Free Learning to Breathe by J. C. McClean Page B

Greenly force me to do it? A lot of questions kept running through my mind but I tried not to think about it too much as I made my way to her office.
    I smiled half-heartedly at Valerie as I entered the room; she nodded in return and motioned for me to sit on the chair by Ms Greenly’s office door. I heard her buzz the principal and two seconds later, the door opened and Ms Greenly ushered me inside.
    “Ms Gilmore, take a seat.”
    I sat in the chair opposite Ms Greenly’s desk and waited for her to speak again. She sat down and surveyed me intently over her glasses.
    “Now, I understand from Valerie that you wanted to discuss your P.E. class – is that correct?”
    I nodded. “The only one left is swimming and I – well um … I can’t swim.” I avoided her gaze and prayed that she would take pity on me.
    She sighed heavily. “Darcie, I read your file and I understand your reluctance to take part in the class but … I’m afraid that no other sport is available to fit in with your timetable.”
    “But that’s not fair!” I protested loudly.
    Ms Greenly rubbed her temples wearily before addressing me again. “I know but Ms Mahon is fully prepared to take you on even though you can’t swim. She has no problem letting you learn the basics.”
    “But I don’t want to learn! You can’t force me to!” I yelled, completely furious at her for suggesting such a thing.
    I also knew that it was wrong to be shouting at someone of such importance but I couldn’t help it – I was positively seething.
    “Ah well, there’s something that you should know …” She trailed off and buzzed Valerie. “You can send her in now.”
    Two seconds later and my mother appeared.
    This cannot be happening!
    I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing – my own mother stabbing me in the back!
    “Would you care to explain to me what the hell is going on?” I demanded, throwing my mother a withering look.
    “Darcie honey, calm down.” s he urged in a soothing tone.
    “No I won’t! Tell me everything right now!” I bellowed back at her.
    She threw me a scornful look but kept her voice calm. “Darcie, please sit down – now.” I knew by the tone of her voice that I was going to be in big trouble if I didn’t obey.
    I took a few deep breaths and settled down in the chair again as both my mother and Ms Greenly rounded on me.
    “Darcie,” my mother began, “before I tell you anything, I want you to apologise to Ms Greenly for your behaviour.”
    I nod ded and looked up at Ms Greenly. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have acted like that. Please accept my apology.”
    She shook her head. “It’s okay Darcie … I understand that this is a sensitive matter to you. Nevertheless, I think you should hear your mother out.”
    I glanced at my mother and waited for her to speak. She sighed heavily and paced the floor as she talked.
    “Darcie, the first thing you should know is that it wasn’t just my job that brought us here. I moved us here because of what Dover High had to offer. I read all about the mandatory P.E. aspect and it all clicked into place. I’d been searching for ways to help you for months and when I found out about the syllabus here, I couldn’t resist. I met with Ms Greenly on Saturday past there and formulated my plan. I know it’s cruel of me to do it this way but I feel like I have no other choice.” She paused, as if waiting for me to interrupt but when I didn’t, she continued on.
    “Honey, this is the last thing I want but I exhausted all other approaches back in Langley Falls … it’s time for some tough love.”
    I glared at her but remained silent – I was too mad to say anything at this point.
    Ms Greenly then decided to get in on the action. “Darcie, your timetable was delayed on Friday because I knew I was meeting your mother the day after to discuss your P.E. options. Considering your past, I know this will be difficult for you but we are just trying to help you.”
    “Yeah, sure.” I