As Ben spooned cereal into his mouth he felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned around to face Mr Allen, “Ben, can I see you in my room when you’re finished here? Just for a quick chat?”
“Yes sir,” Ben mumbled, turning red.
“Ooh, what was that about?” Mike laughed when the teacher had left, “Someone got a soft spot for you?”
“Shut up,” Ben said, “Probably just wants to make sure I feel okay after I was ‘ill’ yesterday.”
“Maybe he thinks you’re homesick or something.” Mike suggested.
“Yeah, maybe.” Ben agreed, chewing his cereal slowly. He was going to have to try and drag out his breakfast for as long as possible if he wanted to avoid talking to Mr Allen. Although it was Sunday, and the teachers had agreed the students could have a day to themselves. Which meant that the teachers had a day to themselves too, and so Mr Allen had all day to wait for Ben.
Ben knocked on Mr Allen’s door, “Come in!” Mr Allen shouted.
Ben pushed the door open, and his face dropped when as well as Mr Allen he saw Mrs Reed, Mrs Holden and Mr Lea sitting in the room as well. No way was he talking to Mr Allen with an audience.
“Oh, err, I’ll come back later.” He said, stepping back out of the room, “Sorry.”
“No no, it’s okay Ben.” Mr Allen said, “We’re just waiting for Mrs Clarke. Come in and sit down.”