Donny shook his head. ‘This job is more than just being a teacher, Tina, you know that as well as I do. Parents come to us for support both in the education of their kids and their home life. That’s what makes this school different, we care about the students’ whole lives – not just the hours they’re with us. And that’s why we do things differently too, you know that. Look at what happened a few weeks back, when I had to go round to Jacko’s house and take his PlayStation out of his room. After he smashed the school TV up I told him that I would take something of his until he could get it fixed so I had to follow through on it. His mam was right behind me too. Jacko lost it big time when he realised that I’d actually done it, been round his house and taken it.’

Tina laughed. ‘You’re something else you are, Donny. And the kids rate you, even if you are a right bastard sometimes. You’ll have to give me a few tips to help me deal with them kids I’ve got at home before I swing for them, though. I can cope with anything this lot do in school, but not when it’s under my own roof.’

‘A good kick up the arse is what they need. I told you months ago to stop pussyfooting around them and tell them straight, didn’t I?’

‘I’m not like you though, Donny. You’re a hothead. You’ll just go for it when it kicks off. It’s not in my nature to shout and scream. You should have heard me the other night though – I was like a woman possessed.’

‘Works for me. I treat the kids here like they’re my own and if they’re acting like little bleeders then they’ll get told. Anyway, what else do we have on today?’

Tina looked at her screen again. ‘A couple of other meetings too and the new kid coming in for a look around.’

Donny reached into his drawer and grabbed his fags.

‘Right, I’m going to get a cig before the mob starts to arrive. If you need me, I’ll be outside.’ As he walked towards the door, Donny’s mobile started to ring. He didn’t recognise the number, left it to ring; whoever it was he wasn’t in the mood right now.

In the kitchen, Rita sat at the table with her head in her hands, a letter at her side. The smiles from earlier had vanished. The door opened and one of the students walked in, made her jump. She quickly wiped her eyes and sat up straight.