With just one lesson to go, Chris is setting out the books on his classroom desks. After his evening last night, he has had quite a calm day. Whether he is in a better, more balanced mood, or whether the students have actually behaved for a change today, he isn't quite sure - although knowing Waterloo Road, it's more likely that the change is in his behaviour than the students'.
Caught up in his own thoughts, he doesn't hear Mrs Fisher enter the classroom.
"Chris?" she calls to him, as he reaches the back of the class.
"Karen!" he confirms, as his mind is dragged back to the present day. "Everything okay?"
"Yes, of course," she smiles. "I just wanted to pop my head in and congratulate you."
"Oh?"
Chris heads back towards the front of the classroom, puzzled by why Mrs Fisher could be here.
"I don't know what you did with Katherine Evans, but it worked a treat," she admits. "I have had staff coming up to me all day, commenting on how much she has improved over the last couple of days.
"Really?" Chris is quite shocked. "Well, that's great."
"Absolutely!" Karen is quite delighted with the news. "I've got to head to this board meeting now, but just wanted to thank you."
"Yeah, sure," Chris replies, still curious. "Thank you, Karen. And good luck with the meeting!"
She walks away with a smile, but Mr Mead isn't quite as thrilled by the news. He grabs his suit jacket from the back of his chair, and heads down the hallway. Within minutes, he is at the door to Mr Clarkson's room. Through the glass, he can see Tom sat at his desk, marking a stack of books. Knocking on the door, Chris is soon welcomed in by his friend.
"Alright, mate," Tom nods, "everything okay?"
"Yeah fine," Chris replies, but he seems quite distracted. "I've just had Karen in my classroom congratulating me on Katherine Evans' new behaviour. She said everyone has been on at her about how much Kathie's behaviour has improved."
"Yeah, well done there," Tom agrees, as he leans back in his chair. "I don't know what you did either, but it's like teaching a different kid the last couple of days. She is participating in discussions, getting her classwork done, even handing homework in early, believe it or not."
"Wow," Chris is flummoxed. He can't quite believe what he is hearing.
"I know!" Tom laughs a little. "All the staff are talking about the huge turnaround. You must have noticed the difference too?"
"Sadly not," Chris admits. "Seems i'm the only one not getting that luxury."
