Rosette

One: June

'It looks like an elephant, see the ears.'

'Actually, it looks more like a blob Eva.'

We're lying on the grass, squinting up at the sky. Eva is pointing out clouds and trying to persuade us of what they look like. The grass is poking into my back and it itches, but I don't mind. I won't have many more times like this, so I am trying to appreciate the moments. I'm wrapping each memory in tissue paper and pack them into boxes in my head. Distantly, I can hear the faint noise of a bell ringing. 

'June, walk with me to maths,' calls Sonya and she reaches down for my hands, pulling me up. I sigh and brush the grass off of my school uniform. We walk side by side, my thoughts somewhere else.

'What has you so distracted? Normally you always complain about maths.'

'Sorry Sonya, I just have a lot on my mind. Maths is certainly not one of them.' I offer her a smile.

She returns the smile and wraps her arm around me, squeezing my shoulder. 

'Well, we shall both suffer through this maths lesson, and then perhaps we can talk?' she asks.

'I would like that truly, but it's family stuff,' I shrug. It is not exactly a lie, but it isn't the truth either. 

'I understand, I'm always here for you June.'

We take our seats side by side, facing the board. The teacher arrives shortly after and prepares the work, before quickly taking the register. 

The teacher has finished speaking and is now handing out work sheets for all of us. There is a Knock at the door and all of us turn in unison towards the noise. The Headteachers stands there.

'Good Morning Everyone, may I borrow June Rosette please?' she faces me. ' Don't worry June, you are not in trouble.'

She smiles reassuringly, but I don't believe her.