Hi all. I will be finshing this story and shall be having weekly updates. Thanks to Josh4eva3 for betaing this story. So here goes and hope you enjoy.

Chapter One

Rochdale

All over the country parents were getting their children ready for their first day back at school. In some cases getting them ready for their first day of school meant their proud parents seeing them off wondering where the time had gone. However, there was one father not seeing his 5-year-old daughter off on their first day of school. That father was Christopher Mead.

He had just given his 5-year-old daughter Zoey back to her mother in London, after the long summer holiday. In effect he was a part time dad and Chris hated the fact that he could only see Zoey 13 weeks out of 52. But during those 13 weeks, he was the best dad that anybody could ask for.

No one knew that he was a father apart from his girlfriend. He did not want all the questions about all the mile stones in her life as he was unable to actually answer them and thus give him the image of being a bad dad plus adding to the staff room gossip mile. Like the one today her first day of school.

Chris just pulled into the car park and pulled into his usual space. Turned off his engine and just sat there thinking about the wonderful summer the three of them had with Zoey two weeks in Disney World, running around the park and just having a good time. Flicking through the photos on his phone brought tears to his eyes so he started to cry. Then drive all the way down to London to see her. However this was interrupted by Kim knocking on his car window.

Kim knew what was up the moment she saw Chris. His eyes were red and puffy and looked like he had been crying and he never cried, only over two people: herself and Zoey. He was always the one to make someone have a good laugh and cheer them up.

Once he was out of the car she just pulled him into a hug and whispered calm words until he stopped. Kim then wrapped her arm round him and both walked up to the main office.

Once there Kim started to make coffee for both of them and Chris broke the silence: "Sorry Kim I just feel useless as a Dad. I can't make sure she is all right get rid of her nerves or just give her a big hug. I can't even hear her first day stories or how she got on. I see her 13 weeks a year tops. What can I do?"

Kim then said, "Christopher Mead look at me and listen. YOU are NOT a useless DAD. You care your upset that is part of being an outstanding dad and makes you you. Zoey is in good hands as Rachel is head of her primary school and she knows what she is doing. So ring her after school and find out how Zoey got on." Then Kim pulled Chris into a hug.

Chris then said, "Thanks Kim I would be lost without you. Best go and clean myself and go and meet our new head. I guess it was Rachel texting you last night and I am not made at you for telling her it has put my mind at rest." Then placed a kiss on Kim check and left before adding, "Dinner round mine my beautiful tonight."

By the time Chris had sorted himself out it was time for him to brief the staff so headed into the staffroom to meet the rest of the staff. He then sat on the arm of the chair that Kim was sitting while facing Tom chatting about the football results. This was then interrupted by a stunned silence coming over the staff and the comment from Grantly: "You'll end up on the roof this time."

The head then spoke: "Thanks Grantly, always one for support. Right, good morning, let me introduce myself for those who don't know I am Jack Rimmer, your new head. Karen has been given a new role within the school as a part time teacher in history so can focus on her family. There is a new management team in place. Chris Mead is still deputy alongside Tom Clarkson; Kim Campbell is, for those who don't know, head of pastoral care. Karen will also be a part of the management on her days when she is in. Nikki Boston has taken on the role as head of English. One more thing: where is Steph Haddock, when she shows up telling her the new head is looking for her. Right go and do something teacher related. Chris with me."

But got no answer has Chris had stepped outside to take a phone call "Yes, Ok, right away about three-ish, thanks bye."

Then popped back in with Kim shooting a 'are you all right' look and Chris nodded no and mouthed 'Later' trying to keep the tears at bay. Once Jack finished Chris said "So sorry Jack got go and pick my daughter up down in London, her mum just dropped her off and left her."

Jack then said, "Chris, go, family comes first."