The Alien Non Sighting

Everyday

Everyone who lives in a normal place will know that not every day is the same. For example, the weather. It's not always hot. It's not always cold. It's just...not. And school. Sometimes it's interesting, usually it's boring. Simple.

But anyone who lives a normal life will know that nothing is ever simple. Least of all for Phoebe.

Phoebe was not looking forward to starting her new school. Of course, nobody looks forward  to school, but Phoebe was not just anybody.

Phoebe stood in her bedroom, brushing her hair. Her hair was sleek, long and brown, and it shimmered in the sunlight. All of Phoebe's friends loved her glossy hair.

"Phoebe, can I come in?"

Phoebe knew at once that her mother wanted to take a photograph of her, in her brand-new uniform. She didn't care. It's not as if photographs meant anything to her, at any rate.

"Phoebe?" came the call again.

"Yes, Mum, you can come in." Phoebe sighed. She heard the door open. Her mother looked at her, eyes brimming with pride, but Phoebe couldn't see that, of course.

"I'm ready to go, Mum." Phoebe said, gathering all her resolve. It was worth going to school to avoid having her photograph taken, at least.

"Got your phone?"

"Yes."

"Pencil case?"

"Yes."

"Cane?"

"Yes, Mum, I've got everything."

"Good girl."

Not ten minutes into the day, Phoebe found herself being escorted to the principal's office, her form tutor gripping her arm unnecessarily hard. Miss Fielder, her form tutor, knocked sharply at the door, and then entered without waiting for a response.

"Ah, hello, Miss Fielder. Not a problem, is there?" said a man's voice.

"As such, Mr King, I'm afraid there is." Phoebe heard Miss Fielder reply. "You see, there seems o be a rather large breach of the 'no pets in school' rule. Come on, girl! Explain yourself."

"Miss Fielder, wait a minute. Would you like to tell me your name, first and foremost?" Mr King asked kindly.

"Phoebe Robinson, sir." Phoebe replied nervously, feeling slightly sick. She heard the scratching of pen on paper, and took it to mean that her Head teacher was taking notes. This did not help her nerves.

"And what seems to be the problem, Miss Fielder, did you say?"  Mr King said, addressing Phoebe's form tutor.

"This girl has brought a dog into the school premises, Mr King." Miss Fielder sniffed.

"And where is the dog in question?" he asked, sounding amused. Phoebe felt her dog creep round her legs.

"Please, sir, he-"

"Quiet, girl! Did Mr King give you permission to speak?" snapped Miss Fielder.

"Hear her out, Miss Fielder." Mr King said gently.

"Charcoal - my dog- he's as good as gold, sir, I promise. He won't cause any trouble. He's been well trained, of course, as he's a working dog."

"Even so, Miss Robinson, what made you think that we would allow such a serious breach of our code of conduct?"

"He's my guide dog, sir." Phoebe replied, her mouth feeling dry.

"Guide dog, hmm?" mused Mr King.

"Yes sir...I'm...I'm blind, sir."

"I'm dreadfully sorry, Phoebe, my mistake, it never occurred to me..." said Miss Fielder in a rush of apology and remorse.

"That's enough, Miss Fielder. Phoebe, may I pet your dog, please?" Mr King asked thoughtfully.

"I'm sorry, sir...he's working. It might distract him. He's in work mode now." Phoebe told him apologetically.

"That's okay, that's okay. So students can't touch him either, no?"

"No, sir."

"We have assembly first anyway, sir." Miss Fielder reminded him.

"Of course. I forgot that your mother said you were joining us this year, Phoebe. I hope you'll forgive me."

"Of... of course, sir."

"Excellent. Have a good day, Phoebe. Miss Fielder. And of course Charcoal."

"Thank you, sir. You too." Phoebe said as Charcoal guided her out of the office.

It had been a weird morning.