Staying at Mrs Riley's was honestly the best thing I could have done. I told her everything that happened, including my teacher kissing me. She was a bit shocked but assured me not to worry about it, it was probably from shock.
We're having pasta salad for dinner at the dining table. She has a glass of wine while I have fresh orange juice.
'Do you want to stay again tonight dear'
'thanks but I should head home, I have to be at school on time tomorrow'
'well finish up, chop chop, get a good night's rest' she says in that motherly tone all old people have.
I finish eating soon after and leave for my house. Once I'm in I take a hot shower and jump into bed. I'm exhausted, it's not long before I drift off to sleep.
Waking up in the morning I feel refreshed, I think staying off yesterday was the right decision. I get up and get myself ready for school. I drink a cup of coffee before I head out.
I'm relieved to get to school intact and on time. I wave to Maddy the receptionist as I pass through and head through the hallways to form.
I open up my locker to grab some books for my classes today, Mr Murphy stops by me, waiting until I'm finished to speak. The bell rings for form so I go to walk past him. I really can't be late.
'Abby stop' I do.
'where have you been? You've not been in my class for two days, is everything alright?'
'Sorry sir I wasn't in yesterday and the day before I had to stay in my form tutors class all day, I um' I scratch my head awkwardly, 'um ran off' I squeak out. Mr Murphy looks at me pointedly 'you're an A grade student Abby what's going on with you? I've never known you to be so disruptive'
I nod shamefully 'it's just been a hard week sir, I've um gotta go to form, I'm late'
'I'll take you, Mr smith's yes?'
'No sir I'm in 2B now' he looks skeptical, it's not often a student is transferred forms.
'Hmm come along' he gestures and I follow along.
We walk in silence through the block and into the hallway of my form room. I can hear Mr Sinclair shouting already, his clearly in a bad mood.
Mr Murphy knocks and Mr Sinclair steps out. I look to the floor, I'm so embarrassed from our kiss yesterday and now I'm late again after he told me the consequences on Tuesday.
'Mr Sinclair I'm sorry to disrupt, I have Abby here' he gestures to me. 'She's late as we were having a private conversation this morning about her work, I hope you understand'
Mr Sinclair speaks sternly to Mr Murphy
'I don't tolerate tardiness, I expect students to be here on time, conversation or not, do not do it during my time again' he turns to face me
'Abby sit at my desk'.
Mr Murphy walks away so I scurry into class. Mr Sinclair has already gotten everyone to finish off any homework that needs to be done then it's silent reading.
Form goes by quickly and soon it's over. I get up when the bell goes to file out with everyone else but Mr Sinclair has other ideas
'where are you going? My office' I hesitate... gawking.
'Now!' His voice is raised. Some students look back but don't say a thing. Begrudgingly I turn and head into his office.
He walks around his desk and plops down in his chair. His hand goes out 'report card'.
I hand over the report card and he writes on it but doesn't hand it back yet.
'Abby I'm sorry about that kiss, it shouldn't of happened, it won't happen again' he takes a deep breath then carries on 'what happened should not affect our student teacher relationship, despite what happened I've decided to appoint you as my student P.A' he stops talking and I look up to see him gouging my reaction.
'What?' I question completely baffled.
He looks at me pointedly 'your my P.A from now on, you will stay after school for an hour everyday, you will run errands if needed when I can trust you and you will improve your attendance by doing this'
I stand up putting my hands on my hips
'why?
This is the most strangest punishment I've heard, 'I don't want to do it'
I huff and slump back into the chair. He stands and towers over me
'you don't get a choice Abby, you don't think I know what's been going on? Your dad's never around, Mrs Riley is an old woman and you seem to always be getting into trouble. Thats why your on report and now your my P.A .This will help you to knuckle down, get good grades and keep those kids away'
'I don't need a babysitter' I shout.
'but you do!' He bellows.
He takes a few deep breaths then lowers his voice, 'your behaviour and attitude over the last few days needs to change, being bullied or not your disrespect has to stop Abby! You will use your manners, you will talk like a human being instead of some out of control baboon and you will learn to follow orders'
I laugh 'orders? You're not Sargent major'
he talks exasperatedly 'when it comes to it, you can't seem to follow instructions so yes! orders. You don't follow my instructions I will use orders, don't follow and there will be consequences. Do you understand'
'Fine, can I go now?'
He hands my report back and I rush out.