Free The School Gates by Nicola May Page A

managed the work/child balance – but now it’s impossible. I vowed I would never get extra help. I would hate for Jessica to think that I couldn’t cope.’
    ‘Gordon – like I said, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Get someone in to assist with the shopping and housework at least. Then, when you are at home with the girls you will have time for them solely. They will think no more or less of you for doing that. They’re only six. Too young to judge. All they know is their infinite love for you. Yes, Chris leaving is unsettling but kids adapt, Gordon. A lot of love and a bit of discipline go a long way, so don’t you worry.’
    Gordon felt comforted as the wise old lady went on, ‘As for your mum, I am so sorry to hear that. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease, but she’s still here in flesh and blood, so go and see her and give her a big cuddle soon. Whatever happens, you’re still her little boy.’
    Gordon began to sob again. Mrs Burrows cradled him in her arms, offering the comfort he had needed so badly since Chris had left.
    ‘I’m always here too, as a voice coach or not. In fact, stop wasting your time trying to speak the blooming Queen’s English and get down to Tesco’s now!’
    Chris sat up, wiped away his tears and blew his nose loudly.
    ‘Thanks, Mrs Burrows.’ He kissed her on the cheek.
    ‘Esme,’ she interrupted. ‘And think nothing of it. You’ve got my phone number. My arthritis holds me up on physical chores, but if you ever need a listening ear, come and see me anytime – and I’d love to meet those beautiful girls of yours.’

– Chapter Eight –
    Alana was used to the whispering when she pulled up at the school gates. She could imagine the small-minded chatter about losing her au pair. But she would show them that she could be a good mother, as well as have a career.
    Inga smiled at her ex-boss as she got out of her car. She was actually feeling quite smug that Preachy Knickers had asked her to do a couple of school runs for her; also, her evening babysitting had picked up and she was saving madly to try and get herself a deposit to rent a room somewhere.
    Mr Chambers appeared at the classroom door, little human animals chattering behind him ready to be released into the wild. He saw Joan and gave her a big smile. Without making it obvious, he scratched his head and pointed to Skye. Joan raised her eyebrows and mouthed, ‘Sorry.’
    Mo power-walked up the school path.
    ‘Well done you!’ Joan exclaimed. ‘Up for once round the park after tea?’
    ‘I better had,’ Mo smiled. ‘I had three Hobnobs this afternoon.’
    ‘Oh, Mo.’
    ‘Oh, nothing,’ Mo told her. ‘I’m all up for getting fit and healthy, but I don’t think I can bear all that pushing and prodding food around the plate like the joylessly thin do.’
    Joan laughed out loud. ‘Well it’s nice to see you smiling anyway. Right – here they all come, clear a space.’ Skye, Kent and Clark came charging towards their mum.
    ‘You’d better check Rosie’s hair,’ she added in a whisper. ‘Skye’s got nits again!’ She wanted to warn her friend.
    ‘OK, no worries; if she’s caught them I’ll make sure she cuddles up to her father’s remaining strands before I shampoo her.’
    ‘Mo, that’s not very kind.’
    ‘The words “taste, own, of, medicine” and “his” spring to mind,’ Mo retorted. ‘Right, here’s little Miss Collins. Let’s go.’
    Gordon screeched up to the school gates in his Mini. He hated being late but at least he had managed to get three loads of washing done and had a boot full of groceries. He ran up the path and straight into Inga and Joshua P.
    ‘Love, love, love,’ he greeted his friend in a camp fashion. ‘Inga, just the girl. I really need to talk to you.’
    ‘Oh, Gordon, I’m in such a rush. I’ve got to get Joshua to his guitar lesson and as Emily doesn’t trust me with the car we have to do the walking very fast.’
    ‘Let me just get the