Very

Under the watchful gaze of Lexi, Betsie started to get dressed. She put on her most practical underwear, followed by jeans, T-Shirt and hoodie. "Do you think that's the most appropriate hoodie to wear?" Lexi asked. Betsie looked down and saw hit had skull and crossbones design with the words I'm dangerous below it. Betsie didn't even argue the point, she merely stripped it off, dropped it on the floor and chose a different on. "Woe there missy," said Lexi pointing at the hoodie. "Pick it up, fold it properly and put it away." Betsie gave a petulant sign but did as instructed. Lexi was amused by this. She knew Betsie wanted to say something, **** to kick off but couldn't do so. "Now off you go and make sure I don't have to come over and tell you what to do." Anyone listening would think that Lexi had spoken in jest by how friendly her tone was. However Betsie knew better. She knew that Lexi was looking for an excuse to punish her. Worryingly Betsie also knew Lexi didn't need an excuse.

Betsie knocked on Mrs Johnson's door. Mrs Johnson opened the door and looked sternly at Betsie. Betsie couldn't maintain eye contact so looked at her feet instead. "Er, hello Mrs Johnson," Betsie began her apology. "I'm er sorry about before em."

With her eyes to the floor, Betsie couldn't see the smirk on Mrs Johnson's face. Mrs Johnson decided to push it. "Stand up straight girl!" she barked. Betsie jumped to attention. "Apologise properly."

"Er sorry 'bout before."

"What about before?"

"Being naked and stuff." Betsie was becoming very uncomfortable.

"Stuff? Stuff? What stuff?"

"Ya know crawling and that."

"Stop fidgeting." Betsie stopped immediately. "Try using full sentences. You did learn some English in school didn't you?"

"Yes Mrs Johnson."

"Well then girl I'm waiting." Mrs Johnson folded her arms as if to signify her lack of patience.

"I'm sorry Mrs Johnson for crawling around naked," said Betsie in one breath. She could feel her blood starting to boil.

Mrs Johnson made a deliberate long sign. "What you mean to say is 'I'm sorry Mrs Johnson for my behaviour. It is completely inappropriate for me to dress the way I do and it is unacceptable the way I disrespect my elders. I would like to take this opportunity to make amends for my'," Mrs Johnson paused here for effect, "'Whorish behaviour.'"

Betsie was doing her best not to shake, partly because of embarrassment but mainly because of rage. Betsie took a deep breath. "I'm sorry Mrs Johnson for my behaviour. It is completely inappropriate for me to dress like I do and disrespect my elders. I would like to make amends for my," the words stuck in Betsie's throat, "Whorish behaviour." Her hands were behind her back, clenched in fists of rage.

"Of course you can my dear," Mrs Johnson practically sang. "Come in, come in." As much as Betsie didn't want to, she followed Mrs Johnson into the house.