Good Husbands by Cate Ray

Author:Cate Ray
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Park Row Books
Published: 2022-03-26T15:15:08+00:00

* * *

It’s bitter outside, a nasty wind scraping the leaves along the concrete. Saffron has been waiting by the school gates all afternoon. It’s not clear what he’s doing there, so I haven’t reported him—can’t see that he’s doing anything wrong. But as I make my way across the car park, he heads toward me, gathering speed.

I could pretend I haven’t seen him—get into my car and lock the doors—but that seems cowardly. He was expelled because of a decision I made. Only a few weeks ago, I was sad that I didn’t get to say goodbye, and now I’m running away from him? What’s changed?

I know exactly what’s changed.

“Hello, Saffron.” I’m about to add nice to see you, before stopping myself, knowing this would sound insincere.

He seems taller out of school uniform, his hair cut extremely short. It makes him look plucked, raw. “Do you know what you’ve done, Miss?”

“What do you mean?” I glance around me, wondering whether I should call for help. I have an alarm in my bag somewhere. Yet it’s daylight and my colleagues are waving goodbye, getting into their cars. I tried to stick up for Saffron on countless occasions, so they won’t think anything of my being here with him.

“I know it was you.” He points at me, stopping short of actually poking me. “You told on me.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“You’re full of shit! My parents are sending me away to military school.” He slaps his forehead harshly. “That’s why I’ve got this haircut... See what you’ve done?” His eyes tear up, his voice breaking. “You didn’t have to tell on me, Miss. I thought you liked me.”

Reaching for his arm, I dare to touch it. “I’m so sorry, Saffron.”

He yanks himself away from me. “Piss off, Paki.”

I stare at him in shock. And then he takes off toward the gates, jumping over puddles, jacket flailing.

“Priyanka, are you all right?”

I turn to see one of the science teachers hurrying toward me, bike lock dangling on his wrist.

“No. Not really,” I say croakily, going to my car.

“I heard what he said to you. We should report him to the police.”

“I don’t want to do that.” I unlock the door. “I want to forget all about it.”

“What? But you can’t let him get away with it!”

Yes, I can.

“Sorry. I have to go.”

Starting the car, I drive away. As I get onto the main road, I pass Saffron sitting at the bus stop, his back turned to the traffic, head in hands.

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