Letting Abby leave my classroom is depressing. I wish I could keep her here, by my side all day everyday.
I have a free period so I'll be chasing permission slips. Abby is first on the list so I give her father a call. Ring ring
'Zack rye speaking'
'Mr rye it's Mr Sinclair, Abby's form tutor'
'oh, is everything okay Mr Sinclair?'
'In actual fact it is so no cause for concern, I'm calling today to chase permission slips, Abby has not returned hers' his silent for a moment then his gravelly voice raises a little, clearly flustered. 'Permission slip? For what?'
'Well Mr Rye there's residential trips next week before exams start, Abby needs to return hers, due to the late return there's only the team building trip left but I'm sure Abby will enjoy it' there's actually plenty of places left but I'm chaperoning the team building residential.
'Mr Sinclair I'm in china, can Mrs Riley not fill the slip out?'
'Unfortunately not Mr rye, I can fax it to you to fill out if that's easier'.
I fax the permission slip to him, he fills it out and faxes it back. I can't help but smile when I have it in my hands.
I carry on chasing parents up until lunch. When the bell goes I make my way to the lunch hall. 'Stop running' I bellow. The students now walk swiftly, trying to be first in the lunch line.
I've been patrolling the lunch hall for about 10 minutes when I spot Abby and Natalie walk in together. Abby's hips are swaying energetically, her arm is linked with Natalie's and their giggling. I can't help admire her.
When she steps into the lunch hall I call her over gesturing with my fingers.
'come here Abby'. She leaves Natalie and saunters over smiling.
'You have detention Abby' her face drops
'wh what? Why?'
'You skipped school Abby, I have to punish you, I have no choice' her shoulders slump. She sighs in defeat and sits down at the back of the hall.
I go to the cashier and order food for Abby then go over to her. We talk quietly
'I'm sorry baby girl I can't show favouritism'
'I understand' she says glumly.
'Hey, cheer up, I managed to speak with your dad' she now looks puzzled
'for what sir?'
'The trip Abby, his signed your permission form' she blurts out
'what?!?!' Quite loudly. People look our way but I don't pay any notice.
'You'll be coming on the trip I'm chaperoning'
'oh, okay' she looks relieved now. The dinner lady comes over with a tray and places it down.
'Enjoy your lunch Abby, when it hits half past your free to leave'
'thanks sir' she mutter's digging into her pasta pot.
I get up and leave her to eat. I walk around the lunch hall monitoring the students. All is well.
At half past Abby leaves her seat and goes over to Natalie. They then leave the lunch hall.
20 minutes later the bell goes. I usher the students along to their last classes. When the hall is empty I walk back to my classroom.
'Everyone in, take your seats'. I'm excited, abby will be arriving soon.....