The Girl Imprisoned By Her Chair

“Sir, I’m sorry for today’s lesson. I did not mean to…” 

Mr. Gall sighed, putting his hand up to silence me. “Sarah, you needn’t be sorry. You’re one of the only students in this class who actually do the work, so don’t worry. Why don’t you tell me what’s got you so upset?”

His face showed concern, his hands smoothing his black tie, which hung loosely around his neck.  

I sighed “Sir, I can’t take it anymore. I can’t take the fact that everyone feels the need to shout ‘cripple’ into my face, that they need to put their foot under my wheel or make motor sounds as I go past”

Mr. Gall looks at me, his expression torn between dread and something I can only describe as remorse. “Sarah, I….”

“You want to know the worst part? The one thing I absolutely can’t stand is that they think that just because I’m in a wheelchair, it means I can’t think for myself. You can see it on their faces, that’s what their thinking” By the end of my speech, I’m crying. Tears of anger, sadness, hatred and fear……

Suddenly, strong hands grip onto my upper arms. I look up at Mr. Gall, my eyes questioning his actions.

“Sarah, I want you to listen to me very carefully. You are a beautiful young women.  You are an honest and trustworthy person; you put 110% into everything you do. You never back down. You care about everyone, you see them for who they are, you don’t judge.  You’re determined. Stubborn, but determined” I laughed, he smiled back.

“You’re enthusiastic, talented, always up for a challenge. You have this glow about you that draws people in. Don’t let those idiots put your flame out. And most importantly, don’t ever doubt yourself”

“Thank you, sir” I mumbled, feeling a little better.

He smiled, looking at him; I just couldn’t resist smiling back. “Well, um, I better go” I blushed at the intensity of his stare.

His smile disappeared, his mouth turning into a frown “Oh, yeah…Ahem…yes, Miss Parker, I’ll just write a return to class slip for you”

What just happened? He couldn’t possibly….no, he has a wife, the head of the schools Art department no less, he’s just being nice, nothing more. I’m reading to much into it, my Math teacher….Oh god, I’m such an idiot.

“Here you are, Miss Parker.” Mr. Gall said, handing me the slip “you’re free to go"

I raced into the English corridor, parking my chair outside the classroom door. As I try to regain my balance to walk into the room, the door opens, revealing Eddie Punter.

How do I begin to explain Eddie? Aside from tall, dark and handsome, he’s also buff, has tattoos, mysterious, charming, more mature and the school flirt. Ok, I may have a crush on him, but so does every other girl in my year.

He leans down to my ear and whispers “Hey mischief, where’ve you been?” Leaning back, he smiles at me with his signature cocky grin.

I smile, replying “Why? Missed me have you?"