Innocence

Chapter 1

Today was one of the best, yet worst days of my life. I was sat in my lesson, and all of a sudden, there was a knock at the door, and this student strolls in, holding a flimsy piece of paper. Little did I know that what was written on this was about to change my life forever! It stated that I had to go down to see the Head Of Year, at the end of this lesson. Then I started to think, at the end of this lesson, I'm supposed to have another lesson. We only get called out of lessons when, either we are in trouble, or what they are going to talk about to us is serious. No one else has got a letter, but I didn't think I had done anything wrong.

My mind began to race at the thought, my hands became clammy and small beads of sweat started to trickle down my forehead. The other girls in my classes questioned me relentlessly, but I refused to answer! All I could think about, was the last time this happened. This was 4 years ago, when i was in year 3. I received a note, similar to this, but it turned my world upside down. No-one ever found out why, apart from me, but I soon left that school, so things became easier with the new start.

My thoughts drift from the lesson. What if I'm in huge trouble? What if I get kicked out? What if I can't become the dentist I so desperately want to be. Every since I was a young child, my dream career has been dentistry. For how ever long I can remember, my sights have always been set on this. I thought nothing would ever jeopardise this aspiration, but the events that have unfolded within the last few years, could be a barrier, but I am so determined to reach this status in life. This resemblance has sometimes been patchy, but through all the bad times in my life, (and I have had my fair share of these) I in-visage this responsible adult having the World at her hands!

The monotonous ring of the bell alarms me, and indicates that it is time to go and see Mrs Alrado (my head of year). Since I have joined the school, I've only been to see her a handful of times, and these were for petty things, but I have tried to, as much as possible, steer clear of any high authority members of staff.

Over the years, I've seen enough teachers and people to tell me off, that every time one is mentioned, shivers fly up my spine. As I walk down, and say good bye to my friends, something dawns on me, what if it wasn't that I had done something bad, what if it was, in fact, the opposite? What if I had done something so good, they wanted to congratulate me? But the likely hood of this happening is exceptionally low, so low that it is virtually non-existent!

But I find myself stood outside the office, so nervous, that I can barely pluck up the courage to knock! But I do. 3 taps. Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Come in and take a seat" says a cheery Mrs Alrado, gesturing to a seat opposite her desk. Automatically this sends my brain into overtime. If I was in trouble, why would she be so eager to see me?

We sat there, for a good few minutes, discussing things, like how I was, and how I was finding school. At this point, I felt very strange, something didn't quite feel right. There was an edge to her voice, that sounded as though it was on the verge on crying.

After we had been discussing for a few minutes, she asked if I would excuse her to leave, and, of course, I did.

I sat there, once she had firmly shut the door behind her.

After about 10 minutes, she returned, but this time, she had an upset look on her face, and behind her, was my favourite teacher, Mrs Vicks. She to had an upset look, but her eyes seem to be a bit watery.

Feeling confused, I started to deduct possibilities of what could be happening. I don't think I am in trouble, because they are crying, and if I was in trouble, why on earth would they be crying?

My thoughts rush back to the boy on the bus. What would he say if he knew I had been in trouble- what that put him off me for good?

"Would you like a hot chocolate, Maisy?" Asks Mrs Vicks. Her long brown hair sways with every stride she takes. She can't be much older than 40, but I know she has a few children. She is my English teacher, and is my favourite teacher at this school. Not only is she a damn good teacher, but she cares so much. If ever I have a problem, I always feel I can go and talk to her about it!

"No, I'm alright thank you, but I really would like to know why I am down here!" I answered, but this put a concerned look upon both of their foreheads. A small frown appeared on Mrs Vicks and small creases began to emerge.

"Before we start, we just want you to know, that everyone at the school is always here for you, and you know you can talk to us about anything.
This morning, we received a phone call from the police, detailing about an incident that occurred. I believed it concerned your mother" Mrs Alrado began to explain.

"Foster mother" I cut in, with a harsh tone to my voice. For as long as I can remember, I have always known people calling her my mother, and every time, I correct them. Associating my lovely foster mother with my real mother seems totally unfair. Their characteristics are completely different, my foster mother actually cares about me, but my mother is prepared to drop me at the toss of a penny. "Is she ok? What happened? Will she be alright?"

"Sorry, I didn't realise you were fostered" she apologised profusely "Anyway, your foster mother was involved in a road traffic accident. She has been taken to an intensive care hospital in London. She had nasty bash to the head, and was knocked out. But the ambulance men says she is sort of stable."

Sort of stable, what does that mean. It takes the best of me not to start crying right there and then. She is all I have, and I can't lose her!

Then it struck me, if I don't have her to live with, who am I going to stay with tonight- or until she gets out? I have no one to stay with, what am I going to do?