All Good Children - Catherine Austen [37]
“Max is as good as gold,” Mom says softly.
“These clouds are getting darker by the minute,” Linda says. “I hope we’re not rained out, though god knows the grass could use it. Did you see that mess of paint at the end of the field? It’s not right, letting the paint wash into the grounds like that. I don’t know why they didn’t just paint over it. How much does a can of paint cost these days?” She shakes her head at the conservatory and mutters, “You won’t see any more graffiti once they do the high schools this month. Thank god. These kids are out of hand.”
A fat black woman struts up to us. She holds out her hand to Mom. “I’m Denise Atkins. I work at the school. Thanks for coming out.” She nods toward me and Ally. “It must be so stressful with two of them. How did you manage before?”
Mom shrugs. “They’re not much trouble.”
“I’m sure they’re not now,” Denise says. “You wouldn’t believe the calls I’ve had this term. A lot of families are happy at last. No more constant battles. No mouthing off. No fighting over homework. No lies.”
“No need to worry about their future,” Linda adds. “That’s the main thing for me. With the new class sizes, every minute counts. I don’t want my child’s grades falling because some troublemaker is wasting time.”
“My Saffron is a gifted student,” Denise says. “Her talents were wasted in the old system.”
“You’re Saffron’s mother?” I exclaim.
Denise and Linda turn on me like I called them fat cows.
“She’s an excellent football player,” I add.
“Have you noticed any side effects?” Linda asks, surveying me closely. “Some kids on other meds get confused and have outbursts like that. Just like in Manor Heights.”
“Side effects of what?” Mom asks.
Linda and Denise exchange glances. “Aren’t you on the parent-teacher board?” Linda asks.
Mom shakes her head. “Not this year. I haven’t even read the minutes.”
“You don’t know about motivational leadership?” Denise gasps.
Mom shakes her head.
“Honey, you have to get on that,” Linda exclaims. “Parent participation is essential to program success. We can’t be giving the kids mixed messages.”
“You should have read the guidelines weeks ago,” Denise sneers. “These outbursts can’t be ignored.”
Linda pats her friend’s shoulder. “He just got done this week, Denise. It’s a lot for a boy to take in.” She turns to Mom. “Chicago had a bit of an adjustment last week when they did the grade sevens, but he’s fine now. Better than fine.” She points to Chicago, who stands like a zombie in a line of zombies. “He’s the best player on the team.”
I snort with laughter. It’s stupid, I know. I regret it immediately. But it’s impossible for me to leave that statement in the air without snorting at it.
Suspicion and hatred fly from the fat women’s faces.
I scratch my nose and cough and snort some more like I’m having a respiratory attack until at last they stop staring at me.
“Nesting saved Chicago’s academic career,” Linda says. “He never got anywhere on time. He always left his homework to the last minute and messed around in class. But now that’s all changed.”
Denise gives me a thorough inspection, scrutinizing my face, my arms, even peeking round my backside, like I’m a slave she might purchase for field work. “You don’t play football?” she asks me. “I saw you talking to the coach earlier. Why aren’t you on the field? Or sitting in the stands with your classmates?”
Mom puts a hand on my shoulder, just like she did with Ally. “I like having my children near me.”
Linda smiles. “We have a lot in common, Karenna. I’m a softy, too, where my boy is concerned.” She stares across the field and nods. “I was there for his treatment and I’m glad for that. It makes a difference to know it’s done right. Plus it’s extra money. I was let go from the hospital this summer. We’re mostly living on the one income.” She slaps a hand in the air and adds, “I’m sorry, honey. That was thoughtless. You’ve been on one income for a while now, haven’t you?”
Mom nods.
“You should come do vaccinations