Opposites attract

Matilda

I glance over to my alarm clock and it says 11:33am. I haven't been getting much sleep lately because I have to look after my brother who's now six. Exams are also stressful. Dad works night shifts at the bar so he sleeps during the day and works all night. He comes home at 5 in the morning either drunk or high. Sometimes even both. It's ok though because I have Lucas and Lucas has me. We're quite happy being home alone because we're free to do whatever we want without dad being a threat. I check my alarm clock again and it reads 11:36am. It's Monday which means both Lucas and I have school. Luckily for me he's probably up, dressed and had breakfast. I decide to get up and have a shower as I don't have my first two lessons today (perks of being in sixth form). I just choose a random black skirt, a white blouse and some black tights. I tie my hair in a ponytail and apply some make up- only a bit of mascara and eyeliner. I then here the buzz of my phone and I go and check it.

Transaction of £20000 into the bank account of Matilda West from Tiffany Graham accepted

I look at it over and over again. She gives us money every month but she can't be bothered to send a note to her six year old son to ask how his fucking day was. I am angry, I'm not only angry but I feel sorry for Lucas. He doesn't even know he has a mother and she has a nerve to do that. I decide to text dad because I know even in whatever state he's in, he will set her straight.

Tiffany just put 20k in our account- u gonna do anything bout that - M

I decide to take my mind of this and take Lucas to school. As I walk into the kitchen I spot him sitting at the table
"I'm sorry Lucas I overslept. Go get in my car and I'll be down in a few minutes," I apologised. I felt bad because it wasn't me who was going to get shouted at. It was Lucas and for a six year old it's hard knowing that it's not your fault but you get the blame anyway. I rush to find my car keys and I grab my jumper before locking up the flat. I get in the car and start the engine but I can see Lucas in the wing mirror looking upset.
"What's up buddy," I ask him but I already know what's wrong. He looks up at me.
"Dad didn't come home last night Matilda," he said. I knew Lucas would find out. I just shook my head and started the journey.
We arrived ten minutes later outside the building and by this time it was 11:57. Lunch would start in three minutes and I thought about coming in with him and apologising myself but he was already out the car and nearly inside the school building. I heard the buzz of my phone and grabbed it which was on the seat next to mine.

You know we need this, we need the money - Dad

What! I was shocked. I was upset. I was disappointed because I knew that if dad went to work every day he was meant to then he wouldn't be saying this. I wish he would just tell the truth. I know what he does, he just sits round the back with his mates getting pissed. No doubt getting threats that he'll get fired. I let out a frustrated groan and punch the steering wheel which was a bad idea as my knuckles are red and likely to bruise. I turn on the radio and drive to school. My friends should cheer me up at least.

I pull up into the school car park. I notice that this year, everyone has made a special effort to save up for a new car. I look around to see convertibles and sports cars and feel ashamed of my shitty ford. Mum left me specific amounts of money for things like my 16th birthday and my car but she lives in America so has no idea what anything a costs here. I get out the car and walk into school and sign into the sixth form block.

"Matilda? I thought you didn't have your first three periods today?" a voice says behind me. I turn around to see my best friend Charles standing there.
"dad didn't come home so I had to take Lucas to school. I But I'm here now and I'm also starving" I say. He looks at me sympathetically but I roll my eyes. He knows better than anyone that I hate people pitying me. I take his hand and drag him into the canteen where, no doubt, Claire is standing, munching on her pizza. Claire is a short girl who is beautiful in her own way, however large she may be. But we love her and everyone should.
As we're queueing up to buy our sandwiches, I look in my bag and realise my purse isn't there.
"I'll be right back, left my purse in the car, don't wait up for me" I told Charles and Claire. I start to walk out of the canteen and begin to rush when I realise lunch finishes in five minutes but as I'm looking down in my bag for my car keys, I bash into a tall male figure, and slowly look up to see him.