Social Ladder
"And where are you off to? Off to have lunch with your middle-class buddies?"
There was a harshness to Steph's tone, suggesting this was an accusation, not a joke. Besides, when did the two ever share a harmless jest?
If Rachel hadn't been so determined, so delighted, she may have taken offence. But there were more important things to think about. Like the musical, the governors, Eddie… She didn't have time to share contentious witticisms. Yet, she knew why Steph was actually upset. Because she had been asked to do work and Rachel wasn't seen to be doing any.
"No, I'm in the middle of a custody battle."
Without waiting for a response, smirking at the astonished expression on Steph and Jasmine's face, she stepped outside. Already dialling the number of Eddie's ex-wife.
Sometimes, she wondered how people got their impression of her. Middle-class always being a popular word. The word was less surprising when she reminded herself that was exactly how she wanted people to see her. If they saw an average woman, a headteacher, someone who had hardly experienced difficulty in their life, then it was harder to question who she was. Or rather, who she had been.
There were worse things to be called than middle-class and there were far worse places to be.