Inside there was a stout man sitting behind a desk, presumably the principal. In front of the desk were two seats. One was filled with another man, who smelt distastefully of alcohol and cigarettes. The second seat was empty and, after subtly moving it away from the other man, Jess sat down in it.
"Mrs Andrews?" asked the principal.
Jess gave a nod.
"What's this about?" she asked.
"Your daughter and your son, Mr Brown, were found together in one of the storerooms, uhh, fraternising."
"Marie?" Jess repeated. "Making out in the storeroom?"
"Why the surprise bitch?" Mr Brown demanded, turning on Jess.
Jess stared at him.
"Now, Mr, Brown, surely su-" the principal began.
"You can keep your slutty daughter away from my boy, ya 'ear?" Mr Brown went on, ignoring him.
"Oh and I suppose your boy had nothing to do with it?" Jess retorted, remembering her relationship with Mark.
"He's obviously been influenced by your -"
"Mr Brown, I will not sit here and listen to you insult me, or anyone in my family." She turned to the principal. "Thank you for informing me of this Mr -"
"I don't wantcha daughter near my Mick!" Mr Brown bellowed, standing up and glaring down at her.
"Well, I don't want you or Mick anywhere near Marie."
The principal quickly intervened then, explaining the school's position and that the two would be suspended for two days. Which is easier said than done, considering Mr Brown's position on the matter.
On that, Jess departed. She gave Marie a stern look. Marie gave Mick a quick kiss and then followed Jess out to the car.
"Mom -" she began.
"I don't want to hear it." Jess replied.
"But -"
"No. I told you I don't want to hear it. And I don't want you going near that boy again."
"That's not fair!" Marie protested. "I'm thirteen years old! I should be allow-"
"Marie." Jess cut in. "I'm not trying to stop you from dating. And I know you well enough to know you're not going to do anything stupid. But I don't want you going out with Mick any more."
"But -"
Jess put her hand up, signaling that was the end of the discussion. A look of frustration crossed Marie's face.
There was silence all the way home. And Jess made a mental note that she was not going to let what happened to her happen to Marie.