Social services arrived around lunchtime. Clara had reorganised her day and managed to get all her lessons covered so she could stick with Chelsea. They wanted to speak to Clara and Danny alone first so Chelsea went to go and get lunch. The two teachers did their best to explain what they knew to the social worker in as much detail as possible.
"This is a good spot, she's clearly been hiding this very well to escape everyone's notice for so long. Obviously there's no way we can send her back home now, but you say her sister is with a grandma?" the social worker - Danielle - questioned.
"Yes, but something doesn't feel right about that. Her Gran took Keelie but not Chelsea, and she knew what was going on all this time and did nothing? I'm not sure I trust her," Clara sighed.
"Do we have any indication that Keelie was ever hurt?" she kept making notes.
"No, Chelsea said she took everything for her. She's done literally everything for her sister and kept her grades up at school, it's kind of impressive in it's own way - but can't continue obviously," Clara told her.
"Alright, thank you. I need to make a few phone calls before I speak to Chelsea," Danielle put the lid on her pen. "Maybe 30 minutes?"
"I'll bring her back then. You can use this office, are you alright if we leave you?" Clara just checked.
"Sure, I've got your number from earlier so I'll ring if there's an issue."
Danny and Clara left the room and started to head towards the canteen. "This is horrible," she sighed, "you spoke to all the relevant people didn't you?"
"Yeah, but Priya is sorting most of it. It's quite good she's left this to us though - Chelsea trusts you," Danny smiled as they walked into the canteen. "She's in the corner there, not with her friends…"
"I'll go," she let go of his hand that she hadn't even realised she had taken until now and walked over to where Chelsea was sat playing with the food on her plate. "You need to eat that."
"You need to eat," Chelsea replied, pointing out the empty space in front of where she'd just sat down.
"Nice try, I have someone to get my food for me," she grinned. "How you bearing up?"
"I don't know, is Keelie coming with Gran?"
"Yes, social services need to talk to them both," Chelsea nodded. "You not pleased about that?"
She shrugged, "I want to see her but I bet Gran won't let me. Plus she'll have to answer loads of questions and it's not fair."
"Well your Gran will have to speak to social services alone for a while," Clara pointed out. "I guess I'll look after Keelie…"
"So I can see her?" Suddenly she lit up.
"Absolutely," Clara told her. "Now eat up, I'll be back shortly."
She met up with Danny and sat down, "thanks for getting this. Are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm alright, just wish I'd caught it before now," he told her. "I know she hid it well, just such a shame."
Clara nodded, "yeah, everyone missed it."
#-#-#-#
"Chelsea!" the younger girl ran for her sister and hugged her so tight. Clara watched on as her student held her sister protectively. "Can I come home now? I miss you and I hate it at Gran's."
"You hated it at home Keelie, at least Gran can look after you," Chelsea tried, although Clara could tell that's not what she wanted to say.
"At least you're there. I have nobody at Gran's, I can't talk to her and she doesn't really care she just wants to make Mum angry, that's why she took me away."
Chelsea stood back, keeping one hand on each of Keelie's shoulders and looking at her. "Please tell me she's been looking after you properly?"
The younger girl shrugged, "she cooks and stuff but I don't get to play or go out, I'm always stuck inside."
"Did you tell that lady about it? What you just told me?" Chelsea asked. Keelie had spoken to Danielle before she'd come into see her. Keelie nodded and Chelsea hugged her again, "good girl. You've been really brave. I'm so proud of you."
"Can you help me with my maths? It's in my bag and I couldn't do it but Gran wouldn't help," Keelie sighed.
"Of course I can! Come on, sit down let's have a look," Clara smiled and watched them sit down. She pulled her phone out and text Danny.
I've got Keelie in here now, Chelsea is amazing with her, I mean really amazing. This girl knows how to look after her sister Danny, we need to make sure they don't get split up.
Danny was back in his lesson so she knew he wouldn't reply immediately, but Clara needed options and for that she needed to brainstorm - Danny usually got her ramblings when she was doing so.
"I never gave you permission to be here Keelie!" The girl's gran came in. Clara stood up from where she'd been trying to get some marking done. "You bought her in here?!" she addressed Clara.
"Yes, I did. You didn't ask me not to and they wanted to see each other. I've been in here the whole time and all they've done is homework so I really don't think there's a problem here," Clara told her sternly. She spotted Chelsea in the background looking a little amused at her teacher going strict on her Gran.
The older woman seemed a little shocked, "yes well, I'll take her elsewhere now."
"I believe you have to stay here for the moment, and there's nowhere else for you to wait. Chels why don't you come with me for a moment?" she didn't want any problems right now. Chelsea nodded and followed her out. "You're really good with your sister."
"Years of practice," Chelsea smiled, "I miss helping her with homework, forgot how clever she is."
"She sounds very bright to me," Clara told her. "Alright you want to wait here and I'll go and speak to Danielle," she let her know, going inside the room. "Hi, how did it go with them?"
Danielle finished writing something and looked up, her face not looking too happy. "I don't think we can give the grandmother custody of either of them. The impression I get is that she isn't doing this for the right reasons."
"I agree, there's no reason for her not to let the girls see each other. Any luck with the parents?" Clara asked, sitting down.
"My colleagues went round and it got a bit messy to put it politely. The police have been phoned, on the evidence we've got I believe charges are being bought, but I'll catch up on that later. I'm afraid that we are going to have to place them somewhere tonight, I'm going to try really hard to get emergency foster care together, but that won't be easy," she explained.
Clara nodded, she knew it was never simple. "This is never straight forward, I've seen it before, but usually the children are difficult, have behavioural issues, but these two… surely that will go some way towards helping them?"
"Maybe yes, like I say I will do the very best I can. I need to make a good few phone calls now, am I still okay to stay here? I know it's the normal procedure but I want to give it as long as I can before I take them anywhere to ensure I manage the best options - you're right, they deserve much better than I can currently give them. Once I have options in place I'll speak to the grandmother. Can you-"
"On it, don't worry. Thank you," Clara smiled grateful and went off back to her room, taking Chelsea with her. On the way she grabbed Priya and explained what was going on, knowing she really needed her in on this.
School ended, time was running out and Clara was becoming more anxious as time passed by. Danny appeared at the door and Clara whispered to Priya that she'd be back, stepping outside. "So?"
"No more than what I text you. Priya and I have just been trying to control the situation in there all afternoon. Honestly I get bad feelings from that woman and clearly I'm not wrong."
"The girls aren't going back with her then I take it?"
"No chance. Danielle did a bit of digging and there's no way she's fit to look after them," she sighed. "It's so unfair Danny, I just hope they can find someone who will take them together because I don't think either of them will react well if they don't." Clara sighed and leant into him. "I'm so worried."
Danny rubbed her back, "you're doing amazing Mrs Pink," he kissed her head. Clara smiled a little at the name.
A small cough brought them back to earth and stepped back slightly. Danielle was stood waiting. "Oh gosh I am sorry," Clara could feel herself getting a little red.
"Oh don't worry, Chelsea told me that you two got married. Anyway, I have good news - I found a couple that will take them both for emergency foster care. They're new to the system, I wasn't sure they'd be so keen to take emergency cases so soon but when I explained they were happy to. They're coming over here now along with my boss so we can get everything sorted. I need to speak to them now, would you mind being there?"
It took a while to get everything sorted, it wasn't straightforward and the fact they'd decided to keep everything at the school did complicate it all, but it was the right decision. It was far beyond closing time and Danny, Clara, Priya and Arthur were the only staff left in the building. When everything was explained the girl's grandmother stormed out, but actually didn't seem the least bit bothered. Keelie seemed scared, but Chelsea was quick to reassure her - although Clara spotted her nerves.
Time kept passing but eventually everything was completed on both sides. "Clara, sorry I just wanted to speak to you outside for a moment?" Danielle grabbed her. Clara stood up and went out of the room. "I was hoping you would just speak to the foster couple? You know more than the rest of us how Chelsea is and it might just help before they go in. This has all been a little unconventional so we might as well keep that up."
"Absolutely, no problem. Are they in the pastoral office?" she checked and headed that way when she had confirmation. Clara walked in the door and immediately stopped. "Well these are not the faces I expected to see! When on earth did you move down here?"
"Clara Oswald? Well well what a surprise! You're the teacher?"
"Sorry I'm confused?" the male of the two looked between the two females.
"Oh! Yes, sorry you probably don't have a clue who I am, I've just seen you on Facebook. Power of social media hey?" Clara chuckled, "Via and I were really close friends when I lived in Blackpool, we were penpals for a long time after until the internet took over. It's been a while since we spoke properly. When did you move here?"
"It's a long story, but basically we ran away, got married and moved here," she chuckled.
"You got married?! Blimey, I did wonder if it would ever happen. Wait how did I not know about this?"
"We kept it all pretty quiet, it's complicated, but all good reasons I promise - just needed a fresh start," Via smiled. "Wow it's so so good to see you," she hugged her.
Clara returned the gesture, "been too long huh? But I guess we should save the catch up for another time. You need to know about Chels and Keelie."
"It sounds like they've been through a lot?" her husband John asked.
"More than any of us know, but I've never seen kids so strong. Chelsea has looked after Keelie her whole life, she's looked after herself most of her life. Despite all that her grades are amazing - she's a complete maths wiz which is even more crazy when you know her background," Clara still couldn't quite believe it.
"Well John does… something with numbers, apparently he's pretty good at it so I guess that will work out well. I'll supervise, obviously." Via chuckled.
"Sounds good, you want to meet them? I explained what's going to happen I think they're okay with it actually. I think they're just glad to get out." Clara explained.
They all went back to Clara's room and she went in first, nodding to Danielle and her colleague who were sat in with the girls. They stood up and walked over, taking over with Via and John to explain the next step while Clara went over to Chelsea. "How you doing?"
"Is that them?" Chelsea ignored the question for now, her attention on Via and John. "They look nice. But then everyone looks nice when you've had my parents."
"I'll let you into a secret - I actually went to school with Via, we were best friends for years. She looked after me then and I'm sure she will look after you too. Plus from what I hear John is a bit of a maths geek too - I think you'll like it there," Clara told her.
Keelie looked up from what she was doing now, "I'm happy, we're finally getting out of home. Thank you for helping us."
Clara smiled, "no problem sweetheart, you enjoy it."
At that point Via and John sat down at the table with them. Danielle and her colleague went through everything they need to and Clara watched on. After a while, once everyone was comfortable it was time for them to head to off. They were just leaving when Chelsea ran back in and up to Clara, "thank you, you've saved us. I didn't realise I'd be this happy to get away."
"Look after yourself Chels, I'll see you tomorrow," she told her and Chelsea smiled, running off. Danny let her out before coming back into the room. Clara walked over and leant into him, letting out a big breath. "Not sure I've come across someone so happy to go into care…"
"They've had a long time to fall out of love with their parents, anything is better than that," Danny told her. Come on, it's late and I'm starving - let's get takeaway on the way back."
#-#-#-#
The next morning Clara woke and found Danny was already up. She jumped in the shower and got dressed, going down to find him at the table. "You're keen, what's up?"
"Why does something have to be up?" he asked, not looking up.
"You're up early, you haven't made tea and mostly you haven't immediately asked if I'm okay - something's on your mind. You look tired, you didn't sleep." Clara stuck the kettle on. "Talk."
"I can't help thinking I should have spotted what was going on. I've been that girl's tutor for over 2 years, how did I miss any sign?" Danny sighed and looked up. "I just can't stop thinking about it."
"Well stop thinking about it Danny, we got them out. You've given that girl a lot of support with her maths and I think that meant more to her than you ever realised. She trusted me because she already trusted you Danny, that was the most important part to getting through to her," she kissed him before sorting out the tea. "All will be fine."
#-#-#-#
A week passed, things seemed to be going okay - Chelsea was really positive and Clara kept in touch with Via. Today however something wasn't right. Clara and Danny were stood outside the main doors when Chelsea arrived, running by them. It was early, really early in fact - she was the first student in. Clara and Danny shared a look, "you go. I'll phone Via." Clara told him, pulling out her phone. She didn't have to make the call, Via was already calling her. "Hey, what's happened?"
"We argued this morning, she ran out. Is she with you?" she sounded stressed.
"Yes, yeah. Well, Danny went after her. She's here. Is Keelie alright? What's upset her so much everything seemed to be going so well?" Clara asked, making her way inside now it was getting a little cold.
"Keelie's fine. Well, she's a little upset over the argument but John distracted her for now. Can I come to you?" Via asked.
"Sure, come over now."
Clara hung up and went in to find Danny who had managed to get Chelsea into his room. He came over to her, "she's really upset, but I can't get it out of her. Fancy working your magic?"
"Sure, Via is coming down can you meet her at the door? And let Arthur know what's going on?" Danny nodded and left.
Clara sat beside Chelsea who had her head in her hands, crying softly. "Via said you argued this morning?" Chelsea shrugged. "What caused it?" She shrugged again. "You need to talk Chels."
"No I don't," she snapped. Clara sighed, this was very out of character. She noted that Via had arrived at the door so stepped outside. "She won't talk, what's happened?"
"She slept in a little this morning, I let her - thought the rest would be good for her so I helped Keelie this morning. When I went to wake her she got mad that I got Keelie up... I don't get it, I thought I was helping," Via sighed.
Clara nodded and looked back into the classroom at Chelsea. "She's looked after Keelie everyday for 7 years, it's her life. She's taken her to school, helped with her homework, fed her, clothed her - she's done everything for 7 years. I suspect she is struggling to let go of that."
"I should have thought," Via shook her head.
"No it's okay, you're new to the teenager thing - it's a tough one. Come on, let's go and speak to her," Clara let Via go in first and followed, watching as she sat down opposite Chelsea.
Clara stayed back for a moment, letting Via take control. "Chels I'm sorry, I should have realised how much looking after Keelie means to you."
Chelsea took a deep breath and looked up, "I shouldn't have got mad. I'm just so used to protecting her from everyone. Nobody else has ever looked out for Keelie before, she's only had me."
"That's not true anymore, you both have us. You don't have to take all that responsibility now - it's time for you to enjoy being a kid," Via told her.
"I'm not sure I know how," she looked down, almost scared. "I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to let you down."
Clara was about to step in but Via held a hand out to stop her, "hey nobody is going to hurt you now, thank you for apologising. I think we can work on teaching you to enjoy being a kid too, I'll come up with some ideas. For now though, you want to come home and let Keelie know everything is okay quickly?"
Just as she was about to stand up and agree Chelsea stopped, "no, no you can tell her it's okay. If she needs me she can ring quick but I think she trusts you already."
Via smiled, "that's really mature of you, well done. See you later - have a good day."
Clara said goodbye quickly and let her friend go, "you can go too, go see your friends. Have they all been okay with the situation?"
"They've been great, thank you for all your help. I'm sorry I've caused you so much trouble after your wedding," Chelsea stood up with her bag. "I'll try and give you a little more peace."
"Hey you hassle me as much as you like. See you later kid," Clara smiled. Just after she left Danny reappeared. "You always miss the action don't you? It's all sorted anyway."
"Good, because I really need tea." Clara chuckled and they went off.
#-#-#-#
When she reached third lesson Clara had to go and observe David once more. The most recent lessons had been more promising, she hoped they were finally making progress, but today when she walked in he immediately looked angry. "Good morning to you too."
"This is getting ridiculous now," David told her.
"Yeah well you know what the arrangement is. It's hardly my favourite moment of the day," Clara sat down at the back. "Do you want a hand with set up?"
"I can handle it," David tutted.
"I never said you couldn't David I'm just offering a hand, it's a human thing," she told him but didn't move as requested. "Why are you trying so hard to fight me?"
"Why are you so obsessed about watching my lessons?" he seethed a little.
"You just don't understand it do you? I don't know where you worked before but here we care about our students, we go out of our way to help them if necessary. This isn't the most well off area of London as I'm sure you've gathered but they're a good lot and they deserve our support. So far David you're really not trying to fit in here, and until you do I have to be in here. This isn't for my benefit, not even for Arthur's - this is for those kids out there," she gestured to the corridor. "For some of them this is the only place they get shown they're important - this past week has shown me how seriously some of them take that little gesture of hope they get from us. If you can't give them that, you can't teach here."
David kept walking round putting books on tables, "we can't all be saints Clara."
"I'm not asking you to be a saint. I'm not asking you to do even half of what I sign myself up for. I'm just asking you to try a little to engage with your students - talk to them and not at them, spot when they're struggling," Clara explained and stood up. "Once I see you trying, you'll never have me sat in here again and we can both get back to our jobs." She took the pile of worksheets he was holding without asking and started handing them out. "They're waiting, go let them in while I put these out."
David didn't respond to her comments and instead went to open the door to his classroom and let them on. Clara watched from the corner of her eye as he, for the first time, spoke to the students as they walked in. She looked away and smiled a little in achievement, sitting down at the back once more. Maybe she had finally made a breakthrough with this guy.
#-#-#-#
"Hey you've got a smile on, been a good day?" Danny stood in her doorway at the end of the day. Clara nodded, picking up her bags.
"Finally making progress with David, Chelsea is settling and each day is a day closer to two weeks away with you, what could be better?" she smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "I love you, I'm sorry the first week of married life has just involved my stresses."
"I think the first week of married life has actually proved just how perfect we are together - the A team," Danny kissed her head, "come on, let's get home and enjoy Monday evening."
"Can Monday evening ever truly be enjoyed?" Clara grinned and took his hand. "Alright, let's spend it in bed."