Bed of Roses by Daisy Waugh

this one: if you took all the players in the football premier division—’
    ‘Oh, super ,’ bursts out Geraldine, clapping her hands with joy. ‘I think it’s so important to make mathematics relevant, don’t you, Fanny? Relate it to things that actually really matter.’
    Fanny smiles wanly. ‘How can I help you, Geraldine? What do you want?’
    ‘Ahh!’ says Geraldine. ‘Yes. Thank you. I know you must be so busy…’
    Fanny glances distractedly at Robert, who is staring back at her, a small smile on his wet lips, and a light of jubilation behind the pale eyes. She scowls at him and he quickly looks away.
    Gorgeous , he thinks. Gorgeous little thing.
    Geraldine says it’s more a case of what she, Geraldine, can do for Fanny, than what Fanny can do for her. ‘I’ve found time in my schedule,’ she says, ‘and it sounds silly, perhaps, but you know I have so much in life: a husband, a wonderful, happy, healthy son…’
    ‘Lovely,’ coos Robert. ‘So many people forget to appreciate the simple blessings, don’t they?’
    ‘They do, Robert. And I feel, now, that the time is right for me to give a little back . I want to actively support Our Little Village School, if you will allow me. And by extension, Fanny, if it doesn’t seem too grandiose, the State Education System in general, which incidentally I firmly believe in.’
    Geraldine is well aware (she clarifies) that there are several ‘exceptionally fortunate’ children in the school who may not require her help, but that there are others who concern her; one or two, the thought of whose difficult lives can keep her awake at night. ‘It wouldn’t be appropriate to mention any names, but I think we all know who the kids are, and I passionately believe they might benefit from some extra one-on-one care – something which, with all the best will in the world, you two marvellous teachers simply don’t have the time or the resources to provide.’ She grins, very assured. ‘Am I right?’
    ‘So right,’ says Robert, stroking his soft hands together.
    Fanny looks at her desk, manages to mutter something to the same effect.
    ‘And I would love, Miss Flynn, if you will have me, to put two mornings of my week entirely at your disposal! How does that sound to you?’
    Fanny says, ‘Well, thank you. Sounds like a good idea. It’s always welcome when parents lend a helping hand. Shallwe say Monday and Friday mornings then, for extra reading? Does that suit you?’
    ‘Erm – I – yes.’ She is disappointed. After all, to give up two mornings every week for the State Education System in general is quite a thing; it’s quite a sacrifice. Fanny, she thinks, might have shown a bit more appreciation of that fact. ‘Yes, I imagine Mondays and Fridays—But, no. Let me think. I’ll need to confirm that. Fridays can be difficult. The office tends to heat up before the weekends.’
    ‘OK, just let me know,’ says Fanny, pushing her chair back and standing up, unable to bear being in such a confined space with two such odious people for a single moment longer. ‘Any days would suit me. I can work around you. Give me a call when you’re certain and we’ll get the police check in motion. But you know, it takes so long. Between you and me, you can start next week.’ Fanny smiles as warmly as she can, and holds out her hand.
    Geraldine stiffens with annoyance. After all, she isn’t any old bored mum , looking for something to do with her bloody time. Doesn’t Fanny realise that? Doesn’t she realise that Geraldine Adams used to earn a great deal more money than Fanny Flynn ever has or ever will? Doesn’t she realise—
    ‘That,’ says Robert, ‘is a truly fabulous offer. And thank you, Geraldine. From the bottom of our hearts. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I know how busy you are, and I know what a tremendous sacrifice this must be for you.’
    ‘Oh, no, really, not at all.’
    ‘And when people like you can manage to take time out of their