Imperfections

Chapter 4

After break I had biology. Then it was lunch. Not that I was planning on eating. I was just relieved to be having a break from work for a bit.

As a year 11 privilege we were allowed down to have a common room, Which was unfortunately in the prep school. Our common room had facilities to make hot drinks and microwave meals. Luckily school provided us with an assortment of hot beverages. I always had a green tea for lunch it was apart of my daily routine.

I walked down to the prep school thinking about my rubbish day. I grabbed my copper flask and had a green tea. I didn't fancy staying in the common room. As it was full of the girls talking about prom. I still didn't know whether to go or not.

I looked down at the floor on my way. THUMP! I bumped into this hard chest. I stumbled backwards but an arm gripped my wrist. I looked up to be greeted by the warm ice blue eyes of Mr West's. "I'm sorry" I mumbled. "Cress it's fine." he said still gripping my wrist tightly. I winced at his grip around my wrist and hand. I looked down indicating to him he still was holding onto me but he didn't let go. "Comon lets talk." he said "I'm fine" I said "Cress you are not." he stated the truth. I couldn't reply i just burst into tears. "Follow me to my office." he said stroking my wrist.

I slowly followed him to his office in the PE department. He shut the door and put up the engaged sign so no one would disturb us. "What is it Cress?" "everything" I cried even harder. Mr West warmy embraced me. for once in like forever i felt safe and protected.

he released me from his warm embrace and indicated to be to sit down. Stop I sat down opposite his desk. "lets start with what happened to your hand?"
"um I um um got angry and um upset and I um I um I punched a wall."
"We should probably get that checked out. What made you so upset and angry Cressida. I am here for you. I only want to help." He said soothingly
"It's fine. I'm used to it. I just well um stuff happened n yer um tad dar!" I said trying to fake a smile.
"Is everything at home okay?" He asked reassuringly stroking my hand
"It could be better" I mumbled
"Why? How are you and you're family coping?"
" I do a lot for me and Az. It's not ideal but we cope."
"Dad?"
"Struggles it's not easy without his soulmate." I said with tears streaming down my face.
"Cress I am going to help you. I'm going to make sure this gets better." He said
"I need to go sorry sir." I said standing up
"No cress wait. Here have this. Don't be afraid to call if you need anything."  He said handing me a note
"Thanks" I said walking out

I walked off up the hill. I needed a breather. I find it hard mentally to talk about things. Especially about my broken family. After mum died I just kinda locked it away as I had to look after Azalea and dad. I had to be a strong woman for mum. That's what she would have wanted.

I still had 10 minutes left of lunch so I went and did some homework in the computer room. I then went to afternoon registration.

The rest of the afternoon went by a blur. I couldn't stop thinking about what Mr West had said.

The bell rung indicating that finally it was the end of the day. I collected my things and walked down to the prep school to collect my little sister.

"Can I pick up Azalea please?" I asked the teaching assistance.
"You need an adult to pick her up." She replied
"We are an exception" I replied trying not to cause a comossion
" nope I gonna need either Azaleas mother or father to collect her."
I tensed at her comment. Ignorant teaching assistant.
"Actually Carol there coming home with me" interrupted mr west
"Oh okay fine. Why didn't you say?" She snarled and Azzy was released.

We walked as a group out back.
"Uncle Flynn what's my mummy making for tea?" Asked lily
"I have no idea lils but I'm having pizza." He said
"Aww lucky I miss pizza." Azalea blurted out. Mr west looked shocked yet knowingly at me. I shuffled Az to my side and started heading off quickly without saying bye.