Incharge

Chapter 1

Scarlet Collins

One more day. That's all the summer I have left until I'm back to school for one more year. I have a lot to look forward too; the ski trip at christmas, the sneaking through the corridors at night and, most importantly, the campaign for head girl.

Since starting at Harrowhill, being head girl has been a dream of mine. The idea of a private dorm and bathroom was the only thing keeping me sane during last years exams when I decided to come back this year.

One thing I know I'm guaranteed this year is a good time with Emmy and Meghan. One of the perks of a boarding school is constantly being around your best friends. But someone I really can't stand is Nic-

"Scarlet! Have you finished packing? I'm not shipping half your wardrobe to Harrowhill and getting it lost again - you're father will kill me!"

"Mamá, you made me lose my train of thought!" I groaned back. As much as I love being home in summer, constantly being around my parents is not working for me.

"What were you thinking about - how wonderful and beautiful your mother is?" She queried as my mother walked into my bedroom and held the sides of the door frame flicking her hair over her shoulder.

"Can't remember exactly, I think I was planning stuff for my head girl speech," I lied as Mamá began opening my chest of drawers and throwing clothes onto my sherpa duvet.

Mamá was not very old when she had me, only 19 while my dad was 22. She had long chestnut locks, more ginger than mine, that hung around her shoulders. Her body was slim but short with only just enough height to not make her look childish. I had inherited her luscious hazel eyes and long lashes, my personal favourite feature. Mum's smile lines were quite noticeable around her thin lips but only because she constantly had a small grin on her face.

"What time is your flight again? You'll be wanting to do a bit of shopping with the girls before you leave, no?" Mamá had proceeded to pack another suitcase full of items for me while I was still jumping on my current case trying to zip it shut.

"Ugh! This little shi- shambles is going to be the death of me." In all fairness, I was probably being a bit pathetic. But, with it being my last day at home, I was going to fully take advantage of Mamá's feelings - how could she let her little baby leave home again?

Eugh. I did not just say that. But hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

"Oh darling, pass the suitcase here. You call the girls and ask what time they want to meet up and we can maybe grab lunch before we go." Mamá shooed me out of the way as she swiftly shut the suitcase in one go.

Mothers. Always showing off.

Once we had finalised what had to be packed and had shoved everything into a bag - meaning I will have some serious ironing to do later - we packed up the car and drove to the airport, forgetting about lunch due to the nerves and excitement that surrounded my leaving for school.

I was very lucky if I saw my dad over the holidays. He is always home during the winter and spring but rarely home for the summer. Every year before starting school again, I would spy him waiting in the airport entrance to say goodbye and give me a letter saying all the things he hoped I would do at school that year. Dad used to go to Harrowhill and knew all about the parties and hideouts that my fellow students still go to. I know for a fact he is going to get me to go to No. 1.