Wolf Cub
– Mrs. Natalie Williams, good afternoon! Could you come to the school, please?
– Has something happened? Is it about Danny?
– Yes, we need to have a serious conversation. Dont worry, your son is alright. Just Its a complicated situation and wed like you to come as soon as possible.
I set the phone down and looked over at Olivia, my friend, who was always better at calm than I was.
– Whats up? Olivia looked up from her paperwork.
– School called. Somethings happened.
– Dannys alive and well?
– Seems so.
– Then hes either been in a scrap or mouthed off to someone. Its the age. Teenagers, what can you do? When my Christine turned fifteen, I thought I was going to lose my mind! It sorted itself out. Go on, get yourself there. Youll find out soon enough.
Olivia dove back into her papers, and I snapped out of my daze. What was I doing just sitting there? Heaven knows whats going on!
I shoved my makeup bag, phone, and wallet into my handbag the same one Id just used for lunch grabbed my coat from the rack and was on my way.
– Oh! Liv, Ive
– I know, I know. Go on. Ill cover for you.
– Thank you!
Miraculously, my car started without protest and I pulled out of the car park, nerves twisting inside me, wondering what had happened to Danny. Hes always been a sensible sort. Thats what Miss Vera Evans, his form tutor, had said six months after wed moved back to my hometown and I put him in the same school Id once attended.
– Lovely boy, Nat. Not that it surprises me. Children mirror their parents. Wouldve been odd for your lad to turn out any other way. Only thing is, hes got your sense of truth, a real stickler. Makes life tough.
I could only nod. Vera Evans knew me far too well after all, wed lived next door for years. She wasnt just my teacher but Aunt Vera outside school. Mums friend, the one who secretly sneaked me sweets, who taught me to draw, write, even play a bit on the piano. “Chopsticks” was always our party piece at any gathering.
Those were the days Birthdays, Boxing Day, May Bank Holidays all spent at the park or out in the countryside, running wild and feasting on barbecue, falling asleep under an oak tree somewhere, exhausted. Then wed lazily belt out Oh, My Darling Clementine as we crammed ourselves back into Uncle Mikes old Ford, Veras husband.
Then came school days, and Vera turned out to be my form tutor in sixth form. We felt like co-conspirators because when others were around, Aunt Vera became strictly Miss Evans, and none of my classmates ever realised we had a deeper bond.
Our parents were friends, and I was close with Veras son, Alex. People joked wed end up together, but Alex and I just laughed boyfriend and girlfriend? As if! We were mates, nothing more.
And mates we remained. I got married and moved to a different city. Alex wound up on the south coast where he met his better half. Now, our catch-ups are rare, but treasured. Few people know you so well and genuinely care about your problems like theyre their own.
Alex was there for me when I lost my husband, Sam. Strong, sporty, a long-haul lorry driver, Sam slipped away so terribly fast. All I could do was watch, powerless. Alex found out from his mum and first sent money, then came himself. He was there for over a month, helping with everything: taking Sam to doctors, tending to him, supporting me as the man I loved faded. Sam never used a harsh word, but near the end the illness changed him and the anger poured out, and I had to send Danny to my mums how could I explain it to a child?
– Im sorry, Danny, but its better this way. You shouldnt see your dad like this. When he gets better – but I never finished. I knew in my heart he wouldnt. Life had changed forever, and the best I could do was leave my son with good memories of his dad.
Sam went early one morning, after a long, draining night. Alex had dozed off on the floor by the bed; I stood at the window, watching the sky brighten when Sam suddenly called my name, the way he always used to, before everything changed.
– Nat
I froze, not daring to look. I just wanted to hold onto that moment where everything was okay, as if nothing bad had happened. Where Id wake up to Sam stroking my cheek, saying:
– Nat, love, Im off on a run. Will you see me off?
But reality intruded. Sam groaned, and I hurried to the bed, knelt down, and took his hand.
– Sammy
– Im sorry Ive put you both through so much.
– Oh, dont say that.
– I know the score, Nat. Im sorry. Look after Danny, and yourself. Dont cry! Well all be there one day. I just have to go first, looks like. But youre not joining me yet, do you hear? Not for a long time! Live, Nat! Remarry, have two more no, three! Danny shouldnt be on his own. Help raise grandchildren, great-grandchildren, even their children. And only after No arguing! Think of it as my last wish. Strange, isnt it? I never made demands before, and now look at me.
I just nodded, wordless. The tears were all spent. They were so far gone they wouldnt return for a long while. The neighbours gossiped, watching me stand tall, dry-eyed, holding Dannys hand with a grip of steel.
– Not a tear dropped Did she even love him? And whos that? Bringing a man home while her husbands barely cold. No shame, some people
Alex, handling everything for me, stood at my side, ready to catch me if I faltered. Hed already rung for the doctors that morning; no guarantee I wouldnt need help again.
But we got through it.
That evening, wandering the empty flat, I closed my bedroom door and told Alex:
– Lex, I cant do this here. Feels like Sams still around, that hell stroll out of the kitchen or bathroom any minute I cant stay.
– Should I take you to your mums? You two can stay there a while.
I thought for a moment.
– Yeah, its for the best.
Packing hurriedly, I left the next morning without saying goodbye to anyone. Wed been so happy, those years, but there werent enough
I never went back to that city. I asked Sams parents to sell the flat and split the money. I gave half to his parents, used the other half for a tiny two-bedroom upstairs from my mums. It barely covered it the place needed work but I was satisfied. Mum close by, Vera too. Shame Dad was gone; itd have been better, a man in the family is worth a lot when youre raising a boy. But no use wishing. Luckily, Alex was always there, even from afar, chatting with Danny on Skype. I was banished from the room for those manly conversations, and that was fine by me.
For the first time in ages, I felt a bit of peace finally, things seemed to be coming together.
Alex approved the new place, and six months later spent his holiday fixing up everything a womans hands could never manage.
– There! he grumbled happily, screwing in the last socket Left you girls alone a bit too long, havent I?
I was laying the table with Inga, his wife, and smiled.
– Inga, you struck gold with this one! Hes a gem.
– Too right! They dont make them like this anymore. Genuine gold once, though more like brass these days shiny, but not worth much!
It was Inga, a literature teacher, who first spotted Dannys knack for writing.
– Look at this! she waved his latest essay in front of me Its brilliant! Danny, you could be a writer! As long as you dont get lazy.
– I dont want to be a writer, Danny grumbled, snatching the notebook away I want to be a journalist.
– A fine profession! But one doesnt stop you from being the other. Nat, send me anything else he writes. Well see!
Not long after, Danny won first prize in a national school competition for a short essay. He got so flustered he shouted down the video call, while Inga, laughing, moved the laptop back.
– Danny, I can see you, remember! Congratulations, you star!
– Aunt Inga, whats next, then?
– Next? Hang a kettlebell from your nose! Got it? To make sure this isnt a fluke, you need three more awards thats the rule. So get to work and level up!
Danny took it seriously. He pestered me and Vera, read his stories to grandma, who listened carefully but always laughed.
– Half of what you wrote I dont understand, but Id listen all day!
– Gran!
– Well, its all about computers and I havent a clue. But its put together so neatly I cant stop listening.
Maybe thats why, as I drove to the school, I truly couldnt imagine what trouble my son could’ve possibly got himself into. He hardly had a moment to mess about: writing, hockey, boxing both picked by him, and I was so proud when I saw him tearing across the rink, stick in hand. A proper man is growing Takes after his dad. Sam played too, and managed to get Danny skating before he passed. Sam dreamed of watching him on the ice, but fate had other plans
I shook off those thoughts so much time has passed, but it never gets easier.
Forgive me, Sam, I dont think Ill keep my promise. Cant even picture another man beside me. I really cant. I doubt I ever will.
Danny was waiting outside the Heads office, and I caught my breath at the sight of the bruise blossoming under his eye.
– Mum
– Oh goodness! Are you alright? Does it hurt?
– Im fine. Its just theyre going to have a go at me in there. Big time.
– So I gathered. Just tell me this have I any reason to be ashamed?
His eyes that same steely grey as Sams met mine, and I let out a quiet sigh.
– Right. Well muddle through. Tell me quickly what happened, before they call me in.
– A girl, Mum. I got in a fight. For her.
– Why?
– Someone insulted her.
– Understood. Wait here.
– Mum!
Id already reached the door but turned to look back.
– Im ready for the consequences. Just can you please not lose your cool? There are worse things, right?
I might have hugged him, rules and gawking students be damned, but instead just laid my hand on his shoulder, meeting Dannys serious eyes.
– Right.
Miss Evans peeked out and beckoned me in.
– Nat, its serious. The other mum will give you an earful, but stay calm. Dannys been foolish, but in his place, Id have done the same.
– Aunt Vera!
– Oh, come on! If someone asks for it, they get it. And here, it was very much asked for! Alright, lets go. Ignore the shouting and insults, got it? We just need to make sure Danny isnt put on any sort of watch list or report. Thats not decided, but still better safe.
– What sort of list? Sudden cold sweat hit me.
– Dont jump to conclusions! Itll work out. Come on!
Inside, it felt like a crowd, but really, there were just four of us. It was dominated by a glamorous, tall, heavily made-up woman in a dazzling coat, draped over her chair as if she owned the place.
Shes like the Queen of Sheba! I thought. Positively radiating.
I looked away. She seemed familiar, but Id missed one of the two parents evenings so couldnt be sure. The Sheba lady was silent, but she filled the room. Next to her, perched on the edge of the table, sat another lady, barely looking up, clearly very uncomfortable.
Me too I thought, and after greeting everyone, sat beside the Mouse woman.
– Now then, were all here.
Mrs. Irene Peterson, the Head, surveyed us.
– We have a difficult situation.
– Whats so difficult about it? Sheba snapped, her eyebrows drawn together. Some cant swear here, but believe me, I would! Some nasty boy thumped my son and now you all want this brushed under the rug. I know your type you just want to avoid trouble for the school! Well, I wont allow it! The one who put my lad in hospital will be made to answer for it properly!
I frowned. Hospital? Danny didnt mention that.
– Dont exaggerate, Mrs. Halliday. Your sons fine. There was no need for the trip to A&E a couple of bruises, nothing more.
Mrs. Petersons voice carried clear irritation. I was surprised crikey!
– Well see what the doctor says! Mrs. Halliday all but squealed, suddenly pointing at the Mouse. Its all her fault! Your girl, totally out of control, twists the boys round her finger!
– Mind your tongue! The Mouse womans voice rang sharp as steel, making even the Head jump. If you ever speak about my daughter like that again
– Or what? What will you do? Your little rat started all this! Thats why my sons in hospital, and her mates out in the corridor with a shiner, just waiting for the police.
– Police? I glanced quickly at Mrs. Peterson, who subtly shook her head don’t worry.
– Thats right! Your sons a juvenile delinquent! And I promise you, hell face the consequences.
– Mrs. Peterson! I turned to the Head, fighting to hold composure. Can someone tell me whats actually happened? I havent had a chance to speak to my son, so could you please explain?
Mrs. Halliday tried to chime in, but the Head cut her off.
– Mrs. Williams, Daniel and Nicholas got into a fight today.
– Not a fight! Your son beat my boy! And dont think I dont know he does boxing. Do you realise he could have crippled my child?!
– Mrs. Peterson, is it really that serious? I struggled to stay calm.
– I dont think so. Yes, there was a fight, but I doubt the bruising is the main issue. Theres something else here that needs attention.
– And what could possibly be more important than my sons health? Mrs. Halliday was practically shouting.
– Theres no threat to your childs health. Please, Mrs. Halliday, calm yourself. Otherwise, this could go on all day. And if you cannot control yourself, I do wonder if what happened to Nicholas was inevitable.
– What are you implying?! Mrs. Halliday flushed.
– No implication. Nicholas is a highly emotional boy. Weve spoken about this before, havent we? From what I gather, he came looking for trouble with Daniel, and brought four others with him.
My hands went cold. Five against one? Was it me who should be taking Danny to hospital?
– Mrs. Williams, dont worry. Danny wasnt alone in this. Despite being new, he already has plenty of friends here.
Mrs. Halliday huffed.
– Thats just it! He arrives and in no time wants to run the place! Wheres his upbringing, eh? What sort of wolf pack shaped this child that every issues met with fists?
I suddenly remembered what Sam used to tell Danny and me:
– When you feel youre about to explode, count backwards from ten slowly, not rushed. It works.
Right now, that advice was gold! I counted in my head as Mrs. Hallidays outrage built.
– Zero!
I didnt mean to say it aloud I caught the startled looks of Mrs. Peterson and the Mouse.
– Thats enough. Ive listened quietly so far. Now perhaps we could let Mrs. Peterson speak, if you please. And if youre going to compare my child to a wolf cub, I wont explain what a mother wolf does to those who threaten her young. Be quiet!
Mrs. Halliday choked back a retort, but that brief lull was enough for Mrs. Peterson to take charge.
– This is an ugly scenario and playing blame games is futile. I recommend you talk to your children. What happened today was alarming and next time, it could be much, much worse.
– Exactly! Mrs. Halliday leapt up and paced the room. Next time, what if that boy does something that leaves someone disabled?
– Dont exaggerate, Mrs. Halliday! Vera, if you please?
Vera produced a phone with a garish cover and a silly bunny lock screen obviously owned by a girl.
– This is your sons classmates phone, Mrs. Halliday. Heres what he sent to nearly every older pupil today.
The image Mrs. Peterson showed me made my stomach turn.
– Its obviously doctored only Arias face, and badly at that. But just look at the caption! What kind of civilised, well-raised child writes such filth?
– Whos to prove it was my son?
– The lawyers will sort it out! The Mouse, almost in tears, finally lifted her head. Ive never known such cruelty in children! Why? To humiliate a girl in front of the school? Just because Aria turned down his advances?
– She didnt just turn him down! She humiliated my boy!
– How? Please explain, because Ill defend my childs reputation with everything I have.
– Dont you threaten me! Mrs. Halliday flounced back to her seat. Your girl doesnt understand that refusing a boy like Nicholas is shameful? Who is she? Shouldve returned his feelings, sincere feelings, from my son! But no, she puts on airs like the Ice Queen, and cant face the cost!
– Do you hear yourself? Suddenly, I understood everything that had happened. And inside, I felt this glow. Pride. My boy so young still, and already a man. Sam would have been proud of him now I was sure. Which meant I was doing alright
– And what did I say wrong? If it was your kid, what would you have done?
– If my son ever did such a thing, I couldnt show my face for shame. Because Ive not raised a lout. Thankfully, Ill never have to be ashamed of him. Quite the opposite, in fact. If youve got complaints, call the police or whoever you like but I have nothing to fear. My son is a real man. I feel sorry for you. All the best.
I stood up, avoided looking at Mrs. Halliday, and turned to the Head.
– Mrs. Peterson, I understand. Ill talk with my son. And if you think he should have a chat with the school counsellor, Ill arrange it. But for now, if you dont mind, well be heading off.
I reached out to help the Mouse up. Vera discreetly nodded and left the room with us, as Mrs. Hallidays angry voice echoed behind.
– What a drama queen! Vera rubbed her ear and turned to me. Dannys getting put forward for the citys young writers competition, so hed best get ready!
– Does he know?
– Not yet. And dont worry, Mrs. Marsh. If nearly the whole class fights for your daughter, you neednt worry. They didnt just stand around videoing the whole mess and giggling; they fought for her and Danny. That means a lot. Ill give them a piece of my mind tomorrow fists arent the answer but honestly, Im proud, even if Im not supposed to say it.
Vera gave a nod and left for her classroom, while I turned to the Mouse.
– Mary, right?
– Mary.
– Pleased to meet you! Im Natalie.
She smiled, shaking off the drama.
– I cant do arguments.
– Me neither. Were not exactly the type, are we? These days you have to be sharp-toothed, or they think youre feeble.
– Oh let them. Id rather be called simple than
She nodded meaningfully at the headteachers door, where the shouting still rang out.
– Agreed I scanned the corridor for Danny.
A tall, blond girl by his side was clutching the hanky Id stuffed into his pocket that morning. Useful, then.
– Is that yours?
– Yep. The way Mary looked at her daughter, full of love, made me suddenly feel warm inside. A good kid, obviously where theres love like that, bad never grows.
– Shes beautiful.
– I just want her happy. Wonder if boys are any easier?
– Not at all. Same problems. I waved over to Danny and handed Mary my card. Ring me. I think our families ought to get to know each other now.
On the way home, I took a sudden turn.
– Mum, where are we going?
– Up the Spire Hill. Im hungry. You know when I get stressed, I could eat a horse.
The little café Danny and I saved for special occasions was all but empty.
– Right, spill. I set aside the menu after ordering and gently touched his cheek. Does it hurt?
– Mum, please. Im not a baby!
– Its one thing in the ring or on the rink, another on the schoolyard.
– Im fine, seriously. Dont worry!
– Ill try. Enough excitement for one day.
– Maybe Ill give up writing, then?
– Oh no! I promised Mrs. Peterson a chat and I keep my promises.
The story was nothing new a girl, a lad trying to impress her, then lashing out when rejected.
– Is Aria your girlfriend? I gently prodded.
– No, Mum. I just like her. Havent said anything. Shes got enough on her dads ill. Not like Dad, not quite so bad, but you know. She wants to be a doctor, asked for chemistry help.
– So you just stood up for her?
– Looks like that. I told Nick you can’t do things like that, proper people just dont. And he called me to chat.
– With backup, I gather?
– Yep. Hes no mug, wouldn’t take on a boxer alone. Am I going to be thrown out of boxing, Mum?
– Why?
– Coach said if he finds out we fight outside the ring, were out.
– Ill take care of it. Dont worry.
– Oh, come on! I can fight my own battles! Danny bristled, pushing his plate away. Dont want women fighting for me.
– Alright, alright! I grinned and reached into my bag. Here!
Some crisp ten pound notes landed on the table, and Danny looked up at me, puzzled.
– Whats this for?
– I reckon a trip to the cinema will cost you, and a coffee with a girl as well. Better have something in your pocket.
– Mum!
– Hush! You can pay me back when youre working first paycheck from your first book! Oh, men! I have to teach you everything!
– Not quite everything!
– True enough. Some things youve learned all on your own. Ill just handle the odds and ends if you dont mind. Any questions? Girls they have their quirks, you know.
– Actually, yeah! Danny suddenly brightened and set down his fork.
