School’s out

Zoe is determined that she and Freddy will have a holiday – whatever the cost

Yes, I’m quite aware that we’ll have to pay a fine to take Freddy out of school before the end of term,” Zoe said. She tucked the phone under her chin and pinned it in place with her shoulder as she tried to ease a large blue suitcase out from under the bed. “But we’re more than happy to pay it, just as all the parents doing the same thing would be expected to.”

The headteacher’s voice rose a few notches. Zoe puffed out her cheeks in exasperation. She knew he’d be like this. Zoe was beginning to wish she’d not tried to be reasonable and give the school advance warning. Perhaps she should have just let Freddy take the last week of school off and not offered any explanation at all. Good job she was a solicitor and used to fighting her corner.

“I quite understand we’re in a privileged position to be able to pay the fine, yes,” Zoe cooed as she picked up her ‘to do’ list and ticked off a few jobs triumphantly.

“But I’m sure you’ll appreciate that our family needs a break and as you know, prices skyrocket as soon as the school holidays begin. And I can assure you…”

Zoe added, somewhat breathless as she lugged the suitcase over to the wardrobe, “the fine is small change compared to what we’d have to fork out if we waited for the official holidays to start.”

Zoe rolled her eyes as the headteacher continued to argue his case, but tried to keep her voice even and light. “I’m sure Freddy will be able to catch up on any work he misses when he returns, he’s very smart,” she added, not able to resist stating the obvious. She bit her tongue to stop her from adding, ‘let’s be honest, it’s a truth universally acknowledged that all children do in the last week of term is watch videos and eat sweets’.”

With that, Zoe started folding shorts and t-shirts into Freddy’s case, making sure to include the brightly coloured Iron Man towel – he loved that one.

With suitcases packed and set by the door, still the headteacher was arguing. Right, Zoe thought, it’s time to roll out the big guns. “Mr

Faraway, I have listened to your

“I’m sure Freddy will be able to catch up on any work he misses when he returns, he’s very smart”

viewpoints and indeed, your begging. And I have apologised for any inconvenience caused, but I’m afraid we won’t be changing our minds. Freddy’s had a hard year and this term’s been particularly strenuous. That class of five years olds has been running him ragged, and I for one am glad he doesn’t have to teach them again next year.”