Tough Love
"Mr , if I were you I'd hold your tongue. Wouldn't want your parents to raise a son, with the only one outcome - disappointment," the teacher wrote on the chalkboard but it was obvious that she could see in view of her glasses.
The student sat there with no answer but at the same time rebelling against orders, mimicking the teacher without sound.
"Mr ! Anymore of that nonsense I shall send you to the headmaster," she threatened.
He rolled his eyes. Why did my parents send me to this school?
"Miss ?" the teacher turned and slid her glasses lower down her nose, staring at me in a demeaning fashion.
"Yes Miss?" a worried look approached my face as I stood up but the same look would emerge anyone's face if they were being questioned. I don't quite get why, to answer a question, someone would have to stand. It's like an interrogation.
"Explain to me retrograde motion," her eyes were stern.
The whole class turned their heads to my direction. Just what I needed, "It's...erm..."
"Miss I need a decisive answer. A stutter will simply not do," her arms were now crossed.
Gosh that tone can make someone break a sweat, "It's when..."
"Too slow, anyone else care to answer?" the teacher looked around the class.
I sat back down relieved that the patronisation was over, my eyes searched around for the student taking pride in answering a question of which I failed to respond. However my search wasn't far as I knew who would have loved to surpass me, judging by the self-assured facial expression and the proudly raised arm.
"Yes Miss ?" her hand gestured for her to continue.
stood up, "Retrograde motion is motion in the contrary direction." She looked behind and glared at me in pride.
I sighed as the teacher smiled at her, then pushed her glasses back to the top of her nose and gave me a stern look. How I hate that look. Unfortunately I'm stuck in this unpleasant atmosphere, that is until I get my grades and say good riddance to this place.
Now after what seemed a long day I'm back at home. Home sweet home, yeah we'll stick to that. Maybe I should try and persuade my parents into actually believing me that the school is no good. Too bad the reputation dissuades them from my thoughts. It also doesn't help when you have to live up to the expectations initiated by the older siblings.
"Would it be okay for me to go for a walk?" I ask my mother who is sat on the patio reading the Pride and Prejudice.
"Have you completed your prep?" she looks up at me from her book.
"Yes," I answer, I've learnt not to lie about that as she does check!
"20 minutes," she looks at the time.
I turn to exit the door as every minute I waste at the start will count as part of my "20 minutes". It's good to escape rules - temporarily.
"Sorry," a guy apologises as he knocks into my arm.
"Quite alright," I answer.
I can sense that he is stood still, his stares burn the back of me. I turn around and he's still stood in the paralytic position. "Is there a problem?" I raise and eyebrow.
He snaps out of his daydream, "No. No." He's still giving off this awkward ambience.
"Are you sure?" I ask as he's still staring. Have I got sauce on my mouth or something?
"I was just...erm...just thought I recognised you," he answers.
"Oh," I doubt he has. I'm kept imprisoned in my own house.
"I'm sure...?" He wonder examining me.
"Excuse me?" How did he know my name?
" ," He answers.
"Sorry?" Is he psychic or something?
"What the hell happened to your voice?" He asks.
I'm shocked. I don't reply as I don't recall his face.
"Year 7, Afee. ?" He states.
"?" I asked still not remembering.
"Year 7 the live frog?" He tried to speed up my memory.
The live frog? Oh yes that was a terrifying incident in Science before I moved to that horrific school. , however. Wait a minute, I remember his sarcastic voice, he was always one for joke. A good friend, " ."
"Please, hate that name. 'll do the job," He smiled.
Ah yes that smile brings back memories, vivid ones for that matter, "!" We share a hug.
"God, it's been a long time. What happened to you?" He asked.
"My parents forced me to continue my education at Edelen College," I answer with a smile that has disappeared and not approached since the happy old days.
"Why are you talking like that? Wait? Isn't Edelen College that posh school?" He questions.
"Indeed," I answer.
He seems disappointed, "? I though we said we'd die before either of us set foot in that school."
"I know but I had no choice. Father - since his business grew - has gone supercilious," I reply.
raised an eyebrow at the word but continued with the conversation, "Oh."
"So what brings you here?" I ask intrigued.
"We moved here because my family wanted to live closer to my sister's Uni," answered, it's been a long time since I've seen that smile.
"That's nice. Ah, mother's going to kill me. I've got 5 minutes to get back home," I look at my watch in panic.
"Well do you have a number?" asked me.
I told him the digits as he pressed them into his phone. We waved good-bye as I ran straight home.
", you're late," my mother gave the stern look. I can't seem to escape that belittling expression.
"It's a minute before?" I check my watch.
"According to my time it's been 5 minutes. You're late," I could never win with her.
The family and academic life is awful, I can't stand all this protection. Mother leaves the room as my mobile vibrates, she doesn't know I have one but we'll keep that a secret. I casually walk to my room.
: ? *smiles*
: Just checking this is the right number.
: Haha okay.
: Why are you whispering?
: Ahem *imitates the mother's voice* Mobiles are strictly forbidden in this household.
: *Laughs* Haha I get ya.
: I wish I could get away from all this *looks around her bland room*.
: Why don't you come out then?
: Are you mad? I'm lucky enough to walk in our garden.
: Sneak out then.
: My parents would kill me.
: No they'll only kill you if they found out. You've snuck out before, right?
: ...
: Okay then, do you want to be cooped up in your room?
: No.
: Well...
: *Looks towards the entrance of her bedroom door which is opened* Okay. Meet me by the park.
This is going to be fun. Now how on Earth am I meant to sneak out? Oh okay...um...I'll leave the en-suite TV on and lock the bathroom door. Now, how am I meant to get out? Ooo, the trellis.
I'm surprise I've lasted this long. It's almost been four weeks and I've managed to meet up with everyday. Although I might have been caught out once, however I think I managed to trick my way out of it. There was a day when I overlooked time and was away for more than an hour. Mother questioned me, I simply replied I was watching the opera and must have fell asleep. She believed knowing how much I "love" the opera. I'm taken aback when I hear a knock on my window.
"Hey," a tired says.
"What are you doing here?" I whisper.
"Thought I'd change the plan today," he climbed into my room.
"Okay but don't speak too loud."
"Wow! This is your room?" looks around amazed.
"Boring isn't it?" I look around disappointed.
"It's huge," he exaggerates a little.
I'm laughing to myself as how astonished he looks, "There's nothing to do here."
"You're right, do you want to go then?" asks.
"Yeah just let me sort out a few things," I use the usual escape plan.
"Ah so that's how you've been gettin' out?" he seems stunned then covers his ears, "Do you seriously listen to that?"
I laugh maybe a little too loudly, "Yeah but it's against my will." Then I lock the door.
It's almost been 3 months now. I've just about been able to see more often, using the library as my excuse. I've met his parents, they are nice. I feel as if I actually have a life now. is the best. I was caught out by one of our maids though. has sworn not to tell, I'm happy she's here. She's always been so nice, well to me anyway. Gah now I've got school.
"," I heard my name being called.
", what's the with shouting?" I laugh, was always enthused, we're sitting on the bench just chatting.
"So how are things with you and ?" asks.
"'s found out but she's cool. No one knows but you and her," I smile.
"Must be exhilarating?" She looked at me with her usual happy face.
"No, it was scary at first. Y'know how my mum and dad are? Now 's helping me out," I answer.
"Wow, your dialect has changed," explains.
"Really?" I ask in disbelief.
"Definitely, you've lost the posh talk," explains.
"I have haven't I?" I'm listening to my voice and didn't realise the change.
"Are you meeting him today?"
"Yep, when I go to the ?library'. *Looks at watch* Great, I've got Mrs Hall and ," I roll my eyes at the mention of my two nemesis.
"Lucky I don't have her. Good luck," she sympathises with my jokingly.
"Ha, I'll talk to you later," we walk our separate ways.
"Ms ," what does she want now? Giving me that smug look. Okay today is the day I have to show her up. No stuttering, no nothing. I have know this.
"Yes Miss?" I stand up as once again the eyes stare at me.
"Explain to me, velocity modulation," she looks straight at me.
It's gone. I can't think of it now, bad timing, "..."
"Ms , I suggest you study. Anyone else care to explain to Ms velocity modulation?" She looks around the room but straight away I know is going to show me up, "Yes Ms..."
No I can't let this happen again, "Velocity modulation - the increase or decrease of the velocity of electrons in a beam by passing them through a radio-frequency field, especially to gather them into groups." Wow, I didn't see that coming. Today is a new leaf. 1, Nemesis 0.
Mrs Hall looks at me with her mouth wide open, she always loved to embarrass me now I have one over her. 's face is a picture. I smile but try not to seem too cocky, I'm just happy that I've finally given them something to think about. Personally, today's science class went well but Mrs Hall wants to see me. I just can't get away from her, "Mrs Hall? You wanted to see me?"
"Ms , your test score is outstanding," she praises.
"Th..." I'm interrupted.
"You do realise plagiarism is prohibited?" She questions.
"Yeah," she thinks I cheated? This is all I need, "I didn't copy."
"Well you've never had a result quite like this before," she explains.
Woman! Maybe it's because you battered my confidence! I'm not going to say that though, "I've been studying."
She doesn't reply. I can't believe she thinks I've cheated, "Hmm."
"Mrs Hall, do you think I cheated? I really didn't. My friend has been helping me revise," that's true. has helped me a lot. He's brainy but in denial about it.
"Ms ! How dare you insinuate such thought," she seems offended but I don't know why.
"What the hell...I mean..." now I've done it.
"Ms to the heads office now!"
That was a slip of the tongue. First she said I was "discourteous", I admitted I said the word ?hell' but what does she really expect? I was angry. The headmaster was about to let me off with a warning because "this is my first time" - ever, in his office but then she tells him I've been cheating! Have I!?! Needless to say he was shocked and my parents didn't believe me either. Argh I hate all of this. My parents have basically grounded me and I've been put under monitoring. Now the whole day has turned into a misery.
I've locked myself in the bathroom. Maybe I should put a lock on my bedroom door but then again that's a "fire hazard".
The last couple of weeks have been torture my parents have given my numerous lectures which I've heard over and over again. I've had to do bad in my tests otherwise the teachers think I'm cheating but if I do badly then my parents ground me. I just can't win. The only thing that's merely cheered me up is the phone calls from . If he is his usual timely-self I will get a call from him any minute. There I go, the mobile vibration.
: Hey !
: *In a sad tone* Hey.
: Not a great day then?
: When has it ever been?
: Why don't you come out?
: I want to see you but I don't want to be bothered by my so-called family.
: Can I come over then?
: Yeah.
: I'll see you in a bit then.
: Bye.
comes through the window.
" we have to go in the bathroom because my parents are being stupid. I really hate this," tears start to escalade my cheeks.
"Shh...it'll be okay," he locks the bathroom door.
"No it won't. Everybody is making life hell," was great in trying to cheer my up. It was a shame he had to leave though.
It was Saturday morning and I'm glad I don't have college. My phone vibrates. I know who it is but it's 8 in the morning.
: Hey .
: Hey, feeling better?
: Yeah thanks.
: Do you want to...
"!" Mum shouts opening my door.
I quickly hide my phone under my pillow, "Yes mother." I yawn.
"Who are you talking to?" she asks. Does she have to be so nosey.
"I'm thinking of a monologue for English," I reply.
"Nice to know you're working hard but I want better grades," she mutters the last words as her voice becomes distant.
I sink my face in the pillow, then remember is still on the phone, "Sorry ."
: It's alright. Good excuse though.
: Thanks. Anyway what were you going to say?
: Oh right yeah. I wanted to know if you could come out?
: Well, I really shouldn't...
: ...
: But I'm going to.
: *Smiles* Are you sure? I mean your parents...
: I really don't care now. Nothing I do is good enough anyway. Look, don't worry. Meet me at the usual place okay?
: See ya then.
: See you.
"!" I shout as I run towards him with open arms.
"," he calmly says.
"I'm glad to be out of the house. Thank you," I smiled. "? Can I tell you something?"
"Sure."
"I'm planning on...I really can't take this...I mean...home is awful...school is horrible...I can't stand any of it anymore," I say worried.
", are you planning on running away?" asks.
"fe has been awful," I don't really answer his question.
", I know things aren't going the way you want it but you can't runaway. Your parents will worry."
"Yeah right," I answer bluntly.
"They might not show it well but underneath the cold, icy, cruel hearts they do care," sympathised.
His description made me laugh, "I don't believe you but you're right I'm being stupid."
"? Can I ask you something serious now?" looks at me.
"Yep, go for it," I smile.
"Do you see us a more than friends?" He asks.
"Well...yeah," I smiled and I am a little bit embarrassed by admitting it.
"Good...me too," he smiles also.
"The thing is though...my parents. If they find out...let's just say...I'll be the disgrace of the family," I warned him.
"My parents thought we were dating ages ago. They thought I was keeping it a secret but they were happy about it then so they?ll be over the moon now," explained.
"Aw, least one family will," I laughed.
It's been a month since we "agreed" - in a way to date. My parents found out about the mobile and secret meetings so I came clean about everything. I even told them about personal feelings. I didn't mean to make them feel guilty but they said they were sorry for how they went about this things. As for school, I'm just doing my best to prove I can do well without "cheating". Oh and my parents said they only wanted to best for me, it turns out the harsh treatment was to encourage me to do well. Even if it wasn't the best way I can see their point - in a strange way. Oddly enough I love them for that way now. However the one person I most admire for this is , he was right, "They might not show it well but underneath the cold, icy, cruel hearts they do care."