I queried.
‘She was Derek’s long-term girlfriend,’ Jessie said. ‘Ex now – their relationship has finished. But he still phones her if he needs help. She has a key to his flat.’
‘Oh, I see,’ I said. ‘That’s kind of her.’
‘Yes, it is. I take it Beth hasn’t mentioned Marianne?’
‘No. I got the impression that Beth and her father were very alone in the world.’
‘Yes, they are now,’ Jessie said pointedly, but didn’t say any more.
Chapter Four
That afternoon, I was wondering when I should go in to school to see Miss Willow, when Adrian came into the playground, where I was waiting, with a message. ‘Miss Willow says to tell you that she and Beth are in her classroom, and I’m to take you up.’ He seemed a little proud of the responsibility.
‘Thank you, love,’ I said.
The other children were now coming out of school so I folded the pushchair and then left it out of the way in the porch of the main entrance.
‘Am I going to school now?’ Paula asked as Adrian took her hand.
‘No, sis, you’re too small,’ he laughed.
‘We’re going into school for a little while,’ I explained to Paula. ‘So I can see Beth’s teacher.’
‘I’m going to big school now!’ Paula declared.
Beth’s classroom was on the first floor and Adrian and I took Paula by the hand and we went up the stairs together, with Paula counting the steps – as far as she could – as she did at home. We arrived on the landing and Miss Willow and Beth came out of their classroom.
‘Hello,’ Miss Willow said, coming forward to greet us. ‘Thank you for coming in.’
‘How’s my daddy?’ Beth immediately asked me.
‘He’s doing well,’ I said. ‘Your social worker telephoned. I’ll explain later.’ For I didn’t want to delay Miss Willow.
‘I thought Beth and Adrian could wait in the library,’ Miss Willow said.
‘Yes. I’ll bring Paula in with me,’ I said.
‘We’ll come down when we’ve finished,’ Miss Willow said to Adrian and Beth.
‘Yes, Miss,’ they chimed respectfully. Adrian and Beth went downstairs where the library was situated.
Taking Paula’s hand, I followed Miss Willow into her classroom.
‘Thank you for coming,’ she said again. ‘Do sit down.’ Then to Paula: ‘Would you like to do some crayoning?’
Paula gave a shy nod. ‘I am sure she would,’ I said.
Miss Willow took some paper and crayons from one of the cupboards and set them on the table, then she drew up two extra chairs for Paula and me. Beth liked Miss Willow, and I could see why. She was a warm, friendly person. I guessed she was in her late twenties; she was fashionably but smartly dressed and had long brown hair. I knew she’d joined the school the year before, and playground gossip said she was an excellent teacher. I was quietly hoping that Adrian would be in her class when he went up a year in September.
‘I won’t keep you long,’ she said apologetically. ‘But I thought it would be a good idea if we had a chat, as Beth is living with you. I take it you don’t know yet how long Derek will be in hospital?’
‘No. When Jessie, their social worker, phoned she said he’d had a comfortable night, but that was all.’
‘And you don’t know Derek personally?’ Miss Willow now asked.
‘No. I’ve never met him, although I’ve probably seen him from a distance in the playground at the start and end of school.’
Miss Willow gave a small, thoughtful nod. ‘It’s no secret he’s a single parent. Beth has never known her mother.’
‘So I understand,’ I said.
She paused again. ‘Has Beth said much to you about her father? I know she’s only just arrived, but I wondered if she’d talked about him?’
‘She talks about him non-stop,’ I said, smiling. ‘They’re obviously very close and she misses him a lot.’
‘Yes,’ Miss Willow said, and paused again as though collecting her thoughts.
I glanced at Paula, who was concentrating on her drawing. ‘That’s nice. Good girl,’ I said encouragingly.
‘I’d be grateful if you would keep what I’m going to say to yourself,’ Miss Willow continued, her expression now serious.
‘Yes, of course.’ I met her gaze.
‘The deputy head is aware I’ve asked to see you. We’ve been worried about Beth for some time. Not academically – she’s doing very well with her work – but with regards to her home life.’ Miss Willow paused again. ‘To put it bluntly, we have concerns that Beth’s relationship with her father is far too insular for a girl her age. It’s claustrophobic, and stifling her social development. Beth’s not allowed to attend school outings – there is always an excuse – and I know from the other children she’s not allowed to go to birthday parties or play with friends outside of school. Beth talks a lot about her father. Her whole life seems to revolve around him, and his around her. There was a woman in Derek’s life, but they parted some months ago. The situation deteriorated after that. Beth’s father became ill and Beth became his carer. I was so worried by some of the things Beth was telling me that I spoke to the deputy head, and she alerted the social services. Has Beth said anything to you about …’ Miss Willow paused, searching for the right words ‘… anything that you think is inappropriate?’
I held her gaze. ‘Beth’s only been with me a short while,’ I said. ‘She talks about her father a lot, and she’s brought lots of photographs with her, but she hasn’t really said anything inappropriate.’
Miss Willow gave a small half-nod. ‘I understand. If you do think of anything, would you let her social worker know, please?’
‘Yes, of course,’ I said, puzzled and concerned. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was being asked and had the feeling I wasn’t being told the full story; perhaps confidentiality stopped Miss Willow from saying more.
‘Hopefully the situation will improve now Derek is receiving medical help,’ Miss Willow added.
‘Yes,’ I said.
‘Don’t get me wrong,’ Miss Willow added. ‘Beth’s a good kid. And I know she’ll be very well looked after staying with you.’
‘Thank you.’
I
