But you I dont want to see you anywhere near for a good long while, you hear? Live! Marry again! Have another two no, three! Let Dan have siblings, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, until theres a houseful. And only then No, dont argue. Treat it as my last wish. Funny, isnt it? Never ordered you to do anything, but now Im insisting! Understood?

I only nodded. No more tears left they were gone so far I hardly remembered them. The neighbours whispered behind my back, seeing me stand so straight, dry-eyed, clutching my sons hand.

– Not a single tear Maybe she never loved him And whos this, then? Brought another man into the house while her husband was alive? No shame, no decency

Alex took care of everything, always at my side, ready to catch me. Hed called the ambulance before, and it wouldnt be the last time if needed.

But we managed.

That evening, standing in the emptier flat, I shut the bedroom door behind me.

– Alex, I cant. Not here. I keep thinking Daves still at home, that hell step out of the kitchen any moment. I cant

– Would you like me to take you to your Mums? You could stay there for a while.

I thought for a moment.

– Yes, I think thats for the best.

Packing quickly, not saying a word to anyone, Dan and I left town the next day. Those were truly happy years with Dave if only thered been more of them…

I never went back. I asked Daves parents to sell the flat, split the money equally, and with my share, bought a tiny two-bedroom in the same block as Mum. It was a tight squeeze, and needed work, but I was content. Mum nearby, Vera too pity Dad wasnt around. It wouldve felt safer, and Dan would have a male role model. But at least Alex keeps an eye on us, even from miles away. He and Dan chat for ages over Skype, shooing me out the room. Let them. Mens talk isnt for my ears.

For the first time in ages, I dared breathe and believe that maybe things would get easier.

Alex approved the new flat. Six months later, on leave, he fixed everything that needed a mans touch.

– There, sorted! he declared, attaching a final plug socket. You two had let this place go!

As I set the table with his wife, Ingrid, I grinned:

– Youve done well for yourself, Ingrid! A proper gem!

– Dont I know it! They dont make em like him anymore. My rare treasure though these days, more tinsel than gold. Looks the part, not quite the value!

Ingrid, a retired English teacher, noticed Dans literary talents first.

– Have a read, Anna! she shook Dans latest essay at me. Hes got real talent! Dan, you could be an author! Well, as long as youre not too lazy.

– I dont want to be a writer Dan snatched the notebook from her hands. I want to be a journalist.

– Honourable job! Still, one doesnt stop you doing the other. Anna, you must send me his pieces. Well see!

Dan won first prize in a national writing contest only months later. He was so excited he was bellowing into the webcam, and Ingrid, laughing, had to edge back.

– Dan, I can both hear and see you! Congratulations! Youre brilliant!

– Aunt Ingrid, so what now? Whats next?

– Now you tie a kettlebell to your nose! Get it? To prove its not a one-off youll need at least three more awards. So keep at it, my dear! Up your game!

So Dan got stuck in pestering me and Mrs Carter, reading aloud to his gran, who always said:

– Didnt understand half of what that was about, but it was smashing! Id listen all day!

– Gran!

– Well, its all about computers and I havent a clue. But its written so well, I was gripped.

Maybe thats why, as I drove and wondered what had happened at school, I struggled to imagine Dan in any sort of trouble. He had no time to waste writing, hockey, and boxing took up every spare minute. He chose those himself, and I was so proud watching him whizz around the rink, stick in hand. A proper man in the making Just like his father. Dave played too, and just managed to teach Dan to skate. He dreamed of watching him play but fate had other plans.

I shook myself, batting away the sadness that never seemed to leave, no matter how many years passed.

Sorry, Dave, I might not manage to keep some of my promises. I cant even picture another man at my side. I dont think I ever will.

Dan sat outside the Headteachers office, and when I saw the bruise blooming under his eye, I gasped.

– Mum

– Oh, darling! Are you alright? Does it hurt?

– Im fine. I Its just, theyre going to have a right go at me.

– I gathered. Just tell me one thing anything to be ashamed of?

Those steady grey eyes, so like Daves, met mine, and I breathed easier.

– Got it. Quick what happened? Before they call me in.

– A girl, Mum. I got into a fight. For her.

– Why?

– She was insulted.

– Understood. Wait here.

– Mum!

I turned at the doorway.

– Im ready for the consequences. Just please dont get too worked up, alright? There are worse things, arent there?

Ignoring the crowd that had gathered in the corridor at break time, I strode back and, instead of hugging Dan, put a hand on his shoulder, catching his wary look:

– Quite right.

Mrs Carter beckoned from the corridor.

– Anna, its a big mess. The other lads mum will kick up a storm, but stay calm. Dan may be daft sometimes, but had I been in his shoes, Id have done the same.

– Aunt Vera!

– What? If youre asked, you answer. And in this case, they were asking plenty. Alright, lets go. Ignore any shouting or insults, understood? Our main job is to make sure Dan isnt put on report. Its not being discussed yet but, you never know.

– Report? Now I was worried.

– No need for alarm. Just warning you. Come along.

At first, it seemed like the Headteachers office was packed, but it was just that one imposing, well-dressed woman, bright lipstick and fur coat spread wide, who seemed to take up all the space.

Goodness, what a show-off! Shes positively glowing, I thought, averting my gaze. She looked familiar, but with only two parents evenings since joining, and missing one for flu, I couldnt place her. The Peacock, as I named her, said nothing, yet managed to dominate the room. Another mum sat hunched at the table edge, clearly uncomfortable. Just how I felt.

After greeting everyone, I slipped into the seat next to Mouse.

– Now we can begin, said Mrs Ellison, the headteacher, surveying us all.

– I dont see whats so complicated, the Peacock snapped, eyebrows together. Some well, Ill be polite. Some nasty little boy beat up my son, and you want to cover it up. I know how it works; schools dont want trouble. Well, I wont let it happen! The one who put my boy in hospital will answer for it!

Hospital? Why hadnt Dan said? I frowned.

– Dont exaggerate, Margaret. Your boys fine. You didnt need to send him to A&E nothing more than bruises.

Mrs Ellisons voice was so tight with irritation, I blinked in surprise.

– Theyll see after the examination! Margaret screeched, suddenly pointing at the Mouse. Its all her fault! That daughter of yours leads the boys on!

– Dont you dare! The Mouses voice rang with steel, making everyone jump. If you ever dare speak about my daughter like that again

– Or what? Your little tramp triggered all this! My sons in hospital and hers, she stabbed a finger at me, is waiting in the corridor for the police.

– What police? I looked at Mrs Ellison, who shook her head dont worry.

– The police! Your son a juvenile criminal! Ill see to it he pays for what hes done.

– Mrs Ellison! I turned from Margaret, biting back a retort. Could someone at least tell me what happened? Ive not been able to talk to my son yet.

Margaret tried to intervene, but Mrs Ellison spoke over her.

– Mrs Reynolds, Daniel and Nicholas had a fight today.

– Not a fight! Your son beat mine up! And I know he does boxing! Do you understand he couldve seriously hurt my child?

– Mrs Ellison, is it really that serious? I tried to keep calm.

– I dont think so. There was a fight, but the bruises are no catastrophe. What matters is something else.

– And what matters more than my sons health? Margarets voice was growing louder.

– Nicholass health is not at risk. Please, Margaret, calm down or this will drag on. Behave yourself, or Ill start wondering whether what happened to Nicholas was inevitable.

– Whats that supposed to mean? Are you insulting me?

– Not at all. But Nicholas is a highly strung boy weve spoken about it before, havent we? I think today his emotions got the better of him. If Im correct, he turned up to have it out with Daniel, and he brought four friends.

My hands went cold. Five against my son? Was it me who should be taking him to hospital?

– Dont worry, Mrs Reynolds. Daniel wasnt alone though new here, hes made friends.

Margaret snorted:

– Oh, yes! New kid already throwing his weight around. Wheres he learnt that? Eh? Im asking you! What wolf pack raised him that his answer to everything is his fists?

Suddenly, I remembered Daves old advice:

– If you feel youre about to lose it, slowly count backwards from ten. Take your time. It really works.

I did. Margaret grew more and more agitated. Nine, eight, seven zero.

For some reason, I said that bit out loud, catching surprised looks from Mrs Ellison and Mouse.

– Thats enough. Ive listened quite a while, and now Id like to hear from Mrs Ellison, if youll let her speak. Since youve compared my child to a wolf cub, I wont bother explaining what a mother wolf does to anyone who messes with her cub. Be quiet now.

Margaret gasped, but that was enough for Mrs Ellison to jump in:

– This whole situation is ugly. Finding blame wont help. I suggest you talk to your children. What happened today was scary and next time things could get much worse.

– Quite! Margaret leapt up and started to pace. Next time, what will he do? Leave someone crippled?

– Dont exaggerate, Margaret, please. Mrs Carter, if you would?

Mrs Carter handed the Headteacher a mobile in a bright rabbit-shaped case that clearly belonged to a girl.

– This is your sons classmates phone, Margaret. Heres what he sent nearly all the older pupils.

The image Mrs Ellison showed me made my skin crawl a crude photo-montage with the girls face pasted onto something revolting. But the caption was the worst.

– Thats obviously fake just her face, and not even done well. But the caption! Could a well brought up boy write that filth?

– Who can prove it was Nicholas?

– Let the lawyers work it out, Mouse said, finally raising her head, eyes brimming with tears. I never saw such cruelty in children! My daughters been shamed in front of the whole school. Why? Because she wouldnt be his girlfriend?

– She didnt just say no! She humiliated my son!

– How? Can you explain? Because Im going to defend my childs honour as far as I must, be sure of it!

– Dont threaten me! Margaret flounced down, gathering her coat round her. Doesnt your precious girl realise that a refusal to a boy like Nicholas brings shame on him? Who does she think she is? Why couldnt she simply give him a chance? Playing Ice Queens all very well, but you have to live with the consequences!

– Do you hear yourself? Id finally pieced it all together and, strangely, felt proud. My son so young, but already a man. Dave would have been proud, I was sure now.

– And what have I said wrong? How would you react if it was your child?

– If my son did something like that, Id be too ashamed to show my face. I didnt raise a lowlife. Luckily, I dont have to be ashamed Im proud of my boy. If you have complaints, call social services, the police, even the Prime Minister for all I care. I have nothing to hide. My sons a proper man. I pity you. Good day.

I stood, turned to the Head:

– Mrs Ellison, I understand. Ill speak to Dan, and if you think necessary, Ill arrange for him to meet with the school counsellor. If you dont mind, well be off now.

I gently pulled Mouse up as well, and Mrs Carter nodded quietly as we left, Margarets voice still echoing from inside.

– What a drama queen! Mrs Carter muttered. Daniel is being entered for the citys young writers competition. Hell need to prepare!

– Does he know?

– Not yet. And Maria, do stop worrying. If nearly the whole class piled in to defend your daughter, youve nothing to fear. That’s remarkable, isnt it? They didnt film or laugh they jumped in for her and your Dan. That speaks volumes, really. Ill give them an earful fighting isnt it. But just between us, Im proud. Even if its not textbook teaching.

She smiled and returned to her classroom. I turned to Mouse.

– Maria, is it?

– Maria.

– Nice to meet you. Im Anna.

Mouse smiled, shrugging as if to cast off what had just happened.

– Im hopeless at arguing.

– Me too. Out of place for today, isnt it? People say you need teeth these days, or theyll think youre soft.

– Who cares! Rather that than

She nodded towards the Heads office, still reverberating with Margaret.

– Agreed. I scanned the corridor for my son.

A tall, fair girl next to him held the handkerchief Id stuffed in Dans pocket that morning. It had come in handy, it seemed.

– That yours?

– Uh huh. Maria looked at her daughter with such affection it warmed my heart. Where theres love like that, no harm can come.

– Shes a lovely girl.

– I just want her to be happy, thats all. Do you reckon boys are any easier?

– Hardly! Just as tricky. I beckoned Dan over, pressing my card into Marias hand. Call me. Looks like weve got good reason to get to know each other.

Driving home, I suddenly turned off the main road.

– Mum, where are you going?

– Up the green hill, for something to eat. You know me nerves make me ravenous as a wolf.

The little café we kept for special treats was nearly empty.

– Right! Spill it, I put aside the menu once wed ordered and touched Dans cheek. Does it hurt?

– Mum! Dont fuss. Its not the first time.

– Its different when its a match or on the rink, quite another here.

– Im fine, honest!

– Alright, point taken. Ive had enough today.

– Maybe I should give up these stories altogether, then?

– No chance! I promised Mrs Ellison wed talk. And I keep my promises.

The story was simple, if rather ugly a girl, a spurned boy seeking revenge, and a torrent of anger unleashed after being rejected.

– Is this Ari your girlfriend? I held my breath, awaiting his answer.

– No, Mum. Shes just someone I like. I havent said anything to her yet shes got other things on her mind. Her dads ill. No, not like ours was! Dan saw my shadowed expression and quickly explained. But pretty bad. Shes glued to her chemistry revision for medical school. Asked for help and Im good with that.

– So you just stood up for her?

– Looks like it. I told Nick he was out of order decent people dont behave like that. So he called me out.

– And brought friends?

– Yeah. Said he wasnt daft to tackle a boxer alone. Am I going to be thrown out of training now?

– Why would you?

– Coach says if he hears were using our fists outside the ring, were out.

– Leave that to me. Dont worry.

– No need for a woman to sort my messes! Dan scowled, pushing his plate away. Ill handle it.

– Ill keep quiet! I grinned, reaching into my bag. Here.

A few twenties landed on the table; Dan stared at me.

– Whats that for?

– I assume cinema tickets arent free. And youll need a little spend for café trips with a girl.