It seemed like she'd been off forever when Clara finally got back to work. It had taken a lot of work to persuade her doctor and Danny (who had gone back for a few weeks before the summer) that she was well enough, but the seizures were fewer and she was quite frankly fed up with being at home.
She came back to the chaos she had pretty much expected to meet, although she was quite impressed with how well Henry had coped with very little input from herself or Grace. Clara went into her room and sat down at her desk, looking around and smiling. It had been 4 and a half months since she had last been in work and it was just after the summer holidays. "Ah Miss Oswald, what a pleasure it is to have you back." Arthur was stood at her door. "In early I see?"
"Need to get this lot organised before the kids arrive. I wanted to come in over the holidays but they kindly kept my sick note running till yesterday to stop me doing so," she rolled her eyes.
"Rightly so. Henry was doing his best and your temp wasn't actually too bad, I think she tried to keep things within your systems so hopefully it won't be too bad. Is Danny in?" he asked.
"Of course, I'm still not allowed to drive. I told him to piss off so I could get organised," she chuckled.
"And I'm guessing I should do the same yeah?" Arthur asked.
"If you know what's good for you," Clara replied, grinning.
"Oh it's good to have you back, I've missed having someone telling me things straight," Arthur told her. "See you later."
Once he was gone she stood up and got on with organising everything. Unbelievably everything had been organised in her usual fashion allowing her to pull out the last few lesson plans and review where all her classes had got to. It could have been worse, but she had some work to do. The fact her own work was relatively in order made up a little for the complete madness that were her emails and the pile of work Henry and Jasmine had kindly left for her to review. Henry. She'd actually have to see him again today, joy.
An hour passed and things were finally under control. Things that needed dealing with urgently were left on her desk and everything else packed ready for a fun trip home. It was a great welcome back. She started working through a bunch of bits that needed sorting straight away, answering important emails and checking the most important of the lesson plans. "How's it all going in here?" Danny asked, knocking on her door gently but fairly pointlessly.
"As expected, thanks for coming in early," she smiled up at him.
"Not a problem, just promise me you won't stress yourself out," he walked over, standing behind her chair and gently massaging her shoulders.
Clara leant back into his grip, "promise. I've got it all under control, it's fine. Coming back at the start of a new years takes some of the pressure off. Knowing my classes didn't suffer too much is also a relief."
"You mean they didn't flunk it without the great Miss Oswald?"
"It's weird, it's not going to be long before that's not my name anymore," she smiled up at him. "Are we weird for getting married and coming back to work 2 days later?"
"Yes," he replied, "but we're very weird people."
Clara chuckled, "too true. Only 3 weeks to go," she smiled and Danny crouched down slightly to kiss her. "Mmm I love you."
"Oh good, I've missed walking by this every morning," Danny and Clara both looked up to see Danny's boss Graham. They chuckled and he groaned and walked off.
"It's great to be back, I've missed annoying your boss," Clara stood up. "I need to sort out the room now."
Danny grabbed her hand and pulled her close, "do you though?"
"Yes," she smiled, "yes I do."
"Maybe I miss you," he kissed her again.
"We're at work Mr Pink," Clara gave him a look, "don't you have anything to do? Oh no I forgot, you just write numbers on a board."
Danny looked at her in shock, "you cheeky sod!" Clara chuckled and escaped from his grasp, running to the back of the classroom. He ran after her and they ended up running round the room, Clara squealed when he caught up with her and grabbed her. "That'll teach you."
"Ah so you can teach something then," Clara grinned, not giving in. Danny tickled her a little bit. "DannY!"
"What? Problem?" he chuckled, continuing.
There was a small knock at the door and they both looked round again, "yes," Clara muttered under her breath in response to his previous question when she saw Henry.
"Be cool, don't stress out," he whispered back to her as he set her back properly on the ground. "Want me to stay?"
"I got it. I'll see you in the staffroom," she told him and he left. "Henry, what can I do for you?" she finally greeted him.
"Just wanted to say welcome back, we've missed you," he spoke trying to sound confident.
"I can see that," she gestured to the pile on her desk. He opened his mouth to apologise but she got in there first. "You did your best Henry, you're not experienced enough really but you tried and the place hasn't fallen apart. Thank you."
"And how are you? Your Dad said he hadn't heard from you-" Clara held her hand up to get him to stop.
"Personal life, work life. Remember that discussion?" she gave him a discerning look. He nodded. "Good. My father knows everything he needs to know. I'm fine, all other details were in my email. Any further conversations between you and I will be purely professional."
"Got it," he smiled a little sheepishly. "Let me know if I can do anything."
"Thanks. Get yourself settled in I'll see you later," Clara smiled. She was just about to grab her bag and go to the staffroom when there was another knock. She groaned internally before putting a smile on and turning to see a face she didn't recognise. Ah - the new teacher. Jane's replacement now she'd moved to Scotland. "David right?" she asked and walked over, holding her hand out to shake it. "I'm Clara. So sorry I couldn't be at the original interview."
"It's fine, they explained you were ill," he replied and shook her hand. "Arthur told me to report here."
"Fair enough. Let me take you to your room," she told him and walked him down. "I assume you've had the timetable already sent to you and outline of the curriculum?"
David placed his bag down on the table, "eventually."
"I'm sorry, I wasn't allowed to do anything until this morning so things might have been a little more disorganised than I'd like. Let me know if I can help with anything. I'll also need-" Clara was interrupted by him handing over a memory stick.
"My first month of lesson plans are on there along with an outline of my previous work and a brief overview of what I said in the interview incase that helps you," he told her. Clara was slightly taken aback.
"Great, thank you. You're experienced enough I'm sure this will all be fine anyway. Can I do anything else for you or shall I leave you to settle in?" He opted for the second which Clara was rather grateful for as she could get back to find her tea.
Danny was waiting in the staffroom, "everything okay with Henry?" he handed her a mug of tea and she smiled gratefully.
"Yeah. Well after I told him to stop shoving his nose in. I think my bigger problem is in the form of the new English teacher…" she told him.
"Jane's replacement?" he asked and Clara nodded. "What's the problem?"
"He's um…" she looked round to check it was safe to talk, "well. I've only met him briefly, but he was definitely judging my age and experience. I suspect I'm going to get challenged a lot."
"Well you're good with a challenge," Danny smiled, "you'll be fine. And if he causes you any grief you come and get me yeah?" he held his fists up jokingly and Clara chuckled, batting them down. "You think I can't take it?"
"I think you're out of practice," she grinned and he looked at her in mock shock. "Oh, what you gonna do about it?" Clara asked. Danny simply winked at her. "That right eh? Well we will have to see about that," she grinned.
"Ah we've missed you two causing havoc in the staffroom," Clara looked round when she heard Helen's voice and smiled. "Good to have you back Clara."
"Good to be back I assure you," she hugged her briefly. "How have you been?"
"Not bad, busy you know but the summer break was lovely. Did you two get away?" Helen asked.
"Not really, I've still had appointments regularly so that made getting away difficult. Plus someone has been sorting wedding stuff behind my back," she glanced up at Danny who shrugged.
"I can't believe how soon it is now! How on earth is he managing to do everything without you finding out, you always seem to know everything going on around here," Helen chuckled.
"I get palmed off to Grace so things can be done in secret," she rolled her eyes but smiled. "I am quite enjoying the surprise of it all to be honest. Plus not having any of the stress is quite beneficial at the moment."
"An added bonus," Danny smiled and kissed her head quickly. "I need to go and speak to Graham." Clara wished him good luck before he disappeared to the other side of the room.
"So without Danny in earshot, how you really feeling about today?" Helen asked.
Clara smiled gratefully, "nervous. It's been a while and I can't predict if I'll have any seizures. I know they're barely noticeable and knowing our kids they probably wouldn't see it but…"
"Hey, Danny briefed us all before the summer. It's okay, if you need to take a step out at any point just grab one of us," Helen placed a hand on her arm reassuringly."Believe me most of those children will just be glad to see you back, you've been well and truly missed."
Clara smiled, "I've missed them which is something I never thought I'd say. Anyway, did you interview the new guy?"
"I did. He's very experienced, taught in some of the most difficult schools around the country," Helen commented.
Clara nodded, "so why isn't he head of department somewhere?"
"He's recently changed specialties. Used to teach history, but his English experience wouldn't be enough for head of department - which he knows. I take it you've met him?" Helen asked.
"Mmm. I don't think he's taken too kindly to my age…" she rolled her eyes.
"He'll see how good you are soon enough," Helen smiled. "You wait till he learns that second in command is the same age."
"Might just combust," she chuckled. "Thanks. Do you mind if I make you his mentor? Seeing as you've met before. I'm sure he'll be fine anyway but just for showing around purposes."
"Not a problem. I'll go and hunt him down now and offer tea," Helen smiled.
"Perfect," Clara walked over to sit down when Helen left. Maybe this term wouldn't be too bad.
#-#-#-#
Friday afternoon had come around surprisingly quickly and Clara had carefully worked the timetables so she had a free last thing on a Friday. She sat in her room going through a bunch of year 7 spellings when there was a knock. Looking over she saw one of the year 9s at the door and gestured for her to come in. "Pauline, you're in Mr Fenwick's class not mine," she commented. "How can I help?"
"He's just gone crazy at Faith…" she looked a little scared. Faith was a lovely girl, smart and kind but she had aspergers and struggled sometimes. Clara stood up without hesitating.
"Alright, you okay?" Pauline nodded, "come with me but wait outside. I'll send Faith to you, bring her back here." Clara walked down the corridor with purpose and burst into the room where a shouting match was occurring between David and Faith's support teacher. "SILENCE!" she shouted, the entire class suddenly turning to face her. Once they were all stopped she walked over to Faith who was crouched in the corner and got down to her level. "Pauline is outside, you go with her to my room. You know where my water bottles are don't you?" Faith nodded. "Good, I'll come and find you shortly. Everything will be alright I promise."
She stood up and left and only once she was out of sight and earshot did Clara turn to the rest of the class. She scanned the board quickly to determine what they were doing. "I want ALL of you back in your seats. Books open to page 39 - read the section and answer the questions. Mr Fenwick, Miss Blanch, I'll speak to you outside." There was a distinct 'ooooooooo' from the students that she shut up with one glance.
Clara opened the classroom door and let them leave before following. As they left she managed to grab a spare TA who was walking by and get them to watch the class so she could take them outside the building.
"Clara no offence but it's freezing out here," Miss Blanch - Katie - told her.
"Tough. I'm not doing this infront of the students for all of our sakes," she was angry. Once they were out she turned to Katie first. "Your job is to keep Faith calm."
"Yeah and I was trying! He-" she pointed at David, "-was NOT."
"She was misbehaving!" David shouted back.
"You are both acting like children!" Clara had to shout above then again to stop another slanging match ensuing. "One at a time. Katie, what happened?"
"Oh sure ask her first," David muttered and Clara purposefully ignored it, continuing to look at Katie.
"Mr Fenwick teaches differently to how Faith is used to. I'm not saying it's bad, but she was struggling with the concept of the group work. I tried to explain but I think she was just getting more confused and stressed so she stood up. David told her to sit back down which only stressed her out further. I tried to explain that she's allowed to step out once per lesson if needed but he raised his voice and told her she wasn't allowed in her lessons and… that's when it got out of control," Katie finished up.
Clara ran a hand through her hair in despair. "Do you agree that's what happened?" she asked David who shrugged. "Have you worked with SEN kids before?" she asked him again. He didn't respond. "Clearly not. And that's not a problem, but why did you then proceed to ignore the wishes of her support teacher who by definition must know Faith better than you? At the very least you should have come and found me to check."
David took a breath in and out and then looked directly at Clara, "and why would you know any better than me?"
There it was. "Because, Mr Fenwick, I've known Faith for 2 years. I've taught her for one of those and I know that if she is finding a lesson difficult then 2 minutes outside the classroom is usually enough for her to get her head together."
"Why is she even in top set anyway?" oh now Clara was struggling to hold it together. She really wanted to read this guy's references now.
"She is the brightest kid in that class if you'd simply give her a chance to show you!" Clara glanced at her watch. "Get back to your class, I'll speak to you on Monday morning when I've decided what to do about this," she told him, already sick of the sight of him. David tutted before turning on his heels to go back inside. Clara looked to Katie, "with me. We have damage control to do."
When they got to Clara's room Faith looked a little calmer. Pauline was one of her close friends and knew her well. Clara got Katie to wait outside for now and went in. "How we doing in here?"
"Okay, sorry Miss I didn't mean to upset everyone," Faith replied. "It was just so loud in there…"
"Yeah I know sweetheart, it's not your fault I promise. Mr Fenwick just didn't know, I should have told him beforehand," she did feel a little responsible, but she shouldn't really have had to tell him. "You up to seeing Miss Blanch? She's calmed down too." Faith agreed and Clara called Katie in. "Pauline can you go back and get Faith's things? You guys can work through the book activities in here today."
By the time the school bell came round Clara had got Faith back smiling and understanding the work. "I miss you teaching us."
"I know love, I miss your class too. Listen, your next lesson with Mr Fenwick is Monday just before lunch and I'm going to make sure I'm in there so you don't need to worry. We will get this sorted," she smiled. "Off you go, enjoy your weekend."
Once her room was empty she looked back at the pile of work she hadn't got done and groaned a little, sitting back at her desk. Danny would appear in a few minutes, but she could get a bit more done. She got through about 3 more books before Danny knocked on the door giving her a disapproving look. "You know the rules."
"I know, out of here by 4pm everyday. We've still got 10 minutes," she shut the lid to her laptop. "I'm going to have to do work tonight though," she told him.
"You look shattered," Danny helped her pack everything away. "What happened?"
Clara was about to respond when there was another knock at the door and she looked up to see David stood there. "What do you want?"
"I want not to be undermined like that in front of my class," he replied. Clara widened her eyes in shock and picked up her bags.
"And there I was thinking you were going to apologise. I deal with everyone the same way regardless of age or expertise. I'll see you Monday morning," she told him, walking right by him and simply assuming Danny would follow which thankfully he did. Only when they got in the car did he dare to ask what had happened. Clara explained her final lesson escapades to Danny's shock. "I'll email Arthur tonight and explain that I'm going to observe the year 9 lesson on Monday and any lesson he has when I'm free next week."
"That seems fair but it's a lot of work for you…" Danny sounded concerned.
"I know but what choice do I have? It's the same as I would do for anyone and the rest of my team know that so I can't let him off just because I've been a bit ill. I'll try and do some work while I'm watching him, I only need to be in the room," Clara leant back against the seat while he drove. "I knew he was going to be trouble."
"You handled it well, I'm proud," Danny smiled, pulling up in their drive. "Come on. I'll cook dinner, you can shower and get in your PJs. If you have to work at least do it comfortable with good food and tea."
"Have I ever mentioned how much I love you?" Clara turned her head and smiled at him.
"Maybe once or twice," he smiled back before they both got out of the car.
#-#-#-#
Monday morning came around far too easily and Clara walked into work with Danny. David was already in his room. "He's keen," Danny muttered.
"Mmm, I've got to tell him the good news now," she replied equally quietly.
"Getting your company multiple hours a week? I'd take that any day," Danny grinned.
"You do get that everyday," Clara pointed out,
"That's a fair point," Danny smiled, "I'd always settle for more," he kissed her gently. "I'll go and make tea."
"You're a star," she kissed him again and let him go, knocking on David's door before going in. "Morning, good weekend?"
"Lovely thank you, yours?" she asked.
"Busy," Clara responded, in reality she'd spent most of the weekend doing nothing other than lying in work and marking having tired herself out in the week. "I've spoken to Arthur and we've agreed that I will sit in with your year 9 lesson today and any lessons when I'm free. Please don't argue the situation, I'm about as happy about it as you are I assure you."
David looked up, "fine. Not sure what you expect to achieve though."
"Hopefully nothing, hopefully you'll prove to me that you're a good teacher and can actually deal with different pupils needs," Clara told him. "I don't want you to fail David." He scoffed at her comment. "Think whatever you like, I'll see you 4th period," she held her hands up in defeat before walking out.
Once she'd setup in her own room she went to find Danny. He could tell by the look on her face it hadn't gone well. "That great huh?"
"Mmm I've had more promising conversations. You alright?" she asked, sitting down with him. Danny slipped an arm around her and played with the edge of her hair.
"I am now," he smiled.
"God you two never stop," they both leaned back to see who had just come in and smiled at Helen. "Morning, good weekend?"
"Reasonable. How about yours? It was your daughter's birthday wasn't it?" Clara asked.
"Well remembered," Helen smiled and walked over to sit adjacent to them. "Her 16th, tiring but a good weekend."
"Glad to hear it. So is everything alright with your classes?"
"All good. Settling in nicely, are we having a meeting this morning?" Helen asked and Clara nodded.
"In 10 minutes, hopefully not too much to discuss," she told her.
"Best go get myself organised then. See you there," Helen jumped up and left. Her seat was soon replaced by Jasmine.
"I was hoping I could have a quick word…" Jasmine looked at Danny a little. Clara took the hint and sat up, sending Danny off. "I know things aren't great between you and Henry but I was hoping we could start fresh? I've missed having you around that's for sure."
Clara smiled gratefully and sat forward, "of course. You've got your final assessment this term then you can be free of my hovering," she chuckled. "If you want to go over anything just let me know okay?"
"Thank you. And um, I heard everything yesterday with David," not a huge surprise given her room was opposite, "for what it's worth I think you were right to pull him out like that."
"Cheers, not my favourite part of the job."
"Yeah, you're too nice for it," Jasmine smiled. "Meeting at 20 past?" Clara nodded. "See you then."
#-#-#-#
Sitting at the back of David's classroom gave Clara a lot of time to work him out. He was a good teacher, what he was saying was good and she liked his style, but he was missing something.
30 minutes into the lesson she could see Faith getting confused again. She kept an eye on her and watched Kate try and explain what was going on but Clara had a feeling she wasn't overly sure either. What David was doing was clever, but for someone who took life so literally it was probably difficult to grasp. Clara watched David spot her, but he didn't do anything. Faith started to get a little more agitated - now she had to step in. They weren't having a repeat of Friday. She stood up without interrupting the class and walked to Faith's desk, crouching beside her. "Take 5 minutes outside to clear your head, it's alright."
"But Mr Fenwick said-"
"I know, but I'm his boss and I say you can," she smiled. "Go on, I'll sort it," she nodded to Kate who got up with her and went outside. Clara walked to the front and spoke to David now the rest of the class were working on their tasks. "She just needs to calm down, I'll try and explain what you're doing."
"I can explain myself," he tutted.
"Be my guest," she gestured to the door but he didn't move. "Thought as much." Clara left the room and went after the student.
4 and a half minutes later - Faith never went over the 5 - she walked back into the classroom. Kate and Clara followed and retook their own seats without saying anything. Faith looked a lot happier and she quickly got to work.
Once the class came back together for ideas Clara had to work hard not to look smug. Faith had done fantastic work, as always, and David looked a little shocked. When the lesson ended and the class had left she got up and went to speak to him, raising her eyebrows. "Alright so she's clever. I get it."
"That girl will teach you things Mr Fenwick," Clara smiled at him politely before leaving the room. She would get him under control yet.
There won't be a Christmas specific chapter in this story, but check out 'Back to School' where the next chapter will hopefully give you some pinkwald Christmas feels :)