Hidden Truths

Chapter 3

Sitting in a History lesson about King Henry and his six wives cannot get more tiring. As Mr Snicket drones on and on, I take notes from the PowerPoint slides and sketch a picture of Anne Boleyn, the most famous of Henry's wives. She was definitely brave and intelligent. It's a shame she had two miscarriages after having Elizabeth, or Henry might have kept interest in her instead of courting Jane Seymour.

It takes me a while to realise that the class is silent and there are lots of heads turned my way. "Um, what was the question?"

Mr Snicket rolls his eyes and addresses the class. "Who can repeat the question for Samantha?"

There's silence. Hesitation. Then one hand goes up. It belongs to Gretta, the cake-faced, stuck up, rich kid who's been trying to impress all the teachers with far more than just her school work.

"What Sir was saying was, how did Henry get Anne Boleyn executed? What did he charge her for?"

I take a while to think about it. "Well as much as he loved Elizabeth, he was annoyed that Anne couldn't conceive a son. He also needed a way to end his marriage with her so he could marry Jane Seymour. So therefore he had Anne arrested and executed under false charges of incest, adultery and conspiracy against the king. Some also believed Anne to be involved in witchcraft although there's no clear evidence to prove this."

When I finish I look around to see dozens of wide-eyed, dumb-founded faces staring in my direction. I return the glances with a playful smile.

Only one face looks unimpressed. It belongs to Gretta. She's giving me a sour look. Whatever I have done and whatever her problem is, I don't know and, to be honest, I don't care either. I lower my gaze and carry on with my sketch. Everyone turns back to Mr Snicket and he continues his lecture.

****

As the lesson ends, I gather up my things and walk out of the classroom. I don't realise I'm being followed until I find myself turning to face Gretta and a huge crowd circling us both. I take in a deep breath and slowly let it out. This is seriously going to be a waste of my time but I guess I have no choice.

"Um, is there a problem?" I ask in my calmest tone.

"Nope, no problem."

"Then quit following me."

This girl is so annoying; she reminds me of John. They both have the same hair colour, an obnoxiously stubborn attitude and a big ego. Their only difference is their eyes. Only God knows how they aren't related.

"Nope, can't do that."

"Why not?" I'm on the edge of completely losing it.

She just stares at me without replying.

"Don't have a reason? Well then, I'm off."

I try to break through the crowd but they don't let me. Urgh. Losers. All of them. Might as well see what she wants then. I watch as she furrows her bows in fake concentration and puts two fingers to her temple and drums it lightly.

"Oh Samantha, dear Samantha, what have you gotten yourself into?"

"Um, what have I gotten myself into?" I ask, confused.

She nods and waits for an answer.

I change my tone from confused to sly as I realise she's messing with me. Well dear Gretta, two can play that game. "I don't know Gretta, you tell me. What have I gotten myself into?"

She chuckles and a sly grin tugs at her lips. "You really don't know?"

"I haven't the slightest clue." I look around the crowd and see some people whispering to each other while a few point fingers and others are just still, watching. I pull on an innocent, clueless face and look back at Gretta.