I don't know

27

'Austin!' Lucille cried out as the bell rang and their teacher had dismissed them. Austin ignored her as he slung his bag over his shoulder and walked out of the classroom with Salim. Salim looked back at Lucille and then at Austin and raised his eyebrows. Austin realised Salim wasn't that bad, he was tolerable.

When they were in the Yr9 field, Salim turned to Austin.

'I need to go to the canteen. Come with?'

'No, I'm fine. I've got lunch.' Austin replied as Salim nodded and turned around walking in the other direction the canteen. Austin took a deep breath as he glanced over to the Yr 11's playing football on the grass. His brother was normally with them but now he was no where to be found.

'Austin.'

Austin turned around and saw Lucille standing in front of him, arms crossed. Austin looked at the grass as he tried to find someone he knew to escape too but all of his friends were at the canteen.

'Talk to me Austin. It's nearly been a year since you've talked to me properly!' Lucille cried, tears streaming down her cheeks already. 

'Lucille-'

'No. You will talk to me. Or you will tell me if I've done something to offend you.'

'Lucille, I don't want to talk to you. It's not that big of a deal. The boys don't even talk to the girls that much.' Austin replied, sighing.

'We're best friends. Now you're hanging out with Salim. Since when do you like him?' Lucille asked. A few of the popular kids had caught sight of their argument and had began to listen in.

'We were best friends in Yr2. And Salim's not that bad, if you get to know him.' Austin said, defending Salim. He never thought he'd be in this position before.

Lucille was quiet for a few seconds before speaking up, 'Stop being selfish. You're embarrassed because I'm the only one in the whole year group who knows your dad is dead! Get over it Austin!'

Austin stared at Lucille as she took in everything she just said. Nearly everyone on the field were watching them and even some titchy Year 7s had come by to watch what was going on. They all knew Austin's dad was dead. Now he'd be pitied by everyone.

'That was out of line Lucille.' Austin nodded as he walked off of the field to the canteen. He blinked back the tears furiously, refusing for them to fall when he was at school. Why was he such a wimp?

'Austin! What's wrong?' his form tutor, Mr. Jackson called out. He was on break duty and was surprised to see Austin storming off like that.

'Nothing sir. I'm fine.' Austin said as he pursed his lips. Edward stared at him as he gestured for Austin to follow him.

'Let's go to my classroom shall we?'he responded and Austin had no choice but to follow him.

When they reached the English corridor, Edward opened the door to E4 and the two entered. Mr. Jackson took a seat on his chair and Austin remained standing.

'Sit down, Austin. I think we're going to be here a while.' he replied. Austin sighed and sat down on the desk right in front of his tutor.

'I saw what happened. Austin, Lucille was out of line and you have every right to be mad. How do you feel?'

Austin shrugged, 'I don't know.'

Edward nodded as he pulled up a well being report out of his desk. 'I'm going to report this to the Head of Year. You need to tell me word for word what happened.'

'Sir, it's ok. She was right anyway.'

Edward sighed. 'What was she right about?'

Austin slumped his shoulders, 'The fact I'm embarrassed. I didn't anyone to know cuz I didn't want everyone to pity me. The fact Lucille knew, made me mad at her, I guess.'