In My Life

Chapter 5

Sam's POV
I couldn't remember the last time I'd left the school premises without being greeted by the welcoming face of John by the school gate.

John attended Quarry Bank High; a boys institute only down the road from my girl's institute. Every day after school, we'd meet by the gates of my school, as Quarry Bank was let out 10 minutes earlier, and both make our way to the bus stop back home.

Today was a day as dull as ever. The dismal rain was really of no help to settle the mood, and I had not a brolly at hand, so it seemed getting soaked was the only way fate was to have it. It appeared that once I'd stepped foot on the bus, I wasn't the only one either, as nearly every passenger was drenched.

When the bus arrived at the Menlove stop, I hopped off, arriving where I'd earlier parted from John. And walking home, I passed Mendips as I usually did, only to find Mimi sat placidly in her quiet room reading, making me chuckle slightly.

It didn't look like John had come home yet, which was really of no surprise to me, as he'd either really hit it off with his mum, or was simply causing havoc in town.

Living only down the road from John, I arrived home within seconds later, rushing straight up for the shower to warm up and change.

Once freshening up, I curled up on the sofa to see what was on tele, only to be interrupted by the ringing of the telephone.

"Hello?" I yawned, the shorter days of the winter having really caught up with me.

"Sam? S'that you?" Echoed the voice of non other than my mother through the phone.

"Sure is." I smiled.

"Well I'm using the pay phone currently, but I just called in to say I'll be home soon."

"Is that really it?" I laughed, unable to believe the pointlessness of the call. "Do you want me to cook the dinner or something?"

"Well, I just wanted to know how your day went darling."

"Great, yeh, it went great." I groaned impassively.

"And John's? Was it just as exciting?"

Both ends of the phone went deadly silent, as I felt the paralysing sensation of both shock and fear overwhelm me. I felt as though, despite the fact she couldn't see me, she could still see straight through me all the time. Nothing could get past her from what I could see.

"How did you-" I began.

"I saw that he did get on the bus this morning Sam. But don't worry though, I'll not fret Mimi about it this time, just as long as it doesn't happen again."

Mum was far more laid back than Mimi, which was one of the things I loved about her. She was understanding of both John and I, and the antics we got up to, and I felt as though my own personality was reflected much from her own.

"Thanks mum." I sighed in relief.

"But next time you won't be so lucky Sam." She reminded me.

"I know mum, I'll be sure to keep him in line."