Rogan Thomas's Dreams For The Future

The Walk-in Wardrobe1

You would think I loved my life I was practically a princess I lived in the country, I was actually not a typical teenager but I wouldn’t know if that was good or bad, I hate my life I am 14 years old I live in a huge house in the country with massive grounds my dad owns his own company, I know nothing about it I don’t know why I would whenever he does talk about work its all boring paperwork sort of stuff. My mum on the other hand was an everyday mum which is bad in my case which you shall find out why later in this horrible story. School what am I supposed to say I don’t go to school, no really I don’t I’m home schooled mostly because we live to far away from anywhere for me to go to any sort of school I don’t care mum teaches me so it’s a great advantage, because my mums the greatest thing in my life but I don’t know whether stuff like that lasts for ever. Because I rarely leave the house apart from in are massive garden I have no friends what so ever not a single phone call that we have here in are mansion is for me neither is it for my mum much, my dad has all the phone calls from work he takes the car to work everyday he leaves as early as possible so he can get there its in the city you see I don’t know why we don’t just move so were nearer I would like it more than here in this lonely huge worthless building, well ok I guess its not worthless it cost us thousands but that was when I wasn’t even born dad bought it when he was really big in the world. Anyway back to the present here I was sitting in my bedroom and what a bedroom it was as well a huge plasma TV on the wall sky and everything king sized bed It used to be smaller but I got treated, my own walk-in wardrobe was my pride and joy because I helped build it but also because its my special place that I go to when mum and dad are arguing or I’m sad about something or other. My other most treasured possession was my lovely cat she was a big ball of fluff as far as my mum and dad could see and she was to me to but inside she was a real person to me I mean heck she was my only friend, I do sound a bit sad if the big city sort of girls m age heard me say my cat was my only friend they would drop dead with laughter I would give anything to live in the city with loads of mates and boyfriends and be able to go out with my friends go to a actually school, I guess I could at some point but I don’t know when I’m 14 and I want to be a teacher so I’m going to have to leave school at 18 or 19, I thing my mum inspired me of being a teacher she used to be but when she me dad “once upon a time” and they moved here and had me mum had to teach me instead or 30 to 35 other kids. Have you ever been called a drama queen? I hate acting so why would I get called a drama queen anyway me and mum were watching TV downstairs dad was at a meeting with the lads as he calls them. Well me and mum were watching TV normally dad would be home because its my day to pick what’s on TV saves the arguments, I wanted the ghost whisperer on but mum wanted location location location on very boring very very boring really it could be the middle of the day and your have just had a cappuccino and your dead hyper and all that and then all of a sudden this drop dead boring program comes on and that’s it you will be falling of the arm seat of your sofa its that boring. So we were watching nothing just arguing what was best to watch I had the hugest paddy that who’s been filmed has ever seen for toddlers, I ran upstairs and locked myself in my walk-in wardrobe not thinking that I hadn’t even had my dinner yet so it would probably be tomorrow when I would have something to eat again but then again I could go for one of my nightly rummages through the cupboards! I started to feel guilt come to me after a couple of minutes in my wardrobe there wasn’t really no need to shout at my mum she was going through a hard time. I was just about to go downstairs to say sorry and that we could watch whatever she wanted on TV even if it was that terribly boring program that I don’t even want to mention again well yes I was just about to get up of the heap of clothes when I heard the usual shuffle of my mum coming up the stairs, its not like her to come and apologize I thought. Mum walked straight in my bedroom not bothering to knock when she knows how I am about personal privacy, “ I know your hiding Rogan, I only came to say sorry and to give you some food” sighed mum, she gets really frustrated when I have a paddy and hide in my wardrobe. I heard a little tap on the door of my wardrobe. “Bog of, I’m not hungry” I said well come on I’m not the sort of person to let n to people I’m giving in not that easily anyway. Totally ignoring what I told her she came in anyway with are really nice pink tray with flowers on what was she doing with are best tray for me anyway I thought I wasn’t worth a flash tray worth nearly as much as this house no not really but there was definitely something going on she never used her glasses not even when it’s a special occasion she keeps them in the glass cupboard as if for show or something. “Hey sweetie I brought you something to eat” said mum softly. It wasn’t like her at all, then I noticed what was on this flash tray pizza how I love pizza. Well I couldn’t help giving in then it was a little OTT for mum “Ok what is it what have I done or what do you want” I said sarcastically, “Well there’s actually something I need to tell you well ask you actually” mumbled mum. I knew there was something she doesn’t get those glasses out for nothing or nobody unless an actual reason to, “well whatever it is it will have to hurry because I am yawn really tired as you can very well see” I said putting on a dead fake tired face. “Yes I can see but I have been offered a new job you see in the city its my old friend from school they need a person who is patient and has a good humour, you know friendly like anyway they need someone like me and Laura thought of me straight away and gave me a ring” gushed mum excitedly. Bless she was like a teenager again just been asked to go to the school prom I was sort of proud for her I guess “ that’s great mum but you cant be serious have you told dad you want to take on this job in the city” I said. “Of course I have and he thinks it’s a great I dear I need to go over there tomorrow to see if they will hire me it’s a receptionist you see it’ll be great!” chatted mum. I’m on my own now mums going to be driving to the big city were she knows full well I want to go yet she wont let me come with her I have to stay here with my dad who bores me just as much as that vile program mum loves. While mum was talking on about how she wants to do something with her life I thought this could be it I might meet some real people but no mum says I cant come with her until she has been accepted she says she wants to make a good first impression, charming I must say! Morning? Already cant be I think I might have dozed of in my walk-in wardrobe well it wouldn’t be the first time anyway one other time me and dad were having a game of scrabble and he won must have cheated because he can be so thick at times well he started getting all cocky saying “Well you have to learn of me next time Rogan” and “I always have had skills for thinking of words from the top of my head” well that was all I could take I had grabbed the scrabble board and threw it to the other side of the room, and ran up to my walk-in wardrobe but that was when our family were different dad would play games with me and tuck me up in bed and read m stories but I have also gown up now and so has dad if you think about it. I always hate mornings you always get news at the start of the day “I’m not going to be back till tomorrow afternoon” said mum “Come on Josie cant you drive home in the middle of the night for me and Rogan” He was only saying that so he could go back to work with the lads as he calls them no idea why he is in his 40’s. Well mum was going to be driving back in the night that was ok wasn’t it I don’t know why I’m worrying she’s older than me and has a big more sense of direction and all. I when upstairs to try and remember the dream I had last night it was the same one as ever nearly every night since I was 7 I have dreams of flying ever since I was 7 I have been trying to get round to asking my mum what it could mean I wouldn’t ask dad he would never understand or explain properly if I did ask him I would probably just get a dunno or what sort of question is that never a straight forward answer. it’s the weekend so I haven’t got any lessons but I do have homework I took my mind of my dream and onto my homework mum was very strict and particular about it which was the only thing she was strict about probably because she was a born teacher, I don’t mean she was a baby teacher god she wouldn’t even be able to reach the board for starters. I must get more homework than the average school girl my age surely, I have loads I’ll be in my 50’s by the time I’ve finished. I have so many lessons for instance: English, Maths, Drama, French, German, Science, Humanities so many more I don’t see the point in doing languages like knowing how to say who I am in French when I’m a teacher working in the city. As soon as I can drive and I’m old enough I’m out of here New York will be my destination if I’m not already there I hope to god. There’s only one good thing about me and that’s my looks I have really long thick wavy blonde hair not bragging but its never greasy, my blue eyes must be from my dad because my mum has brown. All this homework its really so very boring I am starting to feel sleepy very sleepy I mustn’t fall asleep I need to get this done. Zzzzzzzzz………..zzzzzz What the! I’m at the top of a huge building I'm be about to jump of into the dark pit of black beneath me it looks so cold and scary my heart skipped a beat, I jumped my hair flying wildly behind me as the cold fresh air hit my face, my limbs felt as if they were being dragged back to the top of the building suddenly! it went black. The dream wasn’t over it was only just beginning this time I was at the top of a huge inflatable slide looking down there was people watching me shouting up I couldn’t hear what they were saying I was far above the clouds birds actually below me then when I thought I would never jump lightning struck the sky ahead and the scene changed it was a rainy motorway cars zooming down window wipers moving ninety to a dozen the rain hitting the floor with an almighty noise it was deafening. All of a sudden to cars going opposite ways collided with each other one went of the round all together but the other one swung all over the place as if it was a penny twirling on the floor the car stopped a good way ahead inside was no stranger no unknown person whatsoever not even a villain it was my mum sitting still; blood so red it matched the red dress she was wearing dripping down her face like tears of a waterfall of wine. Then I woke up. “Mum don’t go to New York please something bad will happen” I shouted as I ran down the stairs I couldn’t believe what I had just dreamt of I couldn’t risk her going and that happening its not like it would be a coincidence if it did though. I reached my dad and told him all about my dream I didn’t care what he said about it I knew he would never understand what ever I told him. “your mums already gone Rogan so I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do I would rather have her here to look after you. I knew why he had said that so he could go back to his stupid workplace well I’m going to sort this out I am not going to let my mum die its time Mrs Rogan Lee Thomas took things into her own hands. I didn’t bother saying anything else to dad not only because there wasn’t anything I wanted to say to him but also because he wasn’t worth it. I rushed upstairs two stairs at a time I wasn’t going to let him boss me around again I grabbed my suitcase that I’ve never used because we never go on holiday dad doesn’t like to fork out for anything like that, I grabbed all of my clothes hopefully I wasn’t coming back again after shoving in my pens and some blankets I was going to be travelling a long way after all maybe a tent would be more sufficient or am I exaggerating it a bit. I noticed my cat but how could I take her it would be more trouble but how can I leave her behind I might never see her again, no I have to take her dad wouldn’t remember to look after her I will be gone for ages so she wont survive. “Come on Tina were going on a trip to save mum” I whispered to her, Meow is actually all she said but I bet it would have been I’m with you all the way if she knew what I meant. I crept downstairs trying to miss all those creaky steps that give away your p to something the hallway was really light from the huge windows we have on the ceiling there really pointless mind you. I peeked round the corner of the stairs and couldn’t see no one the door was right ahead but were was dad if he knew what I was up to he would stop me right away. Suddenly I heard a huge smash from somewhere down the hall “oh this is all I naughty word need now isn’t it” bellowed dad it was from the kitchen so he must have dropped a bowel or something. So if dad was in the kitchen I could get to the door easily without being seen, I crept towards the door and pulled it open and ran as far as I could towards the path outside. When I had finally got there it actually sunk in on what I was doing it wasn’t some silly game a child does when there’s been an argument this was real and I felt a mixture of sadness but determination I really had to stop mum from colliding with that car somehow or another.2

The Journey3

While I was starting to walk down the path towards the country dad was fussing over a broken bowel. I started to walk down the path towards my new adventure I’m sure now you understand why I brought the duvet and stuff because it might be weeks till I get to the city I remember going to the one trip to grandma’s just in are car it took us all day and night, I’m so hungry…. Oh no I just thought I didn’t bring no food I cant go back dad will know for sure I’m going off somewhere, ill have to see if there’s any people passing by f0r help. As I looked ahead there was nothing but vast green fields and tree’s ahead of me I guess there was some good points in this area. The best thing I can do is just follow the path it has to take me somewhere at one point or another, as I was walking I noticed several things one of them was there was a heck of a lot of sheep and other animals but overall this place was beautiful I knew there was a lake with a small waterfall at the back of the Evergreen field but I never knew how nice it was because I rarely left the house. Maybe I would miss this place you wont get huge field the smell of freshly cut grass in the city you might get shops and a lot of traffic it would be a change and its not like this place will be gone for ever. A couple of hours of walking I started to feel a rumbling sensation in the pit of my stomach a mixture of excitement and hunger most likely it wasn’t like I could stop and ask someone for money or food mainly because there wasn’t anyone there was a farmer far in front of are home but he’s a horrible selfish man I remember when I was little me and mum were going for a walk and I seen the horses in the field and wanted to have a ride but the farmer was there with his wife and he gave us a right mouthful because we were on his land. There might be a small shop somewhere I definitely had some money because I always did have money I have pocket money just never spend it because there’s no where to go to spend it on. My luck was starting to change the odd cars were passing by only cars trailing caravans though and tractors I tried stopping some but they were going to fast to do anything. The path wasn’t as if it went anywhere well it did obviously but it didn’t feel like it at all the path just went straight in a line. I would know if any shops or houses were coming up because you can see for miles and to be honest all I could see where tree’s in the distance. I couldn’t believe I was doing this normally on a day like this I would be doing homework its actually good to got out a bit ad have an adventure even if its dangerous. It was starting to get quite late it must be about 7:00 already I left early morning its gone so slow surely there will be a shop nearby more and more cars were passing by and they got even more modern as time went by I had already passed a petrol station but it was closed and looked as if it had been for the passed year. By the time it was about 8:30 a low square building was to be seen in the distance it didn’t look like anything but a toy building for children but as I got closer it came into view it was like a corner shop but it wasn’t exactly on the corner It really was a shop and there was someone inside and one other customer I went I straight away I really couldn’t believe it after all this time I have found a shop. I had quite a lot of money on me so I bought: A magazine, galaxy chocolate bar, fanta and a magnum because it was really hot. “Could you tell me how far it is o New York, please” I asked the shop worker. “About three miles from here miss, you look very young shouldn’t you be at home instead of in the countryside there’s no shelter in miles” said the shop worker who’s name was Bill according to the name tag. I gave him a nod and walked out I didn’t want any one to catch on I had ran away from home I seriously would be one for then. I decided I would go rest somewhere it was really cold but I had my duvet and pillow and I had remembered to bring a torch so I would be fine. At about 10 it was really dark and you could no longer see for miles I opened my bag and Tina jumped out like she had been shot I had forgot she had jumped in my bag before we left it’s a good job she didn’t suffocate in there else I rally would be lonely. “You have to stay here with me Tina were going sleep now then in the morning we can carry on with the journey” I said trying to comfort her. I dozed of in no time and I had a dream straight away me and Tina were walking side by side near a railway and somehow Tina was sucked underneath the train I couldn’t breath all the air was being sucked out of me it felt as though the rain was going over my throat then I woke up. I couldn’t believe it that dream couldn’t come true because there wasn’t a train line anywhere near here there wasn’t even a hotel let alone a train line if there was I think I would have took the train by now I get fed up with walking especially when you only have a cat to talk to and the reply you get is meow every time, I shall be lad to make some really friends when I get to New York not only am I going there to save my mum from a terrible death that I am not a hundred percent sure will happen but to make a fresh start in my life and have a good life. I had already eaten all the food I bought yesterday and there’s no time to go back now its about half a mile back and I need that time to keep travelling. Along the way I seen another sign saying New York in two and a half miles that’s great I said to Tina we’ll be there in no time I bet you. It was starting to get a bit colder and more cars were starting to drive by there’s no point in trying to stop them now we’re nearly there. I was trying to forget about the dream I had it wasn’t worth worrying over I doubt very highly that we will be near a railway around here anyway. There was less tree’s now and tall buildings were starting to show up out of the fog it was really foggy and cold and because I had no coat I had to wrap the duvet around me. I knew what the hotel was called my mum would be staying at it was just a matter of finding it I didn’t know how big New York would be when I got there. As I got nearer I seen all sorts of things cars buildings teenagers mums all the sort of things you never saw at home. Firstly I didn’t want to rush into things the best thing I could do right now was to try and find the hotel mum was staying at if it meant more walking then so be it. I tried to look for someone who might know were it would be then I seen a women that looked like an office woman she looked really important “Excuse me could you tell me where the errm Lakewells Hotel is its really important that I get there” I asked her. “Yes its on the other side of town you will see it straight away because Lakewells is a huge blue oval shape really posh place it is, haven’t I seen you some place you look familiar” she said not bothering to answer her, I ran down the nearest street and just ran and ran until I came to a post office but it wasn’t the post office that startled me it was what was on the window of the post office it was a picture of me at the beach are first holiday I was only ten I remember that picture me mum and dad had gone Ibiza on are first holiday what was our picture doing on the window of a post office I wonder. Then I noticed in big capitals MISSING on top of the picture now I know what were that women had seen me dad must be here or he has rang the police and told them I am missing. Oh no I didn’t want it to come to this surely he would know I would go after mum after all he knows how much I worry about things. Without giving it a second thought I carried on looking for the hotel if I told mum what was going on she could help me get back to dad. Then I seen it a huge blue oval in the distance waiting for nothing I ran up to it and looked into the huge windows there was a clock in there but no it couldn’t be right. Mum had already left I am to late. There wasn’t anything I could do mum was gone and I was to late I should never have thought of myself first and gone to that shop I could have saved so much time. I felt so frustrated and annoyed that I couldn’t do anything I couldn’t get a hold of my mum in anyway she has no phone on her or anything. I walked into the reception area and asked the woman at the desk were Josie Lee Thomas was, “Sorry she left about half an hour ago I’m afraid do you want me to pass on a message for when she comes back” said the receptionist Jordan. “But she might never come back” I gushed Jordan didn’t reply so I walked out and went back down Timothy street were mum would have drove down half an hour ago. There was no point in going after her maybe she wouldn’t crash them roads aren’t busy but…. Hang on there was loads of cars near here maybe she’s not that far away. I’ll be able to rescue her after all I thought not even glancing back I ran towards the motorway which wasn’t that far away there was still a chance of mum surviving if the crash was going to happen. When I got to the motorway there was loads of cars going all different ways it must be much busier in the day then I thought, how could I be so thick.4


The rescue5

When I had said at the hotel I was to late I was right I was to late my mum had already crashed by the time I had got there, its strange how I knew it would happen it could have been a one time sort of thing. It had only just happened when I got there the other car was falling off the side as I ran up to my mums tipped over BMW people were starting to gather round I asked a man if I could borrow his mobile. With no hesitation I called for an ambulance, some people started pointing at me probably because I have been reported missing. Surprisingly I have only been gone for a day and half yet quite a lot of people know about it. I tried to see f mum had a pulse my own heart was beating to fast to tell if it was mine or mums, the ambulance came in literally thirty seconds I was aloud in the ambulance with mum once I said I was her daughter. They started asking if I were ok probably thinking I had been in the car accident. The trip to the hospital was ages but it was a blur it felt as though I were dreaming again. “Its ok dear your mum should be fine but I must say she could have been dead if she was left longer” the woman said. At least she will be ok then but it doesn’t make me feel any better dad will go mad at me for running away. We got to the hospital and by that time mum had woken up and was insisting she was fine to be honest she looked fine apart from her cuts and the bruises that were starting to show up. I had always hated hospitals that day dad had to have his tonsils removed from tonsillitis, hospitals always smell really clean but in a horrible way its understandable for hospitals to be clean though so. After mum was checked over I asked her if we had to go home and yes we did have to go and see dad tell him I was fine but then we could come back here on the contrary that I didn’t run away again fair deal. We didn’t have to walk home obviously we got a lift of mums friend Judy who works in the reception. “Oh yeah mum did you get that job” I asked her. “Of course I did that’s the reason why were moving here I will be so much easier for me and your dad as he works here to” she answered. Then I though of something that made me think “So I’ll have to go school right” I said. “Well yes I wont have time to teach you and go to work same for your dad not that he would be able to h hasn’t got the right qualifications for starters” Laughed mum. I was so happy for once in my life I would be able to go school and make friends. “Its so cold in here” shivered mum. I looked through my bag for the duvet I brought then I realised something, Tina was gone! “Mum, mum we have to o back Tina’s gone I brought her with me I know bad idea because I thought we wouldn’t be going back but she must have got out and ran off when we were asleep last night” I gushed. “I’m sorry we cant go back we’re nearly half way there already don’t worry if we don’t find her on the way back then we shall get a new cat” said mum. I knew it wasn’t the end of the world for her she never did bother with Tina but I loved her she was my only friend and still would have been even once I’ve made friends at the new school I’ll go to Tina was probably long gone now. When we walked in home dad wasn’t there, “Must be at work” sighed mum. I hated him for doing this to her and me when we needed him most he had to be at work. “Lets just go without him mum leave a note we need to sort our own lives out” I told her. Mum agreed and she left a note saying: To Bernard, were sorry but we’re going to New York to start our lives you are certainly welcome to come and find us but we don’t have any time waiting for you to com home from work, Especially at a time like this. Rogan is fine no thanks to you, you were supposed to be looking after her. Don’t think for a second that your not welcome to be apart of Rogan’s life anymore she still loves you but you shouldn’t have let her go gallivanting of anything could have happened to her. I’m fine after the car accident thank goodness. I had read the letter when mum was packing I was surprised how much she had stood up for herself with it I think she was mad that dad was careless and didn’t realise I had gone, but I know she loves him and nothing will get in the way of that not even me and I guess I am happy for her even if it does mean endless talk of Location, location, Location and paperwork when we move it really is worth it. Getting back to New York was easy we borrowed dads van well hey we needed a way of getting there so be it. We put all our stuff in the back of the van and got in to start the journey I fell asleep straight away after a day like that I’m not surprised. When I woke up mum was looking really sleepy and depressed I thought it was because she was bored she normally pulls that face when she’s bored but when I asked her she said something really extraordinary “Your dads dead” mum cried. I couldn’t believe it mum was meant to be the one that was dead it didn’t make sense. “When he was diving home in his car a lorry rammed him off the road I just got a phone call apparently the paramedics were to late and they found my number in his address book” said mum. She was crying so much it was hard to tell what she was saying. I broke down I wasn’t close with my dad but he was still my ad and we used to be really great when I was younger I couldn’t believe it I didn’t want to it was to much to take in knowing the fact that you wouldn’t hear his voice rambling on about paperwork is so hard and the lasagne he used to make was class you couldn’t beat my dads lasagne. We stopped outside the hotel mum works at we get a discount so we are staying here for a while till we get a new home. “I cant believe my gorgeous Bernard has gone we were childhood sweethearts, I cant bear life without him” said mum. I sort of knew what she meant it was hard to believe I was absolutely certain that night he would turn up at the hotel but he never did. The next day we woke up and remembered what had happened the previous day me and mum said nothing to each other but got ready to go own for breakfast. “There’s no point in talking about it Rogan its happened and there’s nothing we o anyone else can do to change that now” mumbled mum. I knew she was right but I disagreed with her I thought it would help to talk about dad it’s an insult to his memory if we pretend it didn’t exist and his death never happened but in another way she was right it to upsetting but you can still think about him so as not to forget him. The breakfast cheered us up but no where near enough to forget about it we had: Egg, bacon, beans, bread, cereals and croissants it was an amazingly big breakfast. I thought we could try and find a new home today, it would be better to forget about these twisted dreams your having a lot” said mum after breakfast. I basically ignored what she had said because I knew she was only saying it because she felt it was my fault in a way because I had a dream she was going to die but it turned out to be dad so I got it wrong a bit. What mum had said this morning got me thinking maybe I can tell the future maybe I need a bit of practise to get it right though I could be a big success when I’m older telling people what might happen to them in their life. Mum had booked the hotel room for a week long enough to get us sorted it was hard because it was just the two of us. “We need a checklist” I told mum I thought it would help us get through with everything so here it is: Paper round for Rogan, another job for mum, flat to start us of and new school. I thought it was quite good a new life is a great start to a perfect relationship I told mum well that was only because I seen a real fit boy in are hotel. Although of dad dying I had excitement still in me we were at last starting a new life even though dads not part of it doesn’t mean it wont be great. While mum was talking to someone about a another job for on the side I popped over to the local newsagents called Martins to see if I could do a paper round while I was in there I seen a gang of girls around my age looking dead sophisticated I walked up to them hoping we could be friends. “Hi my names Rogan I’m new around here” I announced. “That’s great pipsqueak but we don’t want to be seen talking to you” said the prettiest one. “I am awfully sorry I didn’t know it was against the law” I said cockily. “When someone as small and pathetic as you it is yeah” said the one with the short bob. Then I heard the ding of the door and in walked the fit boy that is staying at our hotel he walked up to us and I couldn’t believe it was him till he stated speaking. “Hey Louise, Grace, Tyler, Brook and Mel and I don’t know who you re but I do know your staying at Lakewells Hotel. I nodded not wanting to talk in case he thought my voice was sad and pathetic like most people do. I had to say something though “Where’s the nearest school” I said. “Portland street twigglet” said the short haired one who was called Tyler. I said bye then went to talk to shop assistant about my paper round.6

School, Jobs and a new home7

After the trouble I had with the girls in the shop I left straight after putting my name down for the newspaper round. Now I had my own job sort of thing I would be earning twelve pounds a week I’ll be doing it afternoon everyday apart from Sundays, I still didn’t know if mum had got another job. We just needed a home and a school I had asked mum if she wanted to go back home but she said there’s to many memories there of dad and we needed a fresh start to why not do it in the city. I am glad with all the plans I told mum when she had asked me what was up its just going to be a bit of a struggle isn’t it. I got in a school almost straight away I got talking to a girl on the way back to the hotel from the newsagents. She looked familiar for some reason I couldn’t have known her because I’ve never had any friends apart from my cat Tina who’s whereabouts I have no idea, could be from a dream then. Well we got talking and she happened to be the same age as me and she happened to go to the school exactly were the short haired girl at the newsagents told me. I’m not sure how we got talking we just did and we have been through almost the same, she has lost her dad in an accident but not a car accident nope a Plan accident he was flying for the RAF when it happened. Her name was Tina just like my cat I was totally gob smacked both my friends names were Tina I mean I’m not applying that we are friends but hopefully we shall be. Anyway I asked her all about this school she went to and when I told her I had never been to a school that I was home schooled she wanted to know all about that. I had told her about me and she told me about her apparently her mum is struggling a lot because there’s Tina and Tina’s siblings Louie, Marie and Craig all of which were younger than her. My mums lucky she only has me I’ve never asked mum if she would have any more kids I guessed she had never thought about it either dad wouldn’t have wanted any more bi know that. So me and Tina had a long chat because she lives round the corner to the hotel were staying at and she said she will ask the headmaster if I could come to the school, which is called Kipfern high school. I told my mum all about it when I got back she agreed on me going I was so happy then I remembered mums job interview. “Oh mum how did it go with the job interview” I asked her. “Oh fine if you wanted a sleaze for a boss, he couldn’t keep his eyes of my legs I shouldn’t have worn a skirt I just wanted to look more professional so I told him I would think about it but I have and I’m not doing the ob there will be plenty of other jobs around here for me it’s the city for god sake and it’s not my sort of thing filing paper work I’m more fun than that” she said. It was great to hear mum so keen on getting a good job and having fun then. I told mum about the paper round times I was glad it wasn’t a morning one I would never be able to get up early enough I’m used to my lie ins but not any more when I go school all worth it though. The next day I got up at about half ten I didn’t mean to I quickly got ready and told mum were I was going. I was of to the school to see if I could get in, I was so eager to start school. I knew were it was so I didn’t have to worry about asking for direction’s or getting lost when I found the beautiful building that was obviously new you could tell I didn’t hesitate for a second and went in. I asked someone were the head teachers office was and it was only down the hall. When I got there I tapped on the door I was s nervous I didn’t know if a head teacher was strict or nice or anything. I entered and it turned out Tina who I had met yesterday was there. “Talking of the devil, this is Rogan Mrs Hertfordshire she would like to start here” explained Tina. “OK Tina thank you for letting me know ill see to it at once you may go back to your form now” growled Mrs Hertfordshire she seemed to be a bit lion-ish the way she talked and the wavy hair that surrounded her head like a mane. “Hello Mrs Hertfordshire I have heard about your school from some people and would love to come here” I said she looked and seemed to nice not to say anything the growling in her voice might put some people of but it soothed me. “That’s great we do have some places left you can go to Tina’s form seems as so you know her, starting tomorrow come early tomorrow morning with you mum an we shall go over the details. “That’s great ill see you tomorrow bright and early Mrs Hertfordshire” I really couldn’t hide my excitement.
I told mum the good news as soon as I got back I had only been gone half an hour or so, I still had time to look around the hotel most of the kids would be at school I heard even though kids go to the school some of them have to live in hotels for a small amount of time. “So mum when are you going out on a roam for another job then” I asked. “I don’t know Rogan I think I might just stick with the reception one for a while its not bad pay I’m just worried about staying here all the time and not having a place to actually live” She grumbled. I said I was going for a look around and took of this hotel was massive there was loads I could do. I knew there was a swimming pool gym and the bit were you eat but there were loads of other places in this hotel I hear people talking about what they will do with there day at breakfast. We were on floor four and I knew the boy I fancied were only a couple of floors under us. I decided to take the elevator I was quite lazy and couldn’t be bothered to walk don the stairs, first I checked out the entertainment area it was huge a massive stage were the performers did what they did. I had a look at the entertainment board for this week we had dancers, puppet shows, sword swallowing and all sorts of events ill make sure my mum knows she could do with a laugh. Apart from the stage there were loads of comfy looking chairs round it and small glass tables for drinks at the back was a bar that wasn’t open in the day. I Went down some stairs and there was the game area were you played pool and there were machines to win stuff. At the back was a soft play area that was like a wacky ware house but bigger there was a sign saying four to ten years only that was a bummer. I went outside it was quite a nice day outside was a huge castle looking area made out of wood it was huge was turrets and stuff great for a chat with mates and doing homework there was also a sign on the gate saying ten plus that was definitely a plus for me I needed a place to go when I was bored. Outside was the swimming pool I had only ever been in a little paddling pool so I couldn’t swim if I had time I would take swimming lessons. I realised how much was missing from my life back in the country friends, basic things as being able to swim and I never had time to learn to ride a bike at least now I could do all those things. I still think about how dad would have liked it here at this hotel he needed to get out of work a bit have fun and just get away from the stress of work. I felt tears prickle my eyes and my nose go funny when I’m about to cry I took my mind of that and onto something else. Near to the swimming pool was a beautiful dolphin statue it was so beautiful because it was made out of some stone and the light was reflecting of it and you could see all the pretty colours pinks blues greens and yellows it was the sort of thing you would definitely take a picture of while on a holiday and look back at it in a couple of years and say that was the gorgeous statue near the swimming pool of the Lakewells Hotel. I went back inside and into the reception area my mum wasn’t there so I gathered she wasn’t going to work today. I still had some money on me so I thought I could go back to the newsagents martins. When you met someone particularly unpleasant you would rather not see them again when I met that gang of girls in martins the other day they were horrible to me for no reason but I met them again on the way there didn’t I. “Hey look its that ugly one that barges into places were she isn’t welcome” shouted Tyler. “Yeah she needs to go back to were she belongs the middle of nowhere countryside, what were you a farmer Rogan” laughed Mel. I ignored them as best as I could but I couldn’t ignore the last remark I only told Tina about my last home why would she tell them I couldn’t help myself I walked up to the smug girls and asked them upright how they knew. “Well it doesn’t exactly concern you but as your so eager to find out, your pathetic midget of a friend has been showing of all day because she has finally made a friend couldn’t hep her self telling everyone all about you and how you were moving to our school” said Louise. I understood alright I was glad that Tina considered me s a friend and wanted to tell people about me but I wish she wouldn’t. “Well why aren’t you in school then bunking of I suppose” I said trying hard to sound as cool as I could. “Yeah, why would we want to go to a school like that we have better things to do” said Grace. I literally thought they were mad why on earth wouldn’t you want to go school I know this place was great and everything but why, I would much rather go to school. I couldn’t wait to tomorrow morning, especially to see Tina at last I actually had a friend even if she was a bit of a blabber mouth. The next morning i got ready that quick i thought i was still asleep for some weird reason i knew nothing about school what you had to wear where you went, im sure someone wold tell me if not i would definatley figure it out soon enough. With all the excitment about going to school i remembered dad and the confusion i felt and i felt so much right now sadness scared but i was so excited it covered most of it. Anyway i had the future ahead of me sulking and getting depressed isnt going to solve anything. I just couldnt quite get over the fact i was going to school i had never ever in my life been to a proper school not even set foot in one i wonder what it will be like. I walked there on my own mum was still in bed suprise suprise she always had lie-ins i dont blame her she always had to get up at the crack of dawn in the morning to serve dad, i loved my dad so much though even though he was a bit horrible to mum sometimes. I skipped breakfast i didnt want to waste time i wanted to get there as early as possible so i could make some friends for once in my life i ha somthing to look forward to and i wasnt going to let anything get in my way. As i walked towards reception i seen the georgeous boy that was staying at the hotel he smiled at me then walked out of reception at least he liked me after yesterday i was suprised. "Rogan, could you ask your mum for us when she will be back at work" asked Julie the receptionist. "Sure once i've come back from my new school" i answered. I rushed out i wanted to walk with the fit boy i couldnt for the life of me remember what he was called. I couldnt see him down the street hopfully mum was going to find us a flat or something to stay in until we got the money from dads will we hadnt exactly talked about it so there was no way i was going to mention it. I arrived at my new school knowing were it was because Tina and one of the other girls of the gang told me. The school was huge and had loads of turrets it looks like a princess castle of some sort nothing like a school i imagined would look like. I could see Tina straight away even though i hadnt known her long it felt as though i had. She was a great friend she took me straight to the year head office for year 9 the teachers were lovely i hadnt imagined them horrible but definatley not as nice and welcoming as they were. I was put in the same form as Tina because there were plenty of places in that form. I whent to meet my form tutor she was lovely as well her name was Mrs Marie she was really kind and said if i needed any help with anything i should go straight to her and that there was a couple of strict rules to be taken into hand. I understood most of it and it was a good half hour till registration started. All the people that were early birds and liked to come to school extra early were outside in the playground but it was much to cold today so Tina just showed me around. The school was massive the library which i would be using alot was only down the hall from our form so that wa easier. When we got to the top floor we came to history which was in a turret which was very strange it was a big room which was in an odd shape it had a lovely feeling in there though a warm and welcoming sensation. I was sure i would like it at this school.8

The gourgeous Boy9

It was getting towards lunch and so far i had two of these yellow things for a record thing that i didnt understand about and i had been told to sit down god knows how many times. I never knew they were so pricise about things i mean why carnt i go toilet when i want to and why do i have to ask when going somewhere like the library for help on the work, i'm old enough to go places on my own. I didnt understand any of it hopfully lunch and the lessons after that will be better. The lessons i had first were Geography then break me and Tina just sat on the benches near the bushes shaped like a horse, after break i had two other lessons french and maths. I enjoyed maths its ok but french is totally unnessacary why do you need to know how to say stuff in french when your older, i mean if you acctually want to live in france then yeah its great to learn but me and mum will stay here for the rest o our lives as far as i know so theres no way i need to know how to say what my name is in french. So lunch came and it was ok it was what they call fast food day very cool therewas chips pizza burgers and hotdogs because i didnt know you had to pay for your food Tina gave me some money very kind of her. After the really great lunch me and TIna headed for the library. "Will there be chips and pizza tomorrow" i asked Tina. It was my first Fast food dad never let me eat much food that was bad for me. "No it will be shepards pie or toad in the hole tomorrow" answered Tina. Oh great very exciting i thought. The library was huge comfy chairs were evrywere in the library in between bookcase isles and bean bags in corners there was one desk in the middle of the room a women with a hooked nose and glasses sat behind it she was fairly old and didnt look that nice. "She is really horrible, you definatley dont want to get on the wrong side of her" whispered Tina. "Why what does she do thats so horible" i whispered back. "Well shes just rally nosy and when its break and dinner she pokes her head out of the window and shouts down at us and shes really ignorant and threatens to hit us with a cane" said Tina. "Thats horrible whats a cane" i asked. "Youre telling me you dont know what a cane is, its a long stik thats sometimes made out of bamboo it has a hand on it and in olden days teachers would get out their cane and hit you with it eithe on the palm of your hand or even worse on your bottom" said Tina. "Thats absurd, they dont still do it do they" i asked. "Of course not if they did it now they would get the sack and be put in jail" answered Tina. I wasnt half glad about that the way i was going today i would have gone home with a a right sore bum. Me and Tina sat in the library reading different books we got the odd glare from the women at the desk, Tina had told me she was the librarien that looks after the library and the books in it, and that her name was Mrs Diagon. I was glad Mrs Diagon wasnt a teacher but i also knew that not all the teachers at this school would be nice which i was sure i would find out for definate. The library was nearly empty and quiet there was one boy on his own in a corner who was in isolation and a two younger girls at the other end of the library. Just then the fit boy walked in the one i couldnt remember who's name was. He was walking over and i could feel myself burning up i knew i must be blushing. The fit boy came and sat next to us and i was blushing so bad i dare'nt look at him. "Hey i thought i would come in and tell you that im bored and alone at the minute" said the fit boy. I thought that was a bit weird i mean when i was looking out the window earlier every single boy i seen was playing football so why wasnt he. "Then go and play football" i said without thinking. "I was but then i looked through a window you see and changed my mind and came in" he said i noticed he was blushing a bit to. Why would he be blushing he seemed so sure of himself and well... i dunno. Tina was being suprisingly quiet she looked as though she was going to burst, i dont know why because i havnt known her long but i sensed she knew something didnt and wanted to shout it out. "Well i better be going nice seeing you again Rogan maybe we could meet up at the hotel we are both staying at" said the fit boy. I couldnt quite beleive it was him saying it and looked round a bit to see if someone elsewas talking but it wasnt. "Oh yeah ok that would be great" i mumbled. "Good see you later" aswered the fit boy. I couldnt hold it in any longer the idea had gotten to my head and i didnt want to waste the time, while he was here i may as well. "Is it a date" i gushed. Tina sighed probally with relief it looked as though she had been holding her breath the entire time if not that then it was somthing i dare'nt even mention. She looked glad as for some reason. "Yeah a date thats what i meant im glad you know or you might get the wrong idea at were i will be taking you" gushed the fit boy. He was going bright red i honestly didnt know what was happening. By the time i had gone over in my mind whathe had said he was gone and i hadnt even got the name. "Oh thank god for that, he has been going on about it for the last three school days" said Tina. "What do you mean" i asked. "Well he has been telling everyone about a girl he see at the hotel he is staying at for a while and aout how he really wants to go out with her and i knew straight away it was you, he has been telling everyone i think hes really embaressed about it now because you have come here and i think a thew people have found out its you" Tina said. I suddenly understood why he had been so nice at the newsagents Martins, because all this time the first time i had seen him he had wanted to go out with me its amazing allready i have a boyfriend and i didnt even have to do anything. "Oh yeah whats his name" i asked Tina. "Jake, everyone wants to go out with him you are so lucky" Tina said. Jake definaley hadnt been the name he had given me in the newsagents ill ask him about it tonight if i can. I can be so shy sometimes i have to wear something nice if its a date. Dinner passed and so had the last two lessons i couldnt even remember what they were the only word i was thinking about for the past two hours was Jake i had written it all over my rough book with hearts and everything i was so happy for once in my life. I got a note from Jake after school i found it in my desk i had to go back for my books.10

To Rogan,11

Its great that were going out im so glad i have talked to you now its like a whole load of my back. I will meet you at reception at half six tonight im on floor two so if you cant make it somehow then just come and knock on the door or ring our room number on the phones. I really hope you can make it. Love the Rough book!12

Love Jake x13

Oh no oh yes, oh god he had seen my rough book i had left it in my desk how stupid could i have been i feel so foolish im just glad he doesnt mind. I'm so glad were going out i never thought it would come to this. I skipped all the way to the hotel on my own. Thinking of what lies ahead i couldnt help but smile.14

First date.. first kiss15

It was quite weird how some boys act, i mean if i ancied someone i wouldnt stop playing football to come and see them and then pretend you wre looking through the window and seen them its just weird and gives it away that you like them. Anyway when i got back mum was working at reception obviously Julie had paid a visit and convinced mum that crying in her room wont solve lifes problems i'm just glad i got on with life. I told mum everything that had happened and she listened quite well acctually. "Well thats great hunny, as long as your back up to our room at ten then i dont mind" said mum. She was in an unnusual good mood maybe she had gotten another job in the hotel just a small one though because she wasnt a full time receptionist she could have other jobs too. I went up to our room and starting chucking all the clothes out of y wardrobe i locked my bedroom door so mums room and mine were seperated just in case she did come in because i was going to be a long time thats for sure. I had plenty of cloths no doubt aout that its just there all horrible Jake will take one look at me and change his mind straight away. Nah that wouldnt happen i dont know why i thought of it acctually obviously he likes me above other girls else why would he ask me out. I decided on a pair of white shorts and a pink top this was hours later. The room was a mess and soon to come it would be an even bigger mess with all the makeup that will be everywhere. I decided to go easy on makeup i didnt want him to think i was tryng to hard. There was a fairly big mirror in my room so i got comfy on the stool and starting exprimenting. In the end after about an hour or so i had blusher on black mascara kohl eyeliner and clear lipgloss that didnt look to much like a freak did it now. it was nearly six now so i decided to go down to recepton and chat to mum while i wait i had twenty minutes so at least i wont be late. Weird thng was when i got down there Jake was already there he looked as though he was going for a kick about in the park not for a date he was wearing a manchester united t-shirt denim baggy jeans and his hair was gelled all messily which looked sort of cool. "Your early" i said casuely. "So would you have been if i hadnt been here" he said. He had a point there. "Well first we can go for dinner then i'll show you this special place of mine" said Jake. He seemed to have it all planned out which was cute, But i never knew we were going for dinner i hope i wasnt going to be any later than ten. We went into the resturante area and got a table for two it was really nice in there and people were kind although they gave us a bit of a suprised look because we were both fourteen year olds alone going for dinner. I did feel a bit weird because i gathered most boys would want to go outside and mess about or something. I didnt take to long getting my food because i didnt want to look a loner sitting at the table for two on my own i was quite self consience you see. Once i had my food i went to the table we were sitting at Jake was allready there. I tried to hurry up eating becausethe suspenc was starting to become unbearable we both finished at thesame time and walked around the grounds of the hotel hardly anybody was out there it was all lit up and looked really great but it made me want to do something or say something at the least.