Cindy Psi: Spy In Training

The next day dragged for Cindy. Tess was avoiding her, and Jacinta made a point of being as horrible as she could be – Cindy didn’t have to read her mind to know she’d come to the same conclusion as Tess, and was loving that fact.

“Six months away from us then Cindy. You must be looking forward to that?” she had sneered at recess. “Of course, a lot can happen in six months – but at least you can be sure we’ll all be here waiting when you get back.”

Yes, Cindy thought glumly, I’m sure you will be.

“You know, nothing will have changed,” Jacinta had continued, “You’re just going to have six months somewhere else where you fit in even less because it’s not your planet and then come back here where you’ll be even more of an outcast than you already are, if that’s possible. Good choice, Cindy. Once a loser, always a loser,” she had scoffed before wandering off to join the other girls and make a series of observations about Cindy from a distance that were, judging by the laughter that followed each one, hilarious.

This time Cindy was in no way tempted to try to hear what she was saying.

Lunchtime was slightly better because Cindy made a point of getting out into the playground quickly and finding a spot where she could be by herself and flick through her PCD. Torrode? No, fine art was too much of a stretch. How about Valentine? No, too central – no one would believe Cindy wanted to go there. Tess would not believe she wanted to go there. Ah, Khoo – that was a good one. Known for specialist humanities subjects, not too far away, and not too close to the centre of the galaxy. It was perfect. She started reading up on it; Tess may not be speaking to her right now but she realised she needed a cover story regardless so she had better have one to hand.

That evening was Parent’s Night. Cindy was chatting to her father about it as the two of them had a quick bite to eat and got ready to go in to school and chat to Ms Primp.

“So should I expect any surprises? Are you failing Art or anything like that I should know about?” Mr Parker said with a smile.

“No,” Cindy laughed, “Nothing like that. You pretty much know what my grades are like. She’ll probably talk about how I need to be more focussed and maybe a bit about how I need more friends.”

Mr Parker turned more serious. “Yes. Do you, do you think? I mean, I don’t expect you to be School Captain or anything, but I was thinking about this argument you had with Tess. Have you got all of your eggs in one basket there? I hate to think of you spending your whole day at school by yourself, mucking about on your PCD, not talking to anyone.”

“No, I’m ok. The thing with Tess will blow over. I just need to make sure I smooth things over with her before I go off on the PEEP.”

“That’s another thing. I know we’ve been over it a million times in the last 24 hours, but are you sure you want to do this exchange thing? Six months is such a long time. You’ll be away from everyone you know …”

“Yes. You and Tess. I am sure, daddy. I’ll miss you so much I know but it just feels like the right thing to do, do you know what I mean?”

“Yes, I know,” he replied a bit sadly, “I sort of agree, it’s the best thing to give you a head start on your career path. I’m being selfish really – I’m going to miss you terribly. But, and I know I’ve already asked you this, I know sometimes it can be tough for you to fit in at school – you’re not running away from …”

“Daddy!” Cindy interrupted, “No I’m not. I told you, I’m not, honestly. And remember Jacinta accused me of the same thing.”

“Harsh!” Mr Parker exclaimed, “Don’t you compare me to that girl! If she’s half as bad as her mother she’s still twice as bad as me.”

“Well then. Believe me when I say I’m not running away from anything.”

“Oh alright then. I won’t bug you about it anymore. I’ll miss you loads though. Of course, that said …” He paused and rubbed his chin. Cindy could tell from the wry smile that the serious part of proceedings was over. “… There is an upside. Pizza every night, walking around the house in my underwear, as much snooker streaming as I want. Hmm. So it’s only six months right? Do they do a longer one at all?”

“Daddy!” Cindy said with her sternest mock-indignation. She couldn’t think what else to say after that, so she had to settle for smacking him in the arm.

One, quick playfight later the two of them headed off to Cindy’s school.

“So, Mr Parker, Cindy continues to do well with her grades. Not exceptional, but certainly above average.”

Cindy and her father were sat facing Ms Primp across her desk as the two adults discussed Cindy’s performance.

“Yes, no complaints there,” said Mr Parker. There was a pause as the Ms Primp word-void formed and, of course, Mr Parker started spilling words out to fill it: “Although I do wonder if maybe she could be doing better. We have talked about it, haven’t we honey?” Cindy nodded. “I don’t think she lacks ability, just sometimes maybe application.”

Ms Primp said nothing.

“But even if she is under-performing, I do wonder … well, I mean, I know the A&P test is pretty infallible, and I know the studies have shown it’s the best way of … But, you know, Junior Admin? I mean …” Mr Parker tailed off.

“You yourself are a Junior Administrator Mr Parker.”

“Yes, yes, I know, don’t get me wrong, perfectly acceptable career. But I guess we all want the best for our kids, don’t we Ms Primp?”

“I would certainly imagine so Mr Parker; I have no children of my own. So what would you have preferred Cindy to get?”

“I don’t know, maybe Legal?” Cindy felt a pang at that – knowing that her dad wanted her to get the career path that she had actually got and chosen not to take did not make her feel any better.

“Well, there is room to specialise within a Junior Administrator role in those areas. Indeed, it’s not unheard of to work one’s way into an actual legal role if one applies oneself.”

“It’s pretty rare.”

“Yes, Mr Parker, it is rare, but it is not unheard of. The key point is that it does take application, which, as you have mentioned yourself, is something Cindy has room to develop. It may be that this forthcoming exchange placement might be just the thing to help with that,” said Ms Primp, raising her eyebrow.

Wait on, thought Cindy, is she suggesting that I won’t learn to apply myself as long as I’m staying with dad? Harsh! Cindy doubted Ms Primp was alluding to this, but she wasn’t sure.

Maybe I can be sure. She thought. One little try – Dave did say it’s usually ok …

As her father started talking about the PEEP with Ms Primp Cindy cleared her mind, and let the veil descend. She focussed on Ms Primp, who was at this moment listening to her Father. Ok, she thought, what are you getting at? I should be able to get the flavour of your thoughts …

That’s odd …

It was like she hit a brick wall. Nothing. She tried again … surround – hold – probe …

This time there was a definite push back, and it was so strong Cindy couldn’t help but gasp in surprise.

She became suddenly aware of both her father and Ms Primp looking at her as the veil disappeared. Ms Primp raised that eyebrow again. It was her dad who spoke though. “Are you ok honey?”

Cindy quickly recovered herself. “Yes, I’m fine, sorry. I guess it just suddenly hit me that I’m going away for six months.”

“In three days’ time.” Ms Primp added.

“Yes. Exactly. Sorry, I know it’s the right thing, but I guess the scale of it just hit me for a moment.”

“It’s not too late to back out if you want, honey. No one would mind.” This time Mr Parker was the recipient of Ms Primp’s raised eyebrow again.

“No, daddy, I’m going. It’s fine. Sorry.”

“Yes. Well this is all relevant to the issue of application,” Ms Primp said, “Your determination is admirable, but the way you lost focus and drifted off while your father and I were speaking is exactly the thing you need to address Cindy. You seemed to be in that place you sometimes visit during class.”

Cindy was taken aback for a moment. Was that a pointed comment? Cindy thought quickly about the block when she tried to see Ms Primp’s thoughts. She also thought of the way Ms Primp occasionally seemed to know things she had no right to know. There was more to this than met the eye.

Training. She needed training.

“You’re right Ms Primp, sorry. Like I said, I was just suddenly realising what a big deal it is. But I definitely want to do it.” Cindy tried to look eager.

“Yes,” her father added, “I think you should. And Ms Primp, I appreciate you have Cindy’s interests at heart, but I think we can forgive her a momentary loss of attention when two adults are talking and she has this very big event looming don’t you think?”

“Of course, Mr Parker. I think my point has been made quite adequately. So. Khoo. A fine choice, with a good reputation for specialisation within the broad church that is the administrative disciplines. And as we speak of administrative matters I have pinged you details of the host family, and we have a comm. scheduled between you and they tomorrow evening at 6pm. I trust this is acceptable.”

It wasn’t a question – it never was – but Mr Parker answered anyway. “Yes, that’s fine. I’ve already reviewed them and Cindy and I have talked about it. They seem lovely, and extremely well vetted. Perhaps you can help point me at where I can get further information on comms for while Cindy is away …”

A bit more chat followed, mainly on general issues of logistics relating to the PEEP. Shortly afterwards they were making their way out the door.

And who should be coming in but Jacinta and her mother.

The two couples faced each other, sizing each other up. Jacinta had a superior look on her face as she regarded Cindy. Her Mother, a smartly dressed, tall woman with extremely neat hair and a face that seemed to maintain a slight tilt back as if wherever she went she was smelling something vaguely unpleasant, regarded Cindy’s father with a similarly superior air.

“Parker is it?” Mrs Pembroke opened brusquely, “Robert, yes? I’ve seen you in the office – you work for Jack Fanshawe.”

“Bob. Yes, that’s right Mrs Pembroke. I’m Cindy’s father.”

“Yes, I know. Jacinta tells me you’re letting your daughter jet off for an exchange for six months. I’m sure that will leave you with plenty of extra time. I must have my EA mention that to Jack – he’ll appreciate having your full attention for a while.” Jacinta was smirking smugly at Cindy while her mother spoke.

“Um, ok Mrs Pembroke, well, I do put in my hours of course,” It pained Cindy to notice that her father was clearly flustered.

“Yes, I’m sure you keep a careful track. Anyway, Robert, so lovely to meet you. Perhaps I’ll see you at the office in the near future; although I doubt it, I seldom come down to your floor.” She turned her attention to Cindy. “And this must be the girl herself. Jacinta has told me so much about you Cindy. Do have a lovely time over the next six months, won’t you?”

Sarcasm and barely concealed malice. Like mother like daughter.

Before Cindy or her father had a chance to say anything further, Mrs Pembroke barked an imperious “Come along, Jacinta,” and they strode off into the classroom.

Cindy and her dad stared after them, then turned to each other. Mr Parker broke the silence “Come on then, monkey, let’s go home.”