Mr Tiz walks me to my room then lets me inside. I quickly throw off my clothes, placing them in the wash bag at the end of my bed and then I change into my uniform.
I brush my teeth then brush my hair. I then throw my hair up into a messy bun, not really feeling the need to style it. When I'm ready I step out.
Mr Tiz who's been waiting outside, motions with his fingers, without a word, gestures for me to follow.
I trail behind him as he walks me outside and across the path. Then we walk into the school building, the hallways are silent. Everyone seems to be in class already.
When we get to the heavy doors he swipes his fob and gestures for me to step through with his arm. I have no idea why he hasn't taken me to class.
'I have class sir?' I say confusedly.
'Come, I have a surprise for you' he says cryptically. I nod in response as I step through the doorway.
When the door closes Mr Tiz walks me along the hallway. We walk past his office until we stop at a black door.
The plaque on the door says conference room. I'm completely baffled to what's going on.
'You have until lunch Hope, use your time wisely' he says then opens the door for me.
I step through the door to be immediately tackled and wrapped in a warm embrace. I'm freaked for a moment before I hear my mum crying. I would know her anywhere. I wrap my arms around her and hug her back as I hear the door bang shut from behind us.
I hold my mum tightly until her crying settles to just sniffles, I pull away and look at her. She exactly the same as when I left. Bleach blonde hair, perfectly manicured nails, dressed in a grey pencil skirt and a white blouse. She's probably going back to the office once we're finished here.
My mum has always been the bread winner in our household, she works fucking hard. She's worked long days and she nabs overtime whenever it's offered, preferring to work rather than being at home with my alcoholic father.
She wipes at her eyes furiously a few times, dabbing under her lashes, being mindful of the thick mascara coating her lashes.
'Happy birthday sweetheart, I've missed you'
'Thanks mum, I've missed you too' I say curtly. I hate this emotional bullshit. She should be glad she's finally gotten rid of me.
I love the woman to pieces but she's one of the reasons why I'm here. If she was home more often, maybe my dad wouldn't drink so much.
'Do you have to be so harsh on your mother' my dad shouts from the chair at the end of the table.
His voice makes me jump, I didn't realise he was here too. His normally off his face by this time of the day, he clearly gotten clean for a while. It won't last, it never does. I'm pissed! His words gyrate in my heart, I fucking hate him.
'You're a fine one to talk! My whole childhood was spent watching you getting sloshed!' I shout back at him. His face goes red in anger.
'I knew this was a bad idea! You're never going to change!' He sneers angrily. 'I don't see why we even bother with you anymore! You're an ungrateful brat!
I hear the door opening, I turn my head to see John stepping in. His keeping an eye on things, he knows us too well.
I turn back to my dad and scream at him.
'You're a fucking alchy dad! Just because you're sober now doesn't mean it's going to last! It never fucking does! And you call me an ungrateful brat? You're a fucking shit father! You were always down that shitty pub drinking your fucking life away! My dad's face goes bright red.
'How dare you speak to me like that!' He bellows. I shrink back in fear.
John steps forward confidently.
'Leave or I'll make you leave' he orders my dad.
John knows how I was brought up. My dad's always been an aggressive alcoholic. There's been plenty of times his had to come out because my dad had hurt my mum.
Witnessing his actions has always scared me. His never touched me but if he wanted to he could.
John takes my dad out swiftly then comes back. Me and mum are chatting away now, like no time has passed, like my dad was never here. She may be strict and she may not understand me but she's like a friend to me when we actually talk.
We spend until lunch chatting and laughing.
When the lunch bell goes I stand up and hug her before escorting her out with John. She's tearful as she waves goodbye and steps out. The door closing behind her.