Teacher
You know, after school, Alice never rushed home. Shed wander around the streets, take a stroll through the park, and then head over to the school field, running until her legs gave out and her cheeks were burning hot. When she was too tired to move another inch, shed find herself sitting on a battered, rain-damp bench, munching her leftover bread from lunch.
The bread at the school canteen was always up for grabs piled high on big metal trays, roughly sliced, a bit crumbly, but honestly the tastiest thing. White or brown, didnt matter. Kids would dash for it, stuff it into their pockets, and later, while half-listening in class, theyd pinch off bits and secretly nibble away.
Alice was growing, and always hungry.
Whats in your mouth again, Smith? Spit it out and come up to the board. Lets see you prove the theorem.
So Alice would trudge up to the front, hastily swallowing her soggy mouthful of bread.
Proving theorems, figuring out trajectories and inertia, writing dictations and essays all that seemed boring and pointless to Alice Smith.
So, what are you going to be, then? her dad, Victor James, would ask, flicking through her school report and counting the number of threes on the page.
Ill work in a coffee kiosk, Alice declared.
Brilliant! High-flying career! Victor would nod, grinning.
Well, whatever you do, youve still got to work hard at school! Its the basics! her mum would say in the kitchen with a huff.
Oh, do calm down, you two, shouting as if the house was on fire. Leave the girl be! Alices gran, Grandma Iris, would chip in, always on Alices side. Shell figure out what she needs, shell get there. Victor, dont forget, you werent exactly a genius in year nine, either, or do you want me to remind you how I had to track you down in the back alleys back then
Oh stop, Mum! Dont drag up ancient history! Victor laughed. Alice is a girl; shes supposed to be clever, well-behaved, and polite.
Iris just pressed her lips together and gently stroked Alices sad hair.
Dont listen to them, love. Youre my very favourite just you wait, theyll see what youre made of! shed whisper, and Alice would cuddle her round grandma, burying her face in Iriss soft, pillowy chest. Nowhere in the world did Alice feel as cosy as she did with Grandma Iris. She even smelled comforting. Her hands were kind, and her eyes
God, her eyes! Alice, even when she was all grown up, would remember them, like two warm, gentle clouds just drifting and thawing her heart.
As Victor liked to joke, hed adopted Iris into their house for re-education. Traditionally, his mum had lived with Victors dad, in their own place. Sure, she popped over a lot to look after Alice when she was little, but she always left quickly, knowing a third grandparent could be a crowd.
When Victor’s dad died, though, Iris started getting forgetful: missed her meds, suffered through the night with high blood pressure and didnt breathe a word to anyone. Yet in the morning, shed show up at Alices with a smile and play cowboys and Indians, crawling after her on the carpet.
Mum! When Victor had to get yet another call from the surgery about his mothers health, hed had enough. Youre coming to stay with us. Theres plenty of space, and youre not allowed to say no. Your GP keeps ringing me, insisting
Ooh, hes so insistent! Got my knees wobbling! Iris would snort. And when I go to his appointments, he can barely look at me, mumbling about my age and then fiddling with his iPhone. Last time I told him straight: youre no healer, youre just a scaloppini.
What on earth did you say, Mum? Victor gaped.
Well, Aesculapius was Apollos lad, but this chaps got neither looks nor talent. People like that shouldnt set foot in GPs surgeries. And Im not moving in, just so you know!
Youre a troublemaker, Iris, laughed Alices mum, Tessa. You are a real character!
Oh, Tess, its exactly because of my difficult personality that I wont be living here, Iris huffed, folding her arms and turning to the window.
Wed be so grateful, Iris, honestly, Tessa would plead she never called her mum, but that never bothered Iris. If shed welcomed Tessa and loved her, what did it matter what she called her? As long as the kids were happy, thats what mattered. Were both working so much, Alice is all alone, and her age we really need you to keep an eye on her.
Tessa always knew what to say. It worked, and Iris moved in.
Now she was right in the thick of things, and Victor fussed over her health more than ever.
And, as always happens, it was Grandma who defended her poor, overwhelmed granddaughter. Alice soaked up that kindness, purring with delight. Theres no question with Grandma around, the house got cosier.
Dont worry, Victor, Tess! Everyone goes through this its all about finding yourself, He seeks the storm as if in the storm is peace! Grandma Iris was always taking a dramatic tone. Itll all work out, Alice will blossom, youll see, right, my darling?
Alice would nod but didnt believe in herself much. What could she ever become? Schools dull, homeworks dull. Where did she fit?
All of Alices friends did clubs or after-school things, but Alice flitted from group to group, never sticking anywhere for long.
The one thing Iriss granddaughter really excelled at was PE. Shed sprint around the field or join the boys for football.
She was a good swimmer, too, always clocked solid As on her fitness scores.
Alice, why dont you do a sport, love? Grandma would sometimes say, having caught her out and about again. No point mooching about town! Doesnt your school have any teams? Your dad used to play basketball, jumped like a kangaroo. Though, truthfullyhere Iris sighedhe got smacked in the head twice with the ball, and that was the end of basketball then he did karate, then table tennis. You ought to sign up for something.
How can I, Granny? Weve just chess at school. Its all so boring!
Just chess? Thats a bit tragic. Needs sorting.”
Iris moved quick. She trotted off to see Alices headteacher, Mrs. Marina Collins, showering praise on the biology teacher and Alices form tutor. Marina listened, knowing this sweet talk would be followed by a complaint.
And here it was.
But physical activity really, Mrs. Collins, its lagging a bit. I dont mean to criticise, heaven forbid! But you need to do more! Iris nodded importantly. Marina nodded along.
Shouldve offered her a cuppa, Marina thought. Not your average gran, thats for sure
Yes, I know were not in London, and moneys tight, but lets do our bit! Lets look for a young, fresh PE teacher for after-school clubs? Am I wrong?
Marina shrugged. Whether or not Iris was right, there was no spare budget. Not unless Mr. Arthurson, the current PE teacher, retired, which he kept threatening to do…
A month later, he left his wife got a job in Reading, closer to London, and moved the family.
In came a certain Mr. Oliver Parker, a friend of the deputy head, Mrs. Gail Thornton.
Wheres he from? asked Marina, peering at Olivers CV.
Ollie? Hes from Liverpool. Bit of a sports nut, expert in physical development. Single, eats, sleeps, and breathes the job. Snap him up.
If hes so good, why leave Liverpool and come here? the headteacher grumbled.
Dont turn down talent, Marina, especially when you begged for after-school clubs! Hes a workhorse. Single, nothing to tie him down.
Gail looked away, sheepish.
Oh, I see… You and him? Or him and you? Marina guessed.
Thats not your business. Well? Shall I call him?
Yes, call him. Honestly, you lot! Like children, I swear! Marina sighed, clicking at her keyboard.
Gail rang Ollie straightaway: All sorted, you can start!
With Mr. Parker joining, sport at the school got a real kickstart. Now the kids spent their energy in the gym instead of roaming about. Mrs. Collins had to shuffle funds for new gear, but managed.
You can always patch things up if you really want to! she declared, smiling at Mr. Parker. And now she completely understood why her friend liked the man: tall, athletic, and, honestly, women took to him straight away.
Even the local community police officer praised Mrs. Collins, saying petty incidents had dropped since the sports club started.
Dont thank me! shed insist. It was one of our nanas she sorted it all out.
When Iris heard about the changes, she insisted Alice go investigate and pick something she actually liked.
Alice handled choosing her own way. She went straight to Mr. Parker and told him she was bored.
Bored, are you? he grumbled, jotting notes in a giant ledger (a task he clearly despised). Alice just stood there.
Yep. I love running did a couple of school competitions. But its never been taken seriously, so Ive no clue
Oliver gave her a smirk. No clue, she says! He looked her over: good strong legs, but posture well, she could definitely use work.
If Iris had heard his thoughts, shed have been offended. Alice stretched in the mornings, slouched only occasionally how could she have bad posture?!
Alice wasnt a bit shy, not nervous under his direct stare.
When do you do your homework, then? he asked.
Got a complaint from our form tutor, have you? Alice frowned. Dont listen to her she exaggerates.
Oi, dont speak about other staff like that! Suddenly, Mr. Parkers tone was firm. You need to finish your GCSEs first, then you can do whatever you want. You have to use your head, Alice! Muscles are all well and good, but the brain’s in charge, right?
Yeah. Sorry, I must dash! My grans waiting for me. Alice snatched her rucksack and tried to squeeze past him. She didnt want a lecture.
But she couldnt escape.
Heres the deal. Alice, right? Ill let you join my training sessions not sure what youll do yet, but youre in. But on one condition: sort out your grades, especially English. You came up at the staff meeting, and everyone felt bad for your gran, always embarrassed on parents evenings. Bet her blood pressures through the roof.
Oh come on! Laying it on a bit, arent you?
Listen, no college is going to take you without good English! What are you planning to do after year 11? I suggest PE college we need more PE teachers. You qualify, come back, and work with me! How about that?
I dont need advice and if there are strings attached, Ill manage fine without. Tell Gran whatever you want, I dont care. Honestly!
Alice was fuming. Why, on earth, would she need to pull up all her other subjects just to join PE club? Those arent trousers to pull up!
Goodbye, Mr. Parker. Have a nice evening, she said over her shoulder, trying to walk away, but heard him laughing behind her. Not mocking, but honestly amused.
And that, funnily enough, is when she started to fall for Oliver. Ridiculously big age gap, but she was smitten.
Im not throwing you out, silly! Oliver finally managed, still chuckling. I just want to get the best out of you! Mindful sport and mindless sport totally different things. If you can think on your feet, you can look after yourself. And if you can spell your name properly on your CV, you’re already worth your weight in gold!
Alice thought he practically glowed. He saw potential in her! Her gran coddled her, her parents just saved up for her tuition, but Oliver actually saw something in her, worth encouraging…
Are you from a charity for sport lovers? Alice quipped, hiding her excitement.
No. Ive just seen a bit, and got a nose for people. But you, Alice, are a bit lazy sorry.
She was lost for words. Lazy?! Her?!
Fine, lets go to the field you bring the stopwatch, Ill run. Deal? Alice snapped.
But he just shook his head.
All muscle again, eh? No, not this time. Ive got some little ones six years old, they come for gym and general fitness. Help me out. I cant manage them on my own, honestly, they swing off everything, including me! Help me, and Ill write you a glowing reference for wherever you want. Deal?
Alice kicked the wall with her trainer, thought hard, then nodded.
Later, staff were already gossiping at the next meeting: Hows your new teacher, then? A bit odd?
On the contrary, hes a gem, Mrs. Collins firmly replied. Works with little kids in the evenings, teaches regular lessons to high standards divides everyone into groups, takes them to proper sports health checks. Thanks to him, one lad was spotted as having a heart problem. His mum cried, said shed complain but then, realising it probably saved his life, she was hugging the man! If hed gone to the running competition, who knows what mightve happened? I dont regret taking Mr. Parker on one bit.
What about medals? Is he a champion? colleagues probed.
No idea, Marina muttered, annoyed.
Alice soon took to her coaching assistant role like a duck to water. She wasnt grumpy, wasnt short-tempered just patient, as if all these little sprites in black shorts and white vests were her own students.
Look at him, thats little Nicky James! Oliver would point at a toe-headed, stocky kid leaping around. Watch how he jumps not bending his knees, tiny swing, doesnt use his arms, slows him down. But potentials there! Look at his joints flexibility can be a curse and a blessing. Got to be careful, while his bodys growing. And this one, hed gesture at the scrawniest boy, with thin stick-like arms. Brought here for spine problems. Jacobs! Over here!
The little one shuffled up, half-scared.
Stand straight, arms down. Where your seams are on your trousers, thats where your hands go!
He did his best.
Look his shoulders, hips all over the place! Dangerous! While their bones are soft and muscles still growing, its the time to correct things. What do you do, then? Oliver shot Alice a look.
Strengthen the muscles, she said, tentatively.
Exactly. Ill show you the exercises. You keep an eye on Jacobs, alright? Well check in two months.
Alice soaked in Olivers lessons, though at times she was lost. So, after nagging Gran to give her some pocket money, Alice visited the local bookshop, loaded up on anatomy guides and textbooks. Tessa managed to fetch her one on physical therapy even.
Ive never seen her like this! Tessa whispered to Victor, amazed. Shes reading, highlighting things, even improving her English. Have we got through this stage? What do you think, Iris?
Iris thought a lot and noticed how changed her granddaughter was after these sessions: her eyes sparkling, doodling on the steamed-up windows, deep in thought.
Just hope things dont go wrong, Iris worried.
That Alice had a crush, Iris realised immediately, though on who was unclear a classmate, or someone older?
Alice didnt talk about anyone, didnt have after-school meet-ups, but went on about Mr. Parker day and night.
First love for Alice… Should Iris say anything to Victor and Tessa? Probably not, in case someone says something unkind. Better to keep it to herself. She even checked Oliver out, and though he seemed a bit old, Iris kept her opinion to herself.
Oliver started prepping Alice for competitions.
Form, Alice! What was that? A bunny-hop jog? Mind! Youll blow your knees and ligaments, whats the use? Pace yourself, breathe! Dont go bright red or youll burst!
The other kids laughed at his jokes, but Oliver just shushed them.
This isnt a circus, lads. I might joke, but I mean it. Right, lets work! He blew his whistle. Runners tore around the track. That evening, Alice smashed her personal best. And realised she had properly, hopelessly fallen for her teacher
Tell anyone? It was hard and lonely. But who could she trust? She tried to hint to her friend Daisy, but Daisy was distracted, lost in her own thoughts…
Alice came home tired and low. The bigger her crush, the more she knew nothing would ever come of it. Shed leave school, go off to college, Mr. Parker would forget her. And shed be devastated. She was one of a crowd to him, just another student, but he, to her well, no one would understand!
Why arent you coming for dinner? whispered Iris, sitting at the foot of Alices bed. Tired, or…?
Theres nothing wrong at all. Just leave me alone, please! I know what Im doing, my brain works fine, thank you very much Alice snapped, turning away.
Alright, Ill pop back in later. Just dont be too upset, my girl. Everything happens for the best, youll see. Take a rest
Tessa pestered Alice with questions, Victor just brooded, wandering to the window and sighing, but Iris kept her silence. The girl was in love, it happens. Let’s just hope nothing bad comes of it
Alice suddenly decided to leave after year 11. Why not? She could head to college, wouldnt have to see Oliver, maybe it would get easier. One day, when she really grew up, shed find him again, and theyd get married. Didnt matter that hed be old shed love him just the same! If Oliver, as promised, gave her a reference, saying Alice wasnt just a sportswoman, but a born coach, thatd be perfect.
Alice was sure now that physical therapy was her calling. Clueless about diagnoses, she pestered her biology teacher with endless questions, tracked down medical guides at the library, mangling pronunciations and nearly crying in frustration.
No she needed more study, and not at her current school, and not in this town!
But first, shed need a place at college. If she won a competition, they said, shed get extra points, maybe get in early. And all that knowledge Oliver was drip-feeding her would come in handy with the admissions panel. How to even apply for college? These questions kept Alice up at night. Iris worried in her own way, but couldnt do much to help.
Alice decided, after one more sleepless night, to confront Oliver about the promised reference time to stand her ground! Shed helped him enough with the little kids, all their parents listened, took notes, nodded. Time for Oliver to hold up his end.
The spring half-term holiday had just started. Alice shoved her kit and trainers in a rucksack, zipped up her tracksuit, tied her hair up, swiped a bit of her mums mascara.
Looking smart! Iris nodded. Off out? And whats with the perfume?
Im a grown-up, Granny! Stop fussing! Ill go for a run, be back soon. Love you, bye! Alice pecked her gran and slipped out the door, determined to be brave.
Ten minutes later, she was outside the PE office, coughing politely, adjusting her rucksack, too nervous to knock. She could hear Olivers voice inside he wasnt alone, and that put her off. She stood frozen, suddenly afraid of what was behind that door
Alice! What are you doing here? Its the holidays! Deputy Head Mrs. Thornton caught her and joined her by the door.
Shall we knock together? she suggested, with a wink. They both grinned, raised their fists, and knocked.
Something crashed inside, someone squealed, then Mrs. Thornton pulled out her key, opened up, and told Alice to leave. But she stayed, rooted to the spot.
On Olivers lap sat another girl, unfamiliar, and they were kissing. The girl swung an arm, knocked over a bottle of bubbly, champagne spilling everywhere, soaking his paperwork.
Alices eyes grew huge. She couldnt breathe. She wanted to scream, to cry, but all she could do was grab Mrs. Thorntons hand and cling on.
Alice! Let go! You must leave! Gail shouted, hauling Alice away and storming in to seize Oliver, whacking him with soaked registers.
The girl yelped and scuttled out, shooting Alice a dirty look.
How could you?! I gave you this job, arranged everything, and this is how you repay me? Mrs. Thornton raged. Oliver shielded his head, saying nothing, more than a bit drunk, barely following what was going on.
Alice hated him in that moment. He was so shallow, so crass.
Mrs. Thornton kept hitting him, and eventually he staggered up, grabbed his coat, and slurred, Stop your yelling. You know youre a prune, Gail. I like em juicy. So long!
As he left, he spotted Alice.
Oh, Smith, you here too. Youve got talent, Alice! Dont you waste it now, keep going! He raised a fist, shuffled off.
Alice glanced back. Mrs. Thornton was crying, slumped against the wall. Papers, the empty bottle, keys a right mess.
Go! Now! Breathe a word, and I wont forgive you! Mrs. Thornton hissed.
Alice bolted. Shed never tell anyone, she didnt have the guts
Iris, for the tenth time, set a glass of water outside Alices door, but she wouldnt open up.
Whats happened, for heavens sake? She seemed fine this morning! Tessa drummed the table, Victor paced.
Mum, whats going on? Victor snapped.
I know nothing. She said she was going to train, honest maybe we should just wait, let her come to us? Iris stammered.
If they pushed her now, made her talk, itd only end badly
Shell come round. You know what teens are like! Alice! Alice! Open up and tell us whats going on! Tessa hammered the door, but Iris gently ushered her away.
Dont interfere, Tess. Just dont!
Oh, maybe Ill decide how to handle things in my own house and with my own daughter? Tessa snapped. You DO know something, dont you? Protecting someone? A boyfriend? A scandal? Alice! Ill call the headteacher
Tessa was yelling loud enough for the whole street to overhear.
Shes just scared for Alice,” Iris thought, shaking her head. Then, desperate, she picked up a jug of water and poured it all over her daughter-in-law.
Mum! Iris! Victor and Tessa shrieked together.
Iris started to explain, but the bedroom door flew open. Alice, tear-stained, miserable, stared at them all, choked back another sob, and buried her wet face in Iriss shoulder.
There, love. Its alright. Sometimes things hurt so much it feels like the worlds ended. But the sun will come up again, and youve got your whole life ahead. Dont cry, Alice! Iris wiped her granddaughters tears, weeping a bit herself. Listen, nothing extra ever happens to us its all for a reason. Youre hurting now, but one day youll see these trials do you good. Everyone we meet teaches us something. Youre my brave girl!
Alice shook her head, squeezed her eyes shut. What good comes from heartbreak, really?
Oliver Parker was never seen at the school again. A young trainee replaced him, shut the juniors club, and ran lessons absolutely by the book.
Well, fine! Let her, Mrs. Collins muttered to herself. Well just train up our own staff!
Seth Jacobs sat by himself in the playground, skinny, lonely, always picked last. His mum used to take him to training, and Seth raved about it to his dad, whod nod, unconvinced anything would come of it
Seth! What are you doing here? Alice called out. Bored? Its a gorgeous day, lets go to the field!
What for? Seth mumbled, wiping his nose. Theres no more club.
Yes there is! If youre here, and Im here, youve got a club. Hi Mrs. Jacobs! Alice waved. Were just going to the field, urgent business.
Well alright, Ill wait here moment, sighed Seths mum.
They just played, ran, tossed a ball, messed about. By summer, Seth was stronger, braver, Alice encouraged him, cobbled a little team together, dreamt up games for them.
Use your head! Muscles are just muscles. Think!
And she did. It worked out alright
Meanwhile, Oliver Parker sat hunched on a park bench, unshaven, shirt open, jeans torn, smoking idly and staring at passers-by. He wasnt sure how long hed sat there, or why. Just another London housing estate, sparrows in the hedges, just another empty day.
You? came a womans voice, and he turned. Dont you recognise me?
No, should I? he smirked.
Its Alice. You taught me.
Alice? Which one? Suddenly he was interested. The man stubbed out his fag.
Smith. The one you taught with the little ones.
Alice sat next to him on the bench.
So, did I teach you anything? Oliver laughed, a bit hollow.
Yes. I finished university Im a physical therapist now. Seth Jacobs is into volleyball, totally different lad now, Alice said.
Jacobs? Changed, has he? Honestly cant remember why keep pestering me? Oliver waved his hand.
She kept looking for the person shed loved once, but he was nowhere there. Silly, really shed planned to marry him.
Physical therapist? You, Smith? He clung to the familiar words. No, I don’t remember. Just go on, girl, get on with your life. Theres nothing for you here. Go on!
He was embarrassed, ashamed of himself, of how he looked. Hed pictured their reunion very differently.
Thank you, Alice said quietly, getting up.
For what?
For helping me realise who I wanted to be. Goodbye, Mr Parker. All the best.
And you look after yourself, Smith, yeah?”
He watched her walk away and smiled sadly. The student had outgrown the teacher, gone further. And that was as it should be. Someones got their whole, exciting life ahead. And for him? Just old memories. Everyone gets what they choose and lives with it.
