the headteacher

The rumour was still persistant with no signs of slowing down. The secret was stressful enough before but now she felt at any moment she was ready to explode especially after the possible disaster. Near the end of her history lesson she needed to go to the toilet, Mr Patterson was strict and would not let anyone leave to the toilets on any grounds so Alexa didn't even bother asking, instead she just sat there trying to hold it in for what felt like an eternity, but eventually the leesson ended and she rushed down the long hallway to the bathroom hoping to make it before her next lesson started. Fortunatly, she didn't have an wet herself in the middle of the day and made it in time.

Now only with a few minutes to make it to her next lessons, Alexa was rushing down the hallway yet again before being stopped by a voice calling out her name; it was the head teach Ms Mullberry, she seemed to have been invited Alexa to her office, the tone of her voice was friendly and welcoming. Turning around, Alexa quickly tried excusing herself so she can get to her next lesson and not be late but Mullberry was very assuring that she would sort it out later with Mr Trapter so she would get into trouble.

Being led into the office, Alexa saw sitting down in there a strange man she had never seen before. He seemed friendly but his serious mannerisms scared Alexa a little.

"Here Mr Jove is one of our star pupils Ms Alexa Johnson"

Perking up slightly, Mr Jove turned to Alexa

"Johnson? Intersting, do you by chance know Faith Johnson?"

"yes, she's my older sister, Sir. How did you know?"

"You see, Ms Faith is one of my masters students."

Trying to redirect the conversation, Mullberry interupted.

"You see, Mr Jove here is a headteacher from Periculum Boarding School and is currently visiting different schools accross the area to see how they're differently run and as part of that wanted first hand experience talking with different students to see what its like to study here."

"boarding school? But they just said about ma..."

"I can explain don't worry, Periculum Boarding School is a boarding school but only for lack of a better word. Here we help exemplary students many of whome are living in disenfranchised positions from Infant School to University. Our pupils during the year stay in our accomodation."

The conversation then moved on to discussion Alexa and school life. At first she found Mr Jove intimidation but over time grew more comfortable in his presence, he is a lovely man with a suprising sence of humour and self-awareness. It didn't feel long for Alexa until the school bell rang indicating the start of lunch period meaning that Alexa was excused from the conversation.

As she was standing up to leave, Mr Jove pulled out a panflet from his side bag and handed it to Alexa

"I know this is a bit assertive but please consider this as an invitation."

Alexa thanked him before leaving. The pamflet was about Periculum Boarding School and secretly Alexa was excited, this could be her chance to escape. If she could go there she wouldn't have to worry about her mother finding out about her secret and she could get away from the rumour. Reading through she only got more excited, she easily passed the grade requirements (which included Home Economics for some reason) and it seemed too perfect. The courses provided, the location, and extra curriculum all seemed amazing. The pamflet was vague on many details but that to be expected.

Alexa really wanted to go but doing so would require her to convince her mother which might end up being difficult. Not wasting any time she texted her mum

• Hi Mum, I just got an invite to go to Periculum Boarding School! It looks really cool and i really want to go, can I!

• Hi sweetie, it sounds expensive, I don't think we'de be able to afford to send you there.

• Don't worry, its free admitance, the only cost is uniform and stationary. You just have to pass the entry requirements and get accepted to get in.

• I've just looked into it, it so far away. Do you really want to be that far away from your family?

• ... its the school Faith attends

• well in that case, if its were you really want to go

• thanks mum! (:

• no problem sweetie