Nine

"How do you feel knowing that your mother's a slut, Solace!"

"Shut up, Norris!" Will shouted, throwing himself on the older boy; it was a quick fight of flying fists and repeated thudding on the cement ground before the two lads were pulled apart by one of the teachers.

"What was that about!" It was Mrs Ravi, her black eyes flashing as she struggled to keep a fuming Will away from the grinning Tim Norris. Norris was unscathed but Will had gained a swelling eye and a bruised lip.

"He stole my candy, miss!"

"It was mine, not his! And besides, he insulted my mom! He called her a... a. He just did!"

The teacher glared at Norris and let go of him. "Go see Mr Parker. Now. Detention, Tim. I'll know if you don't see him. Get moving!" Tim scowled and walked away, glaring at Will. He stared back, unflinching.

Mrs Ravi sighed and let go of him as well, motioning for him to come follow her. They made their way into her cubicle in the teacher's lounge and she gestured for him to sit on one of the spinning chairs. To his dismay, his feet dangled a little bit off the floor.

"Will." She picked up one of her biros and clicked on it, frowning. "I know you were provoked by Tim, but really, violence is not the answer. You should have come to me."

"I would have, but I didn't want to snitch." The teacher's lips curled into small smile.

"You realise I have to punish you, all the same?"

"Aw, really?"

"It's only fair." She sighed again, thinking about how it must feel to be the little boy with the older kids always ragging on him about his lack of a father. She noticed that Will's eyes were fixed on the piano in the corner of the room. "Do you play?"

Will shook his head. "I'd like to, though. It looks kinda fun."

Mrs Ravi nodded. "It really is. Why don't I teach you the basics?"

Will nodded eagerly and she did. He caught on rather quickly for a first timer and further prodding taught her that he could sing as well.

"Will," she asked as she closed the lid of the piano, watching the regretful expression on his face. "Would you like me to continue teaching you how to play?"

"Yes miss!" His eyes lit up.

"But you have to promise me one thing."

"Anything!"

"Promise me you won't get into trouble. That means no more fights."

Will frowned, running his fingers over the piano. "Even with Norris?"

"Even with Norris."

She could see him hesitating, but he eventually decided it was worth it. "Okay. I promise. But maybe not in lessons though- I try, but I can't never do very well. Sorry."

"If we have time I could help you with whatever you need." She offered.

He nodded.

"Right. Off to class you go, then. Tell your teacher to talk to me about your late-coming."

"Thanks!" Will mumbled and smiled before running off.

Mrs Ravi smiled as she opened the lid of the piano and ran her fingers over the scratched keys, listening as they smashed against each other in harmony like waves crashing against the shore. Will would be good at this, she could tell.