“That’s understandable he’s close to you both and talks to you both” Tina stated

“Am I going to get shouted at?” Nathan asked from his bedroom

“No not if you come and tell us what’s going on” Bette stated

Nathan walked into the living room. He sat down on the floor between Amy and Jacqui.

“Tell them what you told me and Jacqui”

“That I’m an idiot” Nathan said

Bette and Tina both sat forward on the sofa listening carefully.

“And why do you think that?” Amy asked

“Mr Morris tells me all the time” Nathan answered “He’s always sending letters home or phoning or calling me silly or stupid or an idiot in class Nathan told them as he twiddled his fingers looking at the floor.

“He call’s you names in class?” Bette asked

“Yeah”

“Why didn’t you come and tell us?” Tina asked

“Well he sends a letter…or he phones and Mama Fly’s of the handle at me…And I just thought their was no point in me explaining because an adult said it…so your obviously going to believe him” Nathan explained

“Honey I fly of the handle because I know you’re not stupid and I know you can do the work…However never in a million years would I be sitting here flying of the handle when a teacher is calling my son silly, stupid or an idiot” Bette stated

“And just because an adult states something doesn’t mean we don’t listen to you Nathan” Tina said

Amy looked at her parents and then back to Nathan who was still looking at the floor.

“Why don’t you do the work he’s asking you too?” Amy asked

“I can’t!” Nathan stated

“What do you mean you can’t?” Bette asked

“I just cant it’s all a blur…It’s just big black dots infront of me…and when he calls me names I get angry” Nathan explained

“Look at me” Bette said

Nathan looked at her.

“What’s all a blur?”

“Numbers…I just don’t understand them at all” Nathan said “And I feel like such an idiot because everyone else can.”

Tina looked at Bette.