Everything from Nothing

Chapter 10

Theo's POV

Slowly and gently, my eyes open as I regain consciousness. Pain radiating from my temple reminds me of the recent events taking place outside Janet's house. Did that actually happen? It can't have... surely. But the agony shooting through my head wins the argument.
One question bounces around my skull: if that one punch hurt so bloody bad, how does she survive everyday? Heck, I wouldn't be able to stay strong though one week of that, let alone... anyway. Something Janet said a while back suddenly replays in my mind. "If my brother found out about a friend... he wouldn't be so forgiving." So that's the why and the who, but seriously! Was he wearing a ring? Or is his fist made of metal? I don't know but he had some serious power behind that punch. 

 Hold up, where exactly am I? A 'keep calm and carry on' poster framed on the white wall opposite me, a mirror next to it. I must be in Matron's office. Yeah, that makes sense.   After a briefing with Matron herself (who, may I say, was looking daaaaamn fiiine ;) ), I headed out to meet Jason, the guy who showed me round school on my first week. He became one of my best mates and I became one of his. 

Maths comes around and when I stumble into the class room, I feel my stomach drop as I don't see Janet sitting at the back of the class room. What if something happened to her after this morning...
My stomach is filled with a horrible feeling and my mind buzzes with all sorts of thoughts that I just can't shake. I guess I have to sit alone at the back of the classroom with just my thoughts this lesson.

Worst.

Maths lesson.

Ever.

And that's saying a lot considering it's maths. I can't help but wonder where Janet is because her absence has been confirmed by the lack of ticks next to her name in the register. Knocking on the door of the office belonging to the head teacher, I take in a breath, rehearsing the words I want to say in my mind over and over again. The tall figure or Mr. Spindle looms over me, exaggerating the extent of my diminutive features. And as I open my mouth to speak, I realise that every word I practised has gone out for a walk - to be back after this conversation. 

"Hey, Mr. Spindle. I mean, um, Hello Sir? I, er, I was just wondering where Janet in year 10 was today and when she would be back. I don't suppose you know?" Not as dignity breaking as I thought it would be, I have to say.

"If I'm not mistaken she has taken a school trip with the art department."

"Oh." I look at my shoes then back up at the intimidating stare of our headteacher. "I don't suppose you have information about the trip, like where it is and where their staying and stuff...?" 
"I'll see what I can do." 

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Looking down at the sheet of paper given to me by Mr. Spindle, then up at my laptop screen, I type in the place where the art department group were supposed to be visiting tomorrow:

'GODREVY POINT'

I grab my rucksack and stuff a few things it, grab my coat, have a quick conversation with my parents then head out the door to the car...

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dftba x