Page 74 of Jain

I'd read a lot about kids like Kellan, and it was my job to help him learn, not make him my friend.

"Because apparently, it's respectful. But you know what,you're right. While we are in this room, you can call me Jain. Now, will you take a seat?" I sighed as he eyed me suspiciously.

"That's a shit name."

"I agree with you again, but please don't swear in front of me. So, Kellan, what's your favourite subject?"

He was swift and witty. I had to give him that. His eyes drifted over me as he chewed on his inner cheek, as though he was weighing me up.

"Sex Education."

"Of course it is. What do you want to do when you leave school?"

"Fuck hoes and sleep."

"Kellan," I began, as his face contorted into a yawn, which he exhaled all over me. I tried not to grimace and instead reached for my coffee.

"Jain?" He smirked back coolly.

"What do your parents do?"

His smile vanished, instantly replaced by a sneer. "Mum's on the dole, and fuck knows where my dad is. Why? Gonna do that psycho shit on me?"

"Psychology, you mean?"

"Don't patronise me. I'm not thick," Kellan thundered, folding his arms angrily across his chest.

"I didn't think you were."

He was silent then, and he nodded at the papers in front of me. "So, what's that shit then?"

"Language, please, Kellan..." I said as he rolled his eyes.

"Fine,Jain. What's with the paperwork?"

"It's all about you. Your scores, marks, and predictions. It's not looking great, but you know that," I said gently, as he raised an eyebrow at me.

"And? I don't care. I can go on the dole too."

"Is that it, though? Is that what you want for yourself?"

"What are you, a fucking career advisor?" Kellan snapped, jumping to his feet as I sighed internally.

Sometimes I wondered why I chose this line of work when I could've worked with severe special needs or younger children. But, unfortunately, challenging teenagers with needs was beyond difficult.

"Favourite film?" I asked as he stared down at me in surprise.

"What the fuck?"

"Kellan, I'm not going to ask you again. Stop swearing."

"It's how I talk. I can't help it."

I felt for him then because as much as he was trying to make himself a joke, I didn't doubt that he had probably been sworn at daily since he was young.

"I'm not like you, Jain. I come from a single mum household where we have nothing. I never knew my dad, and we never have a big old Turkey at Christmas. We aren't that family," he yelled at me as I nodded.

"Well then, you are like me. Because I came from a single mum, and I never knew my father either."