Perri and Mitch- the sixth book special to series 'Perri and Me' about Perri Kiely.

Chapter 1 Part 2

By the time I arrive early in the morning for my teaching session with Mitch, I have bags under my eyes and I feel like throwing up. I got about two hours of sleep last night.

I walk into the studio, tripping over my own feet.

"You okay?" Mitch asks. "Our class is waiting outside.."

"I'm fine." I say.

He laughs and I manage a smile.

"I just can't wait to get this over with." I sigh.

"I know. Nobody knows it but I hate teaching. I just want to dance. Freely. These kind of things are for Ashley and Pel.." He says.

I nod.

"How's Pel?" He asks.

"Good." I say. "He's picking me up this afternoon for Starr's memorial.."

"Oh. May she rest in peace.." He says.

I look up at him and I can't help staring.

I don't know why.

"You did that yesterday.." He sighs.

"What?" I say, confused.

There's a small awkward silence. I can hear that the kids are about to come in.

"Umm...Mitch?" I ask.

"Yeah?" He says.

He takes off his shirt. I don't know if he's doing that on purpose but I keep my eyes focused on his face.

"There's Zara's party tonight. I'm going to try and convince Pel to come. Will you?" I ask.

He smirks.

"And leave Kimmy at home? No."

Damn it.

"Sorry- it was a silly question..." I sigh. "Kim's pregnant."

"It was, yes."He says, combing his hair with his hands. He puts on a DV shirt to his right.

"Why?" I mouth but he sees me.

"Ashley likes to advertise merchandise.." He says.

"I see.." I say, rolling my eyes.

Soon, the kids come pouring in. I don't really talk to Mitch for the whole of the session and he keeps changing the moves I made up that we rehearsed. At the end of it, I'm pretty pissed.

"Calm down, little girl." He laughs.

I walk out of the studio ignoring hiim. You know that moment when someone you like a lot makes you feel worthless. That's how I feel. I see Perri's car outside and get in the front seat.

"Hello.." He says.

He knows I'm angry.

"Mitch can be a bitch sometimes.." I reply.

"Okay.." He sighs. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah, home." I say, looking out of my window.

"No- my Mum's house. For Starr's..." He stops. "Whatever- it doesn't matter."

"Sorry I forgot for that one second.." I sigh.

He rolls his eyes and starts the car. When we finally get in the house, Karen, Elvie, Starr's Dad, every diversity boy except Mitch and Terry and more close friends are there.

The 'local chaplain' says a few prayers before there's a service. I feel really guilty. When I close my eyes and try to pray for Starr, I just see other people. I see Lenny at one point then George. I see the blood when George shot Perri. Then in the middle of the service I begin to hyperventilate and Ike has to take me to the kitchen to calm down. I cry on his shoulder for a bit.