Chapter 5
Stuck for ideas on where to take this next- any ideas would be greatly received!
When the Clarksons arrived at school the next day, Tom and Nicki both found themselves with a bonus free period. Tom's year 8s were on a drama trip along with Nicki's year 9s. They decided it was the perfect opportunity to have a talk with Josh as he didn't do drama so was in school. "Josh, can we have a word" Tom said pulling Josh aside "now dad, can't it wait till we get home" Josh asked quietly Tom shot him a look which meant Josh had his answer. Josh and Tom went into the classroom and Nicki entered shortly after dropping Florence off at the creche with some work to do. They all sat around one table, "now look, we said we wanted to have a talk with you, your mum and I are worried that you are being too easily influenced and its getting you into bother" Tom said gently not wanting Josh to fly off the handle. But Josh knew what was happening, he didn't like to admit it but Finn Sharkey had been the cause of many problems since he had arrived at the school. "I know Dad, but Finn means well" Josh said hopefully "he might do, but does he realise that you're getting into trouble all of the time because of him" Nicki said looking at her 14 year old wondering where that sweet boy who used to cuddle on her knee and say I love you mummy had gone. "well yeah, I mean no of course he doesn't" Josh said sheepishly. "I just think you should keep your distance from him for a while that's all- I'm worried about the sort of person you're turning into" Tom said concerned. "I'll try harder, I promise" Josh said looking down at his feet. "I hate being a disappointment to you both" he added quietly a tear rolling down his face. "hey hey, who said anything about that" Tom said comforting his boy, "don't ever think that, you're not a disappointment, you might make some crap decisions at times but we love you and are proud of you just the same" Tom said with an arm around Josh "where did you get an idea like that" Tom said "I heard Charlotte talking to one of her friends she was saying that you two were at your wits end and she said she heard you say that you can't believe how much of a disappointment I've turned out to be" Josh said still looking at his feet.
Tom and Nicki were furious "don't ever believe that son" Tom said bolting out of the room and down to food tech where he knew Charlotte's lesson was. "sorry Mrs Fry, can I borrow Charlotte please" Tom said firmly. Charlotte stood up "do I need my things" she questioned "yes" Tom replied giving Charlotte the distinct impression that she was in trouble. Tom said nothing to his daughter as they walked up the stairs towards the classroom "dad whats going on" Charlotte said but Tom said nothing. "in there" Tom said opening the door. Charlotte walked into the room and sat down "right, I want to know how you thought you could make up vicious lies about your brother" Nicki said furiously "what are you talking about" Charlotte questioned "you know exactly what I'm talking about young lady- saying to your friends that we have said Josh is a disappointment and that we're at our wits end" Nicki shouted. Charlotte looked down at her feet, "I was only joking, I didn't think he had heard me" she said quietly. "whether he heard you or not, you do not make up lies and then try to spread them around half the school" Nicki shouted "sorry alright, I won't do it again can I go back to class now" Charlotte said shoving past her dad who managed to grab hold of her arm "you're going nowhere young lady, we haven't finished" Tom said "Josh has been miserable because of what he heard you say, what have you got to say for yourself" Tom said glaring at Charlotte. Charlotte looked at her brother, she could see how upset he was, she hadn't meant for that to happen. "I'm so sorry Josh, I really am I thought it was a joke" Charlotte said, "its ok, leave the winding up to me next time ey" Josh said putting an arm around his sister. Tom and Nicki were pleased that the children had made up but still needed to deal with what Charlotte had done. "right lady, you are grounded for 2 weeks, you come to school and you come home that is it and you need to have a serious think about your behaviour" Tom said "fair enough'' Charlotte agreed and was sensible enough not to argue. "right clean slate Josh, you can have your phone back and you're grounding is lifted, but if you disobey our trust again there will be serious consequences understood" Nicki said, "yes mum, you can trust me" Josh said smiling. He was determined to try and behave.