ATTANL- Susy Origins

Prologue

15th July 2011

"Bye Susy!" Called my best friend.

I waved goodbye to her as I unlocked the door and stepped into the hall. I had just finished my last day of primary school. In under two months, I would be going to the local secondary school which terrified me. I picked up the post and shuffled through them. Just Dad's wage slips, some bills and a massive thick letter that was addressed to Dad. 

I locked the front door behind me and put my keys and the post on the table in the hall. I sighed and looked at the clock. Half four. Dad wouldn't be home for another half hour.  I threw my bag on the floor and walked into the kitchen to make myself a snack.

After finishing off my sandwich, I went upstairs to my room. I sat on my bed and led down. I scrolled through my Blackberry, bored. 

I heard the front door open. I bolted up suddenly and clutched my phone.

"Hey Susy! I'm home!"

My heart slowed back down again. It was only Dad.

He whistled as he walked into the kitchen. "I'll make us some tea. I'll call you down when it's ready!"

"Alright Dad!" I called down the stairs. He seemed awfully cheerful. He hated his job, maybe he had some good news. 

That evening, I was sat at the table, savouring every flavour of my meatball sub that Dad had made for me. He was sat opposite me, reading through his post and sipping a cup of tea. He scoffed every time he read something work related and tossed them to one side.

"How was your last day of school then Susy?" 

"It was okay. I didn't like it much. I can't wait for my summer holidays."

"That's my girl." Dad smiled at me and whistled a tune again.

"You seem very chirpy tonight Dad. Something happen?" I asked. 

He put down his mug and looked at me. "I've got some news, Susy."

"Oh?" I started to get nervous and looked down at the table.

"Don't worry, it's not bad news. It's good. It's very good!"

I looked back up again. "Hmm?"

"I bought the company."

I made a face. "What? You can't, you're a delivery driver Dad!"

"Not anymore. I worked my way up. It's taken me about two years."

I pondered. I briefly remembered Dad's overtime, the late nights and him leaving me to heat up food because he wasn't going to be home until I woke up for school. I felt bad for not noticing.

"Sorry Dad. I didn't notice."

"It's alright Susy. You're only little. Your life resolves around school and that Xbox 360 of yours!"

I giggled. "You're right!"

"Speaking of schools. You've heard of Woodside right?"

I shuddered. I thought of the castle-like building in the middle of the countryside. I had seen the girls walking around here in their navy blazers and plaid skirts on the final day of terms, acting like they were better than anyone else.

"Of course. Everybody knows Woodside Dad! It's full of snobs!"

Dad pushed the thick letter I saw earlier across the table. "Maybe this will change your mind."

I tore open the letter and tipped the object inside it onto the table. It was a massive brochure on Woodside, made for people who were planning to enrol their kids there. I sighed and opened it. I turned the glossy pages, each turn surprising me. Woodside had their own pool, massive classrooms and a whole block of computers for their I.C.T classes. Even the reviews of the school took me by surprise. The only downside was the expensive price for each term and the fact it was a boarding school.

"So, what do you think Susy?"

"I mean, it seems nice Dad." I shut the brochure. "But we can't afford it."

"Yeah we can."

"How?"

"Everyone's working for me now. The business is booming. My pay cheques are brilliant now!"

I smiled. "Are you sure, Dad?"

"Whatever you want, Susy." He nodded. 

"What about staying overnight, that's the bit that scares me."

"Oh. I hadn't thought about that. I think it's just one those things that you have to get on with. You'll be taught some independence."

I gritted my teeth.

"Don't do that Susy. I'll pick you up for the weekends of course. And you don't even have to go if you don't want to. I just thought it would be a great place for you. Get yourself the best education in England."

"Hmm." I flicked the pages again. "I want to go." I whispered. 

Dad sighed happily and finished his tea. "I promise you won't regret this."

I nodded and finished off my meatball sub.