‘It’s Charlotte Taylor actually,’ I correct her. I never wanted to use my married name in my professional life and I won’t ever again. ‘You’ll be singing my songs one day when they’re on the radio and you’ll be telling people I used to teach here. Yes, used to because I’m out of here right now. Oh, and tell James Leicester’s glorified babysitter from me to go listen to some of The Beatles or even Guns N’ Roses and let her hair down. Even headbang a bit if she feels like it! She might even learn a thing or two! I’m out of here at long last. Go stick your job and your shit-hole of a school where the sun don’t shine! Goodbye!’

I turn on my prissy kitten heels and march out of her office, down the corridor and into my classroom where I hug Paula and wish her luck.

‘Where are you going?’ Paula asks as the children stare at me open-mouthed.

‘As far away from here as I can find,’ I tell her. Then I gather my belongings, say a quick farewell to the children (it’s not their fault their parents are assholes) and I make my way out to the car where I call Jack and put him on loudspeaker as I reverse out of my parking space and out through the gates of education hell.

‘I did it!’ I say to him, hearing the fear in his voice when he answers. We never call each other during the day unless it’s an emergency so I know I’ve probably frightened him to death. ‘I told the bitch where to go and I’ve left Holy Trinity once and for all.’

‘Jesus, Charlotte, did you really?’ he asks, his voice half trembling, half laughing. ‘Wow, that’s my girl! Don’t let anyone ever walk over you! I’ll see you when I get home and we’ll have a party. You can burn those stupid clothes they made you wear too. It’s their loss, Char!’

I turn down the car windows, turn up the radio and sing my heart out all the way home, thankful as ever that my darling husband understands me the way he does. I’m tired of pretending to be another me just to please everyone else. From now on, I’ll do what’s best for my soul and I’ll never, ever let any notions of pleasing others get in the way.

Chapter Fifteen

‘Oh my goodness, Emily, what on earth have I done? I think I’m losing my mind.’