"Class dismissed." A short, stocky man with a ridiculous moustache stood up from his seat and ushered his class out of the room. Alison McClean's first lesson at her new school was over. "How was that then?" Ringo turned his head towards Alison and grinned. "Not too bad thanks Rich." She smiled. "It's Ringo" He corrected her. They followed the rest of the crowd through the corridor and out into the assembly hall. Ringo gestured towards a seat and Alison took her place, smoothed out her skirt and turned towards Ringo, "What are these assemblies like around here then?" "Not too bad I guess," replied Ringo. The bustling room slowly quietened as a tall, slender man walked in. "Silence please." He said, sternly with no sense of an accent in his voice whatsoever. The room hushed.
Mr. Littlefield dragged on and on until he had no breath. "I thought you said they weren't too bad?" Alison nudged Ringo, "Well.." He trailed off, not quite knowing what to say. The assembly went on for another 5 minutes but to Alison it felt like years. She couldn't get out a moment too soon. "What do we have next then?" Ringo asked to himself whilst pulling a small brown book out of his bag. "What's that?" Alison gestured towards the book. "This? Oh it's a planner. You'll need to get one," he smiled, "Since it's break right now we could head down to the reception and get you one if you like."
They walked further on whilst Alison pondered the thought, "Yeah, ok!" They turned a corner and headed towards reception.
Knock knock. "Hello?" A young woman turned towards the door and took her glasses off, looking at the two figures before her, "Ah, Ringo. Who's this you have with you?" He stepped forward. "Miss Ferguson, this is Alison McClean. She is the daughter of Mr.McClean and a new pupil here." Miss Ferguson stood up and walked over to Alison, "Oh love, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your father was always a very nice man." She shook her hand but then noticed the small tear running down Alison's cheek. Miss Ferguson went in to hug the poor girl before her but Alison interrupted her, "It's ok. I was wondering if I could have a planner?" She quickly wiped her tear away. "Oh yes, yes" The elegant lady sweeper over to the rows and rows of shelving and eyed up a planner. She then climbed up a ladder and reached for one. "There you go dear!" She smiled "Remember to never hesitate to come and see me if you ever need anything." Alison and Ringo waved and then walked away into the flurry of people heading to their lessons.
The day ended and Ringo walked Alison home. They passed Strawberry Fields and all the local houses but then it came to Alison's small, beaten up home. "Thanks Rings. You really helped me today." She winked and then rushed over to give him a friendly hug. Ringo blushed, "No problemo!" He boomed, trying to sound Italian but failing. Alison sniggered and then walked into her house. She gave one last wave and then shut door.
Ringo smiled to himself, "She's a good'n that Alison" he plodded down the road merrily, whistling as he went.
