Trouble

I don't want to go

Maisie was lying in bed and feeling incredibly sick. Today was the day that her managed move started.

Keira went to wake her up and it took a lot of convincing for her to get out of bed.

"Please I don't want to go," she begged.

"I know you don't but you have to," Keira said.

She eventually got up and it took a lot to convince her to eat breakfast.

"I feel sick. I don't want to eat it," she said.

"I know you don't but you need to otherwise you'll be grumpy when you get there."

Eventually she had a few bites and then got into her uniform.

She was clearly nervous and Lucy and Keira did a lot to encourage her.

"Right mush you're going to smash it," Lucy said, giving her a hug before she went.

With that they waved goodbye and set off. It was a bit of a drive and that only built Maisie's nerves.

"What if they're all horrible?" Maisie asked.

"They won't all be horrible."

"What if I get in trouble?"

"You won't get in trouble."

"I might."

"Well do you promise to try your best to stay out of trouble?"

"Yes."

"Then there's nothing more you can do."

They pulled up outside and Maisie began sizing up the place. It was similar to her school except maybe a tiny bit fancier.

"Right you're still in trouble but you can have your phone whilst you're there. If you really, really need to get in contact with me and Lucy you can but that's all you can use it for. I better not hear that you've been using it in class or something like that, okay?"

"Okay."

Keira parked and then they headed into reception to meet with the head of year 10. She was a tall woman with a blonde bob and she looked like someone you wouldn't mess with.

"Hello, you must be Maisie?" she said, reaching out her hand.

Maisie shook it.

"Yeah. Hi."

She went on and explained how the week would work and Maisie tried her hardest to focus and listen on what she was saying. It was hard as her brain was overwhelmed and buzzing but she did a good impression of looking like she was listening so that was the main thing.

It was then time to say goodbye to Keira and now Maisie felt completely terrified. She didn't know anyone and it was now completely up to her to make a good impression.

"So I hear that you're a good footballer?" Mrs Turner said as they walked along.

"Um, yeah, I play for City," she replied.

"Oo I wouldn't let people round here hear you say that. We're definitely a United school," she laughed in response.

They carried on walking, passing light conversation and Maisie could feel her heart beating harder and faster. She was absolutely terrified of doing the wrong thing. She needed this week to go by as quickly and painlessly as possible so she could get back to her usual life.

"Right here we are. This is the tutor group you're going to be in for the week. They're a lovely group and I'm sure you'll get on well with them."

Mrs Turner pushed open the door and Maisie followed in behind her. She was met by twenty pairs of eyes looking at her and she quickly scanned the room. Her heart stopped as she fixed on one pair of eyes in particular. Erin Toone.