The following morning was the start of my new school. At 7:30 I woke up and grimaced. The doubts of starting a new school came to me. Will they (the teachers and students) like me? Will I make new friends? Will they think me stupid? Too rich, maybe?
“Clare?’ My door opened slowly. I tried, and failed, to pretend to be asleep.
My mum walked to my bed. “Clare, darling. You have to get up now. You’ve got to get ready for your new school!” She was positively beaming. Well at least someone’s happy!
“Mmm.” I groaned.
“Clarissa.”
“Fine! Fine. I’m getting up!” I muttered and stretched. At 8:00 I was washed, dressed, had eaten my breakfast, brushed my hair and was ready to go to school.
“Clarissa!’ My mum called. ‘I’m sorry darling, but you have to wash your plate!”
“What?’ I was puzzled. I never washed my plate. We just dumped it in the dish - oh. Yeah. No dishwasher.
“Mum, school starts at nine. I have to go.” Seeing as my dad wouldn’t let mum drive me for my first day. ‘You have to learn for yourself!’ he’d said. I’ve never even seen it!
“You can go now sweetheart. Sorr-’
“Clarissa! Clean up your bowl!” I heard my dad’s voice wafting from the living room. Why did he get involved? I burst out before I could stop myself. It was 8:10 for goodness sake. “Dad!!! I have to go!! I’ll be late and you don’t want me to give a bad impression on my FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL, do you?”
There was a prolonged silence. I was about to just get the bowl over and done with, when dad finally spoke. “Of course darling! Don’t be late! Quick, go! You’ve only got thirty five minutes left!” And with an expression on my face I could not help, I left (at last) for school.
Forty minutes later I was panting up the steps of the school. With sweat pouring down my face, I could barely pull the door open. “You are late.” A stern voice said above me, while I was sprawled out on the floor.
I looked up and got a shock. The headmaster is wearing a black CLOAK?? And one of those graduation hats?? OMG!
“Is there something wrong?” The Headmaster asked impatiently. I caught myself staring at him. I got up, huffing and puffing.
“No sir, absolutely not.”
YOU ARE READING
Dolphin Island
Ficção AdolescenteClare has always felt just a little different. So when her and her family move to Selsey, why is she immediately attracted to the beach? And, more importantly, why is it deserted, it's only inhabitant an old man prone to disappearing?
