Howard's Game Part 2

To: mm_talbot@gmail.com
From: gboling@usd166.org
Date: 9.21.2009
Subject: Your son

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Talbot,

I’m writing to inform you of an incident on the playground this morning. Howard and another boy were involved in an argument during which Howard bit the other child on the wrist. As I’ve tried to call you three times today via both numbers we have on file in the office, I hope to reach you via email. Howard has been in suspension this afternoon because it is our policy to institute immediate suspension for fighting of any kind. Please contact me at your earliest opportunity. Our office number is (811) 766-6109.

Sincerely,

Mr. Gerard Boling, Principal
Suncrest Elementary



Transcript of phone call between Mrs. Lindsay Talbot and Mr. Gerard Boling, 3:45 PM, 9/21/09

Gerard Boling: Hello, this is Mr. Boling from the school.

Lindsay Talbot: (muffled sound) Hi.

GB: Am I speaking with Mrs. Talbot?

LT: I’m Mrs. Talbot.

GB: It’s about your son, Howard. He’s been in a little trouble today at school.

LT: (mutters away from the phone)

GB: Excuse me? I couldn’t make that out.

LT: Howard’s done what now?

GB: He bit another boy this morning. On the playground at recess.

LT: Bit a boy? Howard?

GB: Yes ma’am. I tried to get you on—

LT: Look, Mr. Boling, Howard’s father…Howard’s dad is unavailable right now. Business trip.
We’re really just keeping our heads above water right now.

GB: I understand, but your son bit another child. We’ve suspended him, out of school for the next three days, starting tomorrow.

LT: (mutters) You can’t do that.

GB: Ma’am, this is school policy.

LT: Nobody’s going to be home to keep an eye on him. You just can’t.

GB: I’m sorry ma’am, but our policy—

(line clicks dead)

GB: Mrs. Talbot? Mrs. Talbot? Hello?



Lindsay Talbot’s Diary, September 21st, 2009

First Rick lays this bullshit with his secretary on me, and now Howard’s in trouble at school. I don’t need any more of this—drama. Rick should be here, with us. Howard needs a father. Maybe not his father, that two-timing sack of shit.

Poor Howard. God.

The kid doesn’t need this. I don’t need this. What the principal said about Howard biting another boy is weird. I mean, Howard bit Rick after our argument. I thought he was just responding to us, to our fight. Poor Howard shouldn’t have to be part of any of this.

Three days! Shit.

I can’t afford to take three days off. Not with an AWOL husband. I’ll call the lawyer if I don’t hear from him in a couple of days. I’m taking that bastard for everything he has. If he doesn’t want to be part of Howard’s life, I’ll make sure his money is.