The bell rang for the end of the lesson. Putting my pens into my satchel and my text books back, I quickly cleared my desk. I stood up and smoothed down my gymslip, I didn't want to get into trouble for my uniform being untidy, don't know if there was such a thing but knowing Mr. Dixon there probably was. I'd surprised myself as this particular lesson had gone without any trouble! Well alright, I'd spilt ink on the page but it wasn't my fault, Jane nudged me when she saw Miss Rees walking past the window.

We had just about made our way to the door when I was called back by Mr. Dixon. I sighed. I asked Becky to explain to Martell that I would probably be late and to wait for me in our usual place in the gardens, though somehow I had that taste in my mouth which said I wouldn't be with her for much of the break. If at all.

Fiona Natalie. That name. I'm having the privilege of taking her lessons for this year. I still don't manage to understand what really makes her tick even after all this time. Accounts from all her teachers said she was a bright and intelligent pupil, Head Girl of her year too. I'd heard idle talk in the staff room that she was a trifle accident prone. A statement which I could agree with, though the only accident she seems to have regularly in my class is with her ink bottle. As for other lessons I was informed that she was dangerous! This nugget of information came from her design and technology teacher. He won't even let her near the wood never mind the tools. Oh well! That was no concern of mine as I was her English teacher. The music was not my worry either, "can play the recorder, tape recorder", hmm.. What sort of child had we here? I had seen her around in the corridors, the school grounds, the Netball courts, that sort of thing, with the Three Musketeers, or should that be Mouseketeers? Martell Prior, Nicole Holt and Jane Morgan. The brightest set of girls in the school. Only if they tried. Yet a whole lot of things seem to come easily to them. Strange...

When I entered the classroom and 20 beaming faces shone at me you wouldn't have really picked her out from the rest except for that hair! Words cannot really describe the colour, it really has to be seen to be believed. It certainly wasn't out of a bottle except the fringe. Almost white. The rest of her seemed dull in comparison. What gives with those scars on her left arm? Yes, I thought there was special there.

The lesson went according to my layout. "Describe love" I had put in chalk on the blackboard. That girl never said a word throughout the entire lesson. Even though she was sitting next to her best friend Jane Morgan. The only real trouble came with that damn ink! Walking round the class I took a look at her work. She'd written four and a half pages of description. Superb! This girl will definitely go far. Prior had nudged her for some reason or other and there it went an oily slick across one of her pages. I sighed inwardly and told her to clean up the mess reminding myself that I would have to mark her down in presentation and neatness. Such tiny writing all spoiled by a blue black stain.

The bell sounded for the end of the lesson. The girls stood up waiting for me to dismiss them, which I promptly did. As they filed out of the classroom I asked Fiona to stay behind. There was an extra, special piece of homework I would set her. The other girls didn't get anything this time. This, I wanted from her. She stayed there at her desk waiting.

"Fiona?" I asked

"Yes sir?" came her usual reply. Mouse was all I could recall.

"I have a very special piece of work for you to do over the weekend. I have decided to push you as far as I can."

"But sir, we never get homework before a netball match, it's an un-written rule!" She whined. I'd never had her down as a whiner.

"None-the-less you are getting homework, young lady. This won't take long, in fact you can do it Sunday after breakfast. I want it on my desk no later than 4pm on Monday. What I want you to do is this. Find the meaning of the word 'Chwiptin' and incorporate it into a story. I have a lot of confidence in your abilities, I know this will stretch you though I know you can do it. I want you to find out and do the research without any external help. That is, not asking anyone else at all."

"Sir? I haven't heard that word before. I don't know if it's even English!" This remark made me chuckle.

"Very good girl! It's actually Welsh so that will give you plenty to think about!"

I didn't think she'd have much problem with it, after all there are plenty of people she could ask. If only she asks the right ones. Of course if she was permitted to that! Could be embarrassing if she isn't careful! I dismissed her as I could tell she was eager to join her friends, Martell Prior in particular.

Fuck! That's all I needed, more frigging homework! Dixon knows full well that girls who are playing netball are exempt from homework for the weekend that the match is on. If I didn't know better I would think he had it in for me. This was going to be nigh-on impossible! Chwiptin indeed! Like, I'm going to get any kind of pass to actually get out and ask someone! Bang goes another picnic with my friends.

"Hi Mouse! What's wrong? Did you get a rocket for spilling that ink? I'm awfully sorry that I nudged you though I do think Miss Rees is scrummy!" Jane fumbled in her pocket for some penny chews. She'd waited for me in the corridor and now we were walking off towards the gardens. Maybe there would be time to see Martell after all.

"Forget it. It was an accident. I should be more careful with the ink anyhow. To tell you the truth I didn't get into trouble for that at all. I have an extra bit of homework to do by Monday."

"That's rotten! Didn't you tell him that all the netball team are exempt? Can't you see Miss Rees?"

"Nah." I replied brushing my fringe out of my eyes. "It wouldn't do any good, besides it's going to be easy to do." While secretly wondering if indeed it would be. What was this mystery word? I quickly put aside any worries that I had, can't let myself get wound up over things that are probably nothing, probably...

Walking towards the gardens Nicole ran frantically up to us and linked arms with Jane and myself.

"Have you heard the news?" Obviously she'd ran round the school looking for us as she was slightly out of breath. "It's tomorrow's match, it's been cancelled! Miss Rees got the call from Mornington College. They are unable to make up a team or something!"

"That's just great. Mouse is our team captain and is last to know!" Jane seemed to think it only proper that those 'in charge' should be told first! I didn't care. The cancellation of the match just meant that I'd got more chance of doing this essay. If I could only get a pass to get to the library in town on Saturday.

"She would have been told if anyone could have found her! Where did you get to anyway Mouse?"

"I was with Dixon getting some extra curricular work of all the luck!" I really didn't want to think about all this now. "Lets go off and have a smoke, we have just got time. I'm gasping!"

Martell was waiting for us by the pond. Really, we were so lucky to come to this school, even though we probably didn't appreciate it, like when we had extra Maths or something. The School was a converted abbey and it their wisdom the school governors had kept the ornamental gardens. It was our favourite place and the teachers trusted us not to wander too far during break times, though lunchtime we could go pretty much where we pleased. We didn't have to go far to have a fag anyway. There was a nice clump of trees where we could smoke unobserved. I gave Martell a kiss and offered her one of my Benson & Hedges.

"Thanks Mouse!" She said. "I was wondering where you lot had got to!" She bent down and lit her ciggie from mine. I really ought to get her a lighter, I thought. We sat down on the cool ground.

"Dixon's been absolutely rotten to Mouse. He's given her extra homework and everything!"

"Nicole, it isn't that bad! I mean I didn't get into trouble about the ink!" I picked one of Jane's sweets out of her bag she was offering round. Coke bottles. My favourite!

"What's this about ink?" Martell looked at me puzzled.

"Jane spotted her walking past the window. That must have been when she had heard the news about the cancellation of the match."

"Yeah but..." Martell was cut off by Nicole.

"Why didn't she come and tell you herself though?" Nicole asked in her usual, why doesn't it work like this? way.

"I don't know, I guess I'm not flavour of the month or something. Look girls, can we change the subject we only have a few minutes left anyhow."

Martell rested her head on my shoulder and whispered to me "Yeah but what about the ink?"

"Oh well, it's just Jane letting her lust get the better of her and she made me spill ink on my essay."

"Oh, Mouse!" Martell said grinning shook her head which always made me smile. Her hair was brown and cut into a nice neat bob which contrasted with my long hair.

The bell sounded for the end of the break. We picked ourselves up off the ground, grabbing our satchels, and walked towards the main building arm in arm.

"See you all at the pond for lunch!" Martell said as she and Nicole split from us. Nicole had English with the scrummy Mr. Pritchard while Martell had her history lesson to go to. Third years didn't realise how lucky they were. Jane and myself had another period with Mr. Dixon, though this time it was English Literature. Oh the joys of Steinbeck! We seemed to have been on 'Cannery Row' for years. When would we get onto the good stuff, I wondered?

When we reached Room 20 Mr. Dixon was not there. Jane and myself sat at our own desks. I idly read the scribbles on the dirty surface, smiling at a particularly worn engraving, "Martell" encased in a heart. There was the usual chatter coming from the rest of the girls and I knew I should have told them to keep it down but quite frankly couldn't be arsed. I didn't need to anyhow as the door opened and in strode Mr. Dixon.

"There seemed to be a lot of noise originating from this class. Who's class monitor?" Mr. Dixon sounded a bit angry.

"Fiona Natalie Sir!" Most of the class spoke out.

Fiona Natalie! Why didn't that surprise me? I put my case on the desk.

"Fiona Natalie?" I didn't wait for her reply. "Could you tell me why you didn't keep the class in order ?"

She seemed dazed, as though her mind were miles away at that moment. I told her that she'd better keep her mind on what she was doing, and on what the rest of them were doing too, if she wanted to continue to be class monitor, let alone head girl. As she looked at me, I almost thought that I could see the thoughts coalesce in her head and her eyes focus.

Once again she said "Sorry sir, I won't let it happen again".

She looked so serious, that I was rather taken aback. "Thank you Fiona , I trust that it won't" , was all that I could say. It was my turn to be caught out.

Oh what!, Mr Dixon had come in and I hadn't noticed. Hadn't noticed anything in fact, not the raggers sitting round in clumps on the tables, not two girls each leaning out of a window shouting at each other, nothing in fact until he shouted at me.

"Fiona Natalie, Could you tell me why you didn't keep the class in order ?"

"Uh, what sir? Sorry sir!" Was all I could say as I came back to earth. This was no good, I couldn't concentrate and it was only the morning. I hoped I'd last the day.

The rest of the lesson was OK. Though I didn't understand what exactly the two tramps were meant to be doing in the story. I was just waiting for lunchtime. We had packed lunches during the nice weather if we chose to. Martell would pick ours up since they were nearest the kitchens. We didn't like to be stuck indoors when it was sunny.

Mr. Dixon hadn't mentioned my homework, though I expected he wouldn't, considering this was English Literature and not English Language.

I yawned my way through the end of the lesson and the lunch bell rang. We were given permission to leave, though not without the warning that Mr. Dixon was on weekend duty this time, as if we ever forgot when he was on!

Arriving at the pond Nicole was already there with the picnic basket and the blanket. Martell was looking wistfully at the cool water round the other side. I separated my arm from Jane and ran down to the edge of the pond and put my arms around Martell.

"Penny for them!" I whispered in her ear.

"Oh, I was just thinking about this place. Mouse do you think anything will be as perfect again?" I saw in her brown eyes a glint of longing. I sighed.

"I really can't answer that. Though father wants to know if you're coming to 'Looking Glass House' for the holidays?" I really do wish she'd come and stay like she did last summer holiday.

"Fi! I'd be delighted!" She beamed.

"Come on or you'll miss lunch! Race you!" I ran off round to the other side of the pond to join the others.

"Hey, Mouse! Wait! That's not fair!" She giggled as she ran to catch up with me. I slowed a little to let her get near to me before I put on another burst of speed. We both collapsed in a heap giggling like mad.

"You want to watch her, Mouse! Martell will catch you one of these days!" Jane smiled at me.

"What have we got today?" I asked Nicole who was rummaging around in the basket.

"Oh, the usual. Cheese and pickle and ham and mustard. Oh we also have a piece of cake each, seems like the first years didn't eat it all yesterday." This comment was followed by the usual groans. Well it was a Friday. We didn't really expect anything else as it was the end of the week.

We ate in silence. After we had finished I pulled out my favourite book, which was by now getting a little tatty and dog eared, the spine broken. I must ask daddy to send me another copy.

"Who's got the cigarettes?" I asked. "You lot have smoked all of mine. I'll try to get a Saturday pass and get some more."

"I have about 10 left. You can have those if they are replaced!" Martell said. Fishing in her blazer pocket for her cigarettes.

"Martell, you are such a cheeky cow. After all the ones I have given you for free!" Jane said and let out a laugh.

Martell rested her head in my lap blowing clouds of smoke up into the air. I idly stroked her hair and in between reading and chatting to the girls, took an occasional drag on my cigarette. As it was a Friday we had a little grace and the teachers and prefects left us to it on the whole. Though I, as a head girl, was meant to keep a look out for any wrong doings while I was at lunch. Convenient for all us. I didn't have any duties on a Friday, Tuesday was my turn to monitor the library and Thursday was playground patrol.

Becky and Penny came over and joined us for the rest of the break. "I see you survived Lit today!" Penny said with a smirk. "No ink spilt then?"

"You were both there, and as you can see, ink-free!" I replied offering my palms for all to see.

"Three weeks in a row you've ruined your work! Must be some kind of record!" Becky giggled.

Martell started to say something so I covered her mouth with my hand. I really didn't need anymore of this silly ink business. It was Jane's fault anyway.

Nicole spoke munching on a piece of grass. "When is your sister coming Fi?"

"After the Summer holidays I think. Don't know, Mummy is still fighting with Dad over the conditions." This left a heavy lead ball in my gut. I missed Alyssa Caitlin lots.

"I hope so. It's rotten what your mum did!" She said.

"Yeah, well... Look can we change the subject? I feel bad enough as it is with this extra work I have to do without worry about little sis." I put my head back in my book and Martell moved her head to one side.

"Just getting comfy!" she muttered as she dozed.

Jane passed around another load of cigarettes. Which reminded me "I need your orders in by 8 in the morning if there is anything you need from town." Ever the optimist of obtaining that pass.

The bell went and we all groaned in unison. Martell got up and brushed down her gymslip. I followed suit and put my boater back on my head. "C'mon girls lets look all neat."

I noticed a group of First Years walking from out of the bushes. "Hey you lot!" I shouted. "Come over here!" They looked a little sheepish as they walked over. "What were you doing?" I asked with as much authority in my voice as I can muster, which to say in truth, isn't much.

"Nothing, Mouse!" One of the girls said.

"It's Fiona Natalie to you!" Becky replied before I had a chance to say anything.

"S.. sorry. We were only chasing a butterfly!" the girl shook.

"You weren't having a crafty fag were you?" I asked leaning towards the second girl.

"N.. n.. no of course not! Honest!" The second girl replied.

"Why not?" I asked and sent them on their way.

"Oh, Mouse! You are terrible you know. What sort of impression does that give a first year, huh?" Jane couldn't believe what she'd just heard.

"A good one I hope!" I walked off swinging my satchel. Everyone else trotted to catch up with me and we all linked arms and giggled. That Friday we were invincible.

The rest of the afternoon went without too much trouble. Geography was a breeze and chemistry was fun, though as usual I couldn't do the equations very well. At least I only broke two test tubes this time.

Tea time and I had to do dining room patrol. The head of the fifth went charging off to the Sanatorium and hasn't been seen since. I hope there wasn't a bug going around or anything. It was a bit of an easy duty and I managed to break up a fight between two girls from the second year of Brownlow House. I didn't get a scratch though I did get a big splat of Ketchup on my blouse and in my hair. It didn't seem to be over much, though I still marched them off to Mr. Hoyt, their head of year teacher. I got a ticking off for the state of my blouse. He's a Maths teacher so he didn't like me anyway. I went off to my dorm and decided to have a shower. My hair felt sticky with the ketchup.

I was just getting out of my fluffy bathrobe when Jane and Martell stuck their heads in.

"We've been looking all over for you since after the ruckus," Martell said. "You've missed the rest of your dinner!" She suddenly noticed the mess in my hair. "What happened?" She looked puzzled as she saw the red sticky mess in my hair.

"Didn't you see it?" I asked.

"Nah, a lot of girls crowded round and obscured our view. Of all the rotten luck!" Jane sounded rather disappointed.

"Yeah, I think Brownlow House needs an art lesson!" I stepped in the shower and let the water hit my skin. "I got a bit of a ticking off from old Hoyt for having a dirty uniform too!" I shouted above the rush of water in my ears. "Martell could you pass me the shampoo please?"

"Yeah sure!" She handed me my shampoo and conditioner. "Hey, we were trying to find you because Becky has quite a few bottles of blueberry vodka left and was wondering if we'd like to have a little party in her dorm tonight? Nicole has a few cans left too, I think! What do you say?"

"What time?" I massaged the shampoo into my hair.

"'About nine-ish!" She said.

"Yeppers, I'd love to, though I must get to the library, there's something I have to look up." I rinsed my hair and applied the conditioner. The strawberry smell drifted into my nostrils.

"Can I come with you?" Martell asked.

"No, I want you to stay with Jane and Nicole. Could one of you pass me the small towel please?" I asked poking my hand out from the curtain.

"Aww, Mouse, I want to be with you tonight! Can't I come to the library too?" I hate it when she whines like that.

"No Martell! This is something I have to do on my own. I'll see you in Becky's dorm anyhow." I wrapped the towel round my head and stepped out. I picked up my huge beach towel and wrapped myself in it.

"Jane, you don't mind looking after her for us do you?"

"No, of course not! Whatever it is you have to do must be important."

"Yeppers, it's that fucking homework I have to do. The sooner I get it done the better. It would have been all the same if we had have had that netball match wouldn't it!" I patted myself dry and put my bathrobe back on.

"I'll see you later." I said as I kissed Martell on the cheek.

"Bye!" She smiled at me. They walked out of the shower room. I really wanted to be with Martell, though I knew that this work was important somehow. 'Chwiptin'. What on earth could it mean? I went back to the dorm and changed into a clean blouse. I struggled with the buttons on my gymslip, performing a nice personal contortionist act as I tried to rescue the shoulder strap.

I walked down the steep flight of stairs where the dorms were and walked across the passage to the south stairs. I thought that this may be easy after all. I mean, one little word should be easy to find shouldn't it? I ran my hands down the cool banister rail. I'd managed to find a small skip in my step as I descended. I had no idea by the end of the weekend that my step wouldn't be so self-assured.

I entered the library through the heavy doors. The silence hits you as soon as you walk in. I didn't bother using the Dewey system. I didn't need that. Instead I went straight to where the dictionaries were kept. We had only two Welsh dictionaries in school and searching through them both I turned up a big blank. Maybe this little piece of homework was going to be a little more challenging than I first thought.

The party hadn't really got going by the time I got there. The dorm was quite busy though, and there was a couple of girls I didn't know hanging out of the window smoking and swigging from a bottle of something or other, whatever it was looked foul. I looked round the room and Martell was already on one of the beds in the corner. She patted the edge of the bed, beckoning me over.

"I saved you a space," she said, "I think space is going to be at a premium tonight!"

"Thanks. Where's Jane?" I asked, flicking my fringe out of my face. I hadn't seen her when I came into the room.

"Oh, she's off with Nicole. Gone to round up our supply of booze!"

"Brill! What's on offer here?" I asked fishing out a brand new packet of Benson & Hedges out of the top pocket of my gymslip, I'd been so busy in the library that I didn't have time to change, handy-sized pocket for a pack of ten! I broke the cellophane seal off the packet and offered one to Martell.

"Thanks!" She said as her eyes lit up. I shouldn't encourage her to smoke, though she does seem to enjoy it as much as the rest of us. "Rest your head here Mouse because I want to play with your hair tonight."

"I bet you didn't when you saw that tomato sauce in it!" We both giggled.

"Yes of course I did. I wanted to lick it off!"

"Martell!" I couldn't believe she said that. I took a drag on my ciggie.

"Fi. Look at this!" she lifted the bed sheet and three bottles of blueberry vodka gleamed at us.

"Good girl!" I said. "Guess you're learning after all!" I was very proud of her resourcefulness. She unscrewed the top, took a sip and then offered me the bottle. There was a little ring of 'Modernist Pink' lipstick round the top of the bottle, I knew exactly what shade it was as it's what I wear too. I licked it off and lifted the bottle to my lips and let the alcohol slip down my throat.

Pandemonium broke out a few minutes later when the door burst open and in walked Mr. Dixon! Shit, I thought who the fuck was on lookout? At least Jane and Nicole were safe, they hadn't returned yet. I had to protect Martell.

"What is going on here exactly?" He raged.

"Nothing!" Becky said trying to look as innocent as she could.

"Nothing what?" Dixon bellowed. Somehow I didn't think Becky's act was working.

"Nothing, sir!" Rebecca replied. I thought she was going to pee. I couldn't shrink on the bed enough.

"Don't get smart with me Rebecca Andrews!" He glanced around the room and his eyes fell on me.

"Ah! Miss Holden! I thought the ring leader wouldn't be far from this little circus."

"But sir..." I moved the booze nearer to me as I jumped off the bed.

"Don't "but" me girl! I want you to get to my office now!" I was just about to walk past him when he snapped his fingers. A mouse trap! "I'll take those if you don't mind." Reluctantly I handed him the gold packet. "The rest of you clear this little mess up and get back to your respective dorms. I don't want to hear a squeak out of you for the rest of the night. Except of course Miss Holden here!" He chuckled at this weak joke. As I tried to walk past he shoved me in the back of the shoulder. I nearly stumbled. Bastard.

I walked slowly down the corridor. As I walked past dormitories I noticed lots of heads poking out trying to see what all the fuss was about. It was plainly obvious to me that Dixon's shouts had woken up our floor. I approached the night office on the first floor. All I could think of was that I definitely wouldn't get a pass for Saturday now. I reached the office door and waited as upright as possible for Mr. Dixon. He hated girls to slouch whilst they were waiting. He wouldn't catch me out like that.

I didn't have to wait very long before I heard his shoes tapping on the floor. When he appeared his face was beetroot red. I was just about to open the door for him when he shouted to me.

"Wait!" He opened the door himself. "I'll let you know when you can come in." With that, he shut the door in my face.

I estimated that I'd waited about 20 minutes before he called for me. I knocked on the door and entered when I was told to do so. This room was familiar to me. Mr. Dixon stood by the coffee making stuff.

"I expected more from a fourth year with your responsibilities. Some of you may think you are young adults in your minds but at the moment you are just children. Don't you forget that, missy. I don't even expect sixth formers to behave in such a despicable manner as I witnessed tonight!"

He moved towards me and held my cheek in his hand. I thought he was going to slap me. He didn't which was a relief!

"Tobacco and alcohol are banned in this establishment, Miss Holden." He squeezed my cheek and let go. "It brings with it the most serious punishment. Do you know what that is, Fiona Natalie?"

"I could be expelled sir!" The horror must have been apparent on my face.

"No, you stupid girl! Not "could", would!" He shouted at me so violently a piece of spittle hit my face. I was too scared to wipe it off. "I don't think you father would be very pleased about your habits considering he's a doctor!" He was unleashing a full barrage of fury at me. "I should do that, along with that Prior girl!"

At this I was terrified. No, not Martell, anything but that! He couldn't! His next words nearly made me pee with relief.

"I'm not going to. Not this time! I'm not even going to punish you with a detention. Instead you can write that essay in no less than fifteen thousand words and by 7 on Sunday night!"

"What?" I stammered. "I.. I..ca" He abruptly cut me off before my protest could be made clear.

"Of course you can girl. I'm even going to make it easier on you." He put his hand in his jacket pocket and gave me a brown piece of card. It had my name written on it in blue ink.

"Congratulations on obtaining a weekend pass young lady!"

"How did...?" He put a finger up to silence me.

"I saw Miss Rees earlier. When she told me about the cancellation of your netball match I asked her if she would grant you a pass. It's obvious she said yes."

I couldn't believe my good fortune, after today's events I expected things to be a lot worse.

"Thank you sir!" My spirits as well as my head lifted. Not just a Saturday pass but a whole weekend. Yippee!

"Run along now and go to bed. You will have a big day ahead tomorrow, I expect." He smiled at me for the first time since I can remember. Teachers! Never predictable.

I was still floating as I walked quickly down the corridor to my dorm just in case he changed his mind. Everyone else seemed to be sleeping. It was almost as if the evening's trouble never really existed. I opened the door quietly. Jane, Martell and Nicole were sleeping soundly. No doubt Nicole and Jane were counting their blessings that they were nowhere near Becky's room when we got caught. I changed into my nightie and with my wash bag in hand I traipsed off to the showers. I realised I needed a pee so headed straight for a toilet cubicle. The relief of peeing and the realisation of just what I had got away with hit me full in the brain. Both Martell and I could have been on our way home tomorrow. I really would have to be more careful. I knew it was Becky's dorm and her party but as head girl I should have been... Nah, sod it. I'd worry about stuff like that some other time. Though this word was beginning to scare me a little for some reason. I didn't realise how much I needed to go! Eventually I finished and I flushed the chain. It was quite dark in the showers as only the night lights were on and not the main ones. I walked over to a basin washed my hands and squeezed a lot of toothpaste on my brush. I brushed ferociously.

I was still thinking about Dixon and the fact I'd be in town tomorrow instead of a train when I got to my dorm. I crept in, and to my surprise all three of them were wide awake and trying to ask me questions all at the same time. I shushed them and went on to tell them the truth. They were all very pleased that I had been spared and that Martell was free from persecution as well. The rest of the girls in that room, we were to find out later, had a week's detention. What an odd Friday this had been indeed!

Saturday morning I showered early and cleaned my teeth. As it was a weekend most of the time we were free to do pretty much as we pleased though we still had to have breakfast and other such things at the usual times. I had just put on the Wedding Present c.d. and was just zipping up my skirt when Becky put her head round the door.

"Good you are still here! You OK?" she was obviously concerned for me. "After what was said last night I was frightened that you would be on your way out of this dump. God, what would your dad have said?"

"Don't know. I guess he'd have been pretty mad!" I finished doing up the buttons on my blouse and was doing up my tie. "I don't want to think about that though!" I straightened my tie in the mirror that was between Martell's bed and mine.

"That was a let-off though, wasn't it? I can't even imagine what my dad would have done to me!" Becky rubbed her nose.

"Well it's sorted now. I just get this rotten work to do and everyone else is out of trouble. I'll get some more cigarettes today and get some booze on Sunday." I attached a couple of badges onto my blazer, I still hadn't been issued with a second set, typical.

"Oh yeah! I forgot. This is for you, I wrote it out just in case everything was fine." Becky handed me list and some money. "It's our shopping list for sweeties and cigarettes. We can only afford a couple of packets this time. Though there is a couple of quid for penny chews." She smiled at me and ran out of the door.

I grabbed my satchel and studied its contents. Cigarettes, pens, book and a notepad. That would do. St.Elliotts like you to wear school uniform, even at weekends, around town so we are easily identifiable. I snatched my boater from its peg. It was half past eight. I was a little later than I wanted to be so didn't have time to see Martell. I'd catch up with them all later. A last look in the mirror and I left the silent dorm. I decided to skip breakfast and head on into town before the library opened and there was a mad rush.

Leaving from the main entrance I showed my pass proudly to Miss Rees.

"Can you tell me where you are going Fiona?" Miss Rees asked.

"I'm off to the library and then go along the promenade I think, Miss! Well, I'm definitely going to the library anyhow!"

"I'm going to town myself, would you like a lift?" She asked as she looked at the clock and booked me out. As much as I would cherish this I had to say no. I couldn't be late for the mad rush at the library, Saturdays were very busy indeed.

"Well if you are sure." She put the lid back on her pen. "I'd only be about half an hour or so."

"It's OK Miss, honest, I have to make sure the books I want aren't in use by anybody. You know how long you can wait for a book if that happens!" I scratched my temple just below my hat. "Maybe you can give me a lift some other time?" I added.

"That would be nice, Fiona!" She smiled at me.

On that note I left the building and walked quickly along the avenue of trees and down to the school gates. Yet another spring in my step, this time as I thought about Miss Rees. The walk up to the library took me about half an hour. That was taking the quick route past the skate park across the railway crossing, up the very steep hill past the hospital and up the huge steps of the library to the revolving door. I had ignored the boys stupid comments as I passed the skate park. We'd heard all that shit before. I kinda guess that when your 14 you have heard everything anyhow.

As I entered the library I absentmindedly thought of dad and how lonely he must feel now that Alyssa Caitlin has been taken away to America by his wife. I missed my little sister like mad but I have had so much happening here at St.Elliotts that I sometimes forget her.

I handed my satchel to the security man at the main desk and ordered the books that I needed. As I sat waiting for the books to arrive I wished I'd have had a fag on the way up. I didn't have to wait long and seven Welsh language books were placed on my table.

This was going to be easy. If it wasn't here then I estimated that it was a wild goose chase and that the word didn't exist. As I looked through the fourth book it was becoming apparent that there was no such word. By the seventh book I began to panic. Of all the books I had there was not a solitary word called 'Chwiptin' There wasn't even one without the funny little roof thing on the second 'I' either!

I decided to go and ask the dishy librarian if there were any more books on Welsh, slang or other wise. He shook his head 'no'. That lead ball sunk in my stomach, again. There was nothing in our school library either. Fifteen thousand words seemed very remote at this point. Maybe I could go to the Sanatorium and book myself sick! Nah! That wouldn't work either. Dixon would see straight through that. I must have looked either stupid or worse, standing there with a vacant look on my face as the next thing I heard was. "Can I help you with your problem Miss?".

"Er... well as a matter of fact you probably can. I'm trying to find the meaning of the word 'Chwiptin' There could be one of those funny little roofy things on the second 'I'! I'm not sure though." I added helpfully looking down at my Mary Janes and realising just how young I must look to this adult. His answer didn't give anything away as to how old he thought I was.

"Are you taking the piss?" He said angrily which was a bit scary. I stared at the slight stubble under his jaw where his razor probably missed that morning.

"No.. I.." I tried to speak.

"It's not very nice, a girl your age asking such questions. I suggest you go somewhere else!" He called the guard to escort me out.

I went red with embarrassment. I was man handled and almost thrown out through the revolving doors. As I walked down the steps I adjusted my boater properly on my head, which is to say, slightly tilted back off my forehead, and pulled a fag packet out of my blazer. My last one! I stood there for a minute or so savouring the taste as I looked out across the town to the green sea in the distance. I hadn't a clue what to do next or where to go. I walked idly back down to the town. I was a really hot sunny day so I took my blazer off and tucked it between my satchel and my hip. I decided to be a bit sophisticated and have a coffee on the sea front. I was just about to turn the corner and along the street that leads to the front, when I remembered my shopping list!

I went to my favourite tobacconist. The old lady is really nice, not least because she thinks I'm a sixth former! I bought six packets of cigarettes. Four Benson & Hedges and a couple of packets of Embassy for Becky's dorm. I also bought five pounds worth of 'penny chews', I'd divide them out later when I had more time. I was just about to go out when she called me back. I'd forgotten my change.

"What's wrong today love?" She asked in her usual kind manner. "It's not like you to have the weight of the world on your shoulders!"

"Oh! It's just this stupid homework! I can't find out a particular word and it's driving me crazy!"

"Tell me what it is, you never know, I might just know it!"

"Alright!" I suddenly brightened up. "The word is Chwiptin. There could be one of those funny little roofy things on the second 'I'! I haven't found anything like it in a book. Maybe it's a North Wales word?" I was trying anything now.

She looked at me a little peculiarly and walked off back to the jars of tobacco. "Sorry dear." She said going red in the face and quickly putting a jar back in it's place on the shelf. "I have never heard of a word like that. I think someone is pulling your leg!"

"OK! Thanks anyway. See you soon!" I walked out of the shop into the bright sunlight, the door bell ringing behind me. I headed for the kiosk on the prom for my coffee. The kiosk was very busy so I went back the way I came bought a can of Vimto and sat on the beach drinking it. Most of the time Vimto tastes like it looks, horrid purple muck, sometimes though it's taste hits the spot, today was one of those days. I picked up my favourite book and started reading.

I'd lost track of time completely. I must have been there for quite a while as my legs were a little redder than I expected. The queue at the kiosk had gone so I decided to go and get my coffee. When I got to the counter I changed my mind and went round the other side to the ice cream seller. I decided to have a '99' with nuts and strawberry sauce, yummy! I was just about to order my ice cream when I noticed a man climbing out of a red sports car. I didn't take too much notice of that at first though I was surprised when the driver came round the other side of the car and snogged him. It was Miss Rees! It was her Spitfire too!

"What do you want girl? I haven't got all day!" A gruff voice asked me.

"Wha... er, sorry!" I'd forgot about my ice cream and there was a small worm of a queue forming behind me.

"I'll have a '99' with nuts and strawberry sauce please!" I handed over my £1.25 and walked off to sit on the edge of the promenade, frantically licking at my ice cream. It had started to melt already! I couldn't believe it Miss Rees with a bloke! As I sat down I though about how Jane would react at this news. On second thoughts I decide I probably wouldn't tell her straight away. As I sat there I noticed a shadow forming over me and I felt a tap on my boater, I'd kept it on so it wouldn't blow away in the breeze which came in from the sea.

"Hello Fiona!" She said all smiles as usual. "I didn't think it could be anyone else apart from another St.Elliotts girl! Believe it or not apart from a few sixth formers you are the only girl out today. Schools been quiet today though a swarm of first years have gone away until Monday on a field trip." She sat down with a sigh. "Pity the netball was called off, I think it's about time we had another go at Mornington, isn't it?" She chuckled at the thought.

I'd just finished my ice cream. "Yes miss!" I replied. "We'll beat them one day I'm sure of it." I was a little less enthusiastic in my own heart. We hadn't beaten Mornington for years.

With that Miss Rees got up from where she was sitting and walked off to the kiosk. She returned a couple of minutes later with two mugs of cappuccino. I could tell what it was immediately because I saw the squirty cream they used piled on the top.

"There you are, Fiona." She smiled. "A little treat for you!"

"Thanks, Miss!" My eyes bulged as she passed the mug to me.

"How did your foray into the library go then?" Squinting in the glare I had to give her an answer that I hadn't found out what it meant and when I asked people either went red or said I shouldn't be asking about such words!

"Oh dear!" She said "You seem to be in a pickle alright." She slipped her sun glasses back onto the bridge of her nose. "This isn't for a lesson, is it?"

"No!" I said rather too abruptly. "Sorry Miss I can't tell you who has given it to me. I think I'm being tested for something and my whole future here at St.Elliotts is at stake too!" I was being honest. For all Mr. Dixon's persecution I didn't want to get anyone into trouble. "Besides if I do manage to do it, it will be kinda like being let off I suppose."

"As long as you know what you're doing, I guess it isn't any of my business. Though I hate to see my star players in a mess. What is the word, anyhow?"

"I don't want to say! I thought it may be a swear word or something."

"Fiona Natalie! You can tell me! After all, I have heard you on the netball courts enough!" there was still that little conspiratorial giggle in her voice. I decided I could trust her.

"The word is Chwiptin!" I blushed. She went quiet for a while.

"Hurry up and drink your coffee. It's time you got back to school." She drained her mug. I, on my part, was drinking as fast as I could.

"Come on Fiona, we haven't got all day. We have to get back for tea." Her tune had changed. Now there was a tiny bit of anger in her voice.

I swallowed my coffee and it burnt my throat. Walking the short distance to the car she opened the door for me. I leaned over and opened her side, my skirt rode up exposing a little more of my thigh that was decent. I decided to leave it.

She glanced down at my legs. "You have a nice tan Fiona!"

"Thanks, Miss!" Things weren't so bad after all. My hair was blowing in the breeze as she had the top down. I don't know, I felt rather cool sitting there in her little red car somehow. Of all the teachers who gave me a lift, her's was my favourite! We drove out of town on the road I'd travelled on last with Ridgeback. Was it only a month ago? I got up the courage to ask her who the man was who I saw her with. Surprisingly she told me a lot more than I expected. The man I saw was her boyfriend, though she didn't know for how much longer. Miss Rees had always been pleasant with me, though I'd never really talked about things like that before.

We got back to school in time for tea. I rushed upstairs to get changed. I put on my black denim mini-skirt and a white T-shirt. Weekends were OK like that. Sitting on the edge of Martell's bed, hands clasped together, I realised my weekend pass was useless! Even if I did get to town tomorrow, the library would be shut, and even if I did find the meaning of that horrid word, I wouldn't have enough time to write it! It was hopeless, I felt the frustration spreading in my cheeks and I started to cry. I didn't notice the shadow appear under the gap in the bottom of the door, or how long the piece of paper was lying there. I noticed it when I went to pick up a can of Vimto out of our cupboard. I looked at the white piece of paper suspiciously. It couldn't have been a love letter or anything like that. I had a girlfriend, most of the school knew that! I picked it up, carefully opening it, it had been printed out on a computer. It said the meaning of the word you're looking for is...

I couldn't believe what I just read! Somebody likes me after all! The letter was signed 'P', I hadn't a clue as to who or what 'P' was, I was just bloody thankful that I had help!

I grabbed my satchel and ran down the three flights of stairs to one of the side doors. I got to the pond as quick as my legs could take me. I usually go to the pond when I want to write stuff as I find it quite inspiring. I lay on the grass and started to write frantically, maybe there was time to get this handed in, I thought.

It was getting dusk so I decided to go to our study and write there. As I expected on a Saturday, the tiny room was empty, nobody in their right mind would actually consider trying to do homework on a Saturday, if they could possibly help it. There is usually enough room for five girls, which can be a little taxing when everyone starts gibbering on, I was just pleased for the silence.

I'd written five pages and I felt my eyes getting heavy. The next thing I knew I was being shaken awake. It was Nicole!

"Mouse... hey Mouse!" She shouted to me. "C'mon it's past ten thirty, time to get you to bed! Martell has been looking for you too!" I looked up at her and rising groggily I allowed her to take me to the dorm.

I slipped into the sheets and fell into a deep sleep. I was so tired that I forgot to clean my teeth. That night I had a dream about books. They all spilled out of a big building to chase me down into the sea.

I woke up Sunday morning as my friends were getting ready for breakfast. I still felt a little on edge after that dream.

"Good morning, sleepy head!" Martell said as she came over to me and pulled the covers away from my head. "Sleep well?" She added with a giggle.

"Don't know, I guess I must have, huh?" I rubbed sleepy dust out of my eyes. I pulled the covers off of me and swung out of bed.

"You off swimming, Martell?"

"Yeah, I'm going with Jane and few others. Want to come?"

"Sorry I still have this essay to do." I was a little despondent.

"Aww... Mouse you aren't fun anymore! I though we could at least salvage some of our weekend." She had that look in her eye again. I couldn't meet it and looked away.

"Let me finish this and I'll make it up to you somehow I promise!" I really didn't like to upset her, it left a nasty taste in my mouth, like when I swallowed some 3-in-One oil that was in Dad's shed when I was a little girl.

We all got ready and went off to breakfast. I sat between Martell and Jane. Nicole and her friend Carrie sat opposite. Most of the third and fourth years ate together on the long tables. We were at that funny age. Too young to sit with the sixth formers like some of the fifth did and too old to mingle with the first and most of the second years. I hadn't breakfast duty this morning, which was a welcome relief, I wanted to get this over with and get on with my writing. My future depended on it!

"Could you pass Fiona the tomato ketchup, it's the latest thing, all the fourth year head girls are wearing it this term!" Carrie asked someone, who was just putting a dollop of red sauce on her scrambled eggs. Ha! That's a joke, if you think that the congealed phlegm like substance is egg you have a better imagination than the rest of us.

"Very funny! Just because you look terrible in red doesn't mean that everyone does!" I replied somewhat feebly.

I finished the rest of my bacon and sausages, and grabbing a banana, I left the hall and went off up to our study room which was thankfully empty again. I took my best fountain pen out of my wooden pencil case and continued writing from where I left off.

I sat there staring for ages at the pages I had written and nothing else came. Nothing. I had all the day to do something, I didn't think for one minute that now I knew what the word was I couldn't get it done, it was just hard to actually make it interesting.

By 6.30 I was feeling sick in my stomach, butterflies were swarming in my tummy and I knew that I was in deep trouble. I'd written five thousand words, more than enough for a normal lesson, though this was something else! I ran for the toilet for the umpteenth time and dry retched into one of the toilets. I hadn't seen any of my friends all day and I was hoping Martell was doing OK. I knew she was worried about me, though there was nothing she could do for me, and I knew assassination of a teacher is not permissible. She'd just have to sit tight and be patient.

I couldn't put off my visit to Mr. Dixon any longer so I decided to walk over to the main building and to the English department on the ground floor. I entered through the double doors and met Adam coming out of room 15. I flashed him a smile.

"Hello miss! Are you off to see Mr. Dixon?"

Fuck did the whole of the school know about this?

"Well if you are, he told me to tell you to wait for him, if I saw you. You're not in any trouble are you?" He sounded a bit sarcastic.

"Yes, perhaps, I'm not sure." I replied. "Look Adam, would it be possible to organise a boat for next Saturday? I fancy having a picnic on the lake." This cheered me up, I don't know why I didn't think of it last week. Fourth upwards were permitted to use a couple of the rowing boats for picnics in the summer.

"I don't see why not, miss. I'll let you know in the week if any are available." He smiled at me and started walking off.

"Thanks!" I said, but he'd already turned the corner and went into the Maths block.

I reached room 20 and waited. I tried to keep my nerves in order, I didn't want to be sick again. I didn't have to wait long.

"Hello, Fiona!" He actually smiled at me.

"Hello, Sir!" I replied.

He opened the door and ushered me into the class room. My butterflies had all but gone.

"Fiona, can you remember what it was you had to do for me this weekend?" He sat on the edge of the desk.

"Yes, Sir. I had to find out the meaning of a word and incorporate it into a story." I answered with a little trepidation.

"And have you done that work?" He asked in a harsher tone which almost stated that he meant business. All thoughts of having a let-off escaping from my brain.

"Er... not exactly, I mean." He cut me off before I could say anything else.

"What do you mean 'not exactly'? I gave you enough time to do the work, didn't I girl?" He walked over to the window and stared out at the girls walking past. I went into my satchel and placing it on his desk, presented him with my work. When he eventually got back to the table and browsed my meagre pages he didn't look that impressed.

"This is not good at all, Miss Holden! I shall take it away with me and read your scribble and decide what to do with you. Go!"

I was stunned. Yet again, no punishment straight away.

"Well go on. I have dismissed you!" He pointed to the door. I left a bit confused and bewildered. I ran up to my dorm. There was nobody there so I lay on my bed reading. Then, around 8 o'clock, Martell and the rest came in.

"You missed tea! At this rate you're gonna be anorexic or worse!" Martell said. She is always going on about my eating habits. "What happened, Mouse? Please tell us!"

"Yeah, what happened?" The other two said in unison.

"You're not crying and you're not showing off your stripes!" That was Nicole. I think she has a thing about girls crying.

"Nothing!" I replied. "He just, well, told me my work was shit and that he'd let me know what he would do!"

"Blimey, Mouse! That is worse than getting four on the bare right off!" Jane looked at me very worried as she remembered when she got striped by Dixon. She picked up my bag of sweets and started munching on my favourites.

We heard Matron calling us to get ready for bed. I was really tired but I felt that I had enough nervous energy to keep the lights on all night. Grabbing our things we walked down to the showers.

Monday morning at registration, a first year girl came to the class room to hand a note to my form teacher Mr. Anson. He took the note and dismissed the first year, I hadn't a clue as to who she was. Mr. Anson stepped up to my desk and handed me the white piece of paper. I opened it with trembling fingers. The note said I had to see Mr. Dixon at lunchtime 12 o'clock, to be precise, and I wasn't to be late. This was being a bit silly because I had Mr. Dixon between eleven and twelve anyhow. I thought he must want me pretty bad! The butterflies came swarming back and it wouldn't be until the next day that they would disappear totally.

Hockey was totally useless, I don't usually do that badly, though I prefer netball and wish Miss Rees would put Jane as games captain rather than me. I didn't mind being netball captain though I find being the games captain rather too much to deal with. Maybe I'll ask Miss Rees if Jane can take it. Today was atrocious, all I could think about was this appointment. To top it all, Miss Rees put me out in my least favourite position and I had Jane to contend with. We were best friends of course, thought when she wielded that hockey stick she was a menace, well she would be being team captain and all. I couldn't keep up with her and she took the ball past me several times to set up Vikkie for a scoring chance, which I had to admit she did with precision. Half way through the lesson it started to rain. I couldn't see much at the best of times but with this rain in my eyes it was terrible. My shirt stuck to my skin and the rain water ran down my legs in tiny rivulets. I couldn't wait to run to the showers. The lesson was topped off beautifully when Carolyn hit me across the back of the knee with her stick. I went face down into the mud. She was meant to be on my side! Miss Rees came running over and asked if I was alright. No, I said, I wanted to go home!

I congratulated Jane on a good game as we walked off with our arms around each other down to the changing rooms. I was really lucky to have a friend such as her. I wouldn't tell Jane about my decision to quit as games captain next term, I'd wait until I had a word with Miss Rees.

By the time we had changed it was break time. Martell was waiting for us outside the changing rooms. Thankfully the rain had stopped. Nicole thought we should go and sit in the boat house since it would be too wet to sit at the pond.

"I had a good French lesson today, Mouse!" Martell was looking pleased for herself. "I heard you got a bit plastered!" She giggled.

"Yeah, couldn't believe it of all the rotten luck. Carolyn was meant to be on my side! I think I'll palm her off to Jane's team next week!" I said as Jane pushed me in the back.

"I don't want your cast-offs. Besides Paula wouldn't want to go to your team. How many games is it now since you beat me?" I hated Jane at times! I didn't reply and hastily changed the subject. "Nicole you may get to see tears today after all. I have to see Dixon after my English lesson!"

"Was that what the note was about you got this morning? I thought it was a love letter from Martell!" She dipped into her pocket and passed round her cigarettes. It was quite chilly by the boat shed and the breeze blew a few leaves across the lake. I hoped it would be nice and warm when I took Martell out next Saturday.

Finishing our cigarettes, it was time to go to our next lessons. I made sure this time that everyone was sitting at their desks properly and that the blackboard was clean. Mr. Dixon came in and we all stood up. Seeing him again made me feel sick. Only an hour to go. I wondered if Nicole would run a book on how many stripes I got. I didn't doubt now that would be the final outcome. I did try. If only. Nah! No need to go over old ground and it wasn't as if I hadn't been given the stick before.

I was not too surprised by the calm of the class as I walked through the door. That warning would have been enough for Miss Holden, even she could see the point of keeping her girls in order. I decided to go a bit easier on her for this lesson. I didn't want her to be too put out with what I had planned for her.

She even asked nervously if she could be excused to go to the toilet. I could have made her wait for a while but decided against this action, no need to make the poor girl suffer more than was absolutely necessary. I'd keep that in mind though for the future. Fiona Natalie is really a good pupil when she tries. I do not think even the circle of friends she has is bad for her either. Even that little lesbian, Prior, seems to benefit from her. I found it difficult to focus on some aspects of the lesson as I thought about seeing that little Mouse behind stretched over this desk. I was thankful for the end of the lesson today. Miss Holden would stay behind. Nice touch that, seeing her after this lesson, make her a little more apprehensive about what her punishment would be.

Good girl, she's standing at her desk.

Jane wished me luck as she left. I could see the looks on the other girls faces too, that look which projects out 'rather her than me!' Nothing to be done now though. I stood there for 10 minutes before he spoke a word.

"Miss Fiona Natalie Holden!" Mr. Dixon still sat at his desk. "I'm appalled at your efforts to find the meaning of that word 'Chwiptin'. It is not only a bad piece of writing and only ten thousand words, I was very disappointed that I had to make so many corrections to your story. I began by counting the punctuation and spelling errors, but there were so many I was forced to give up.

In view of this poor performance in English, and Welsh for that matter, I regret that I have no choice and I fear your slip-shod approach deserves a sterner punishment!" His voice didn't raise in volume.

I still stood there with my hands clasped behind my back. I will be honest and say they were a little sweaty. When would this end? It was terrible, I just wanted to face my punishment, like a good Mouse, and start daisy-fresh.

"So I have decide to mete out your punishment this evening. I want you here at 8:45 on the dot. Have you got that girl?" He asked.

"Yes Sir!" I replied.

"Go on and play with your little friends."

"Thank you, Sir!"

My tummy swam as I realised I hadn't had anything to eat yet. Doubt if I could eat now anyhow. I ran to the toilet and dry retched yet again. My nerves were nearly shot. Where did teachers like Dixon get off treating young girls like that? After I left the toilets I walked down to the pond. The girls were there waiting for me. Martell spotted me first and ran up to me squeezing me tightly.

"Oh! Mouse! You're OK! He didn't do anything then?" There was a little tear of relief in her eye.

"No, believe it or not I have to see him tonight." We'd reached the others and they'd heard my statement.

"Mouse, that's awful! Can he do that? Why didn't he do anything just then?" Jane was seething. "He's a bastard!"

"Hey, come on girls, it will be alright at least this way I don't get expelled!" I tried to sound cheery for them. I wouldn't get upset as Martell looked really frightened.

"I saved you a sandwich and a piece of cake. I thought you'd miss lunch." Nicole was a darling.

We eat in comparative silence and a bit later I took Martell into the trees for a little piece of privacy. We don't have to shout stuff from the clock tower now do we?

"Mouse, you will be alright won't you? I don't know what I'd do if..." I cut her off.

"Don't be daft. I'll always be here for you, promise! It's not like I'm going to get shot or anything. I think the worst I get will be the slipper. Dixon didn't sound too angry with me earlier and he didn't persecute me during the lesson. Everything will be fine!" I hoped I sounded convincing.

The rest of the day passed very quickly. Too quickly. All I kept thinking was what would actually happen to me. My imagination was working overtime as I came up with all kinds of horrid ways I'd be punished. The only relief I got was that it wasn't the headmaster dealing with me. I reckoned that I'd have been out for sure and all of father's money would have been wasted.

I cleaned myself up and applied a little make-up. Nothing too obvious, just a little bit of almond eye shadow and a slightly pink lipstick. I made sure I had on a brand-new pair of white cotton knickers. I couldn't take the chance of extra punishment for improper uniform. As I studied myself in the mirror, Martell can up behind me and kissed my neck. "For luck!" She said.

"Thanks! I kinda guess I have to go." It was 7:30. As I left the dorm I was embraced by my friends in turn.

Outside room 20 everything was quiet. I looked at my little gold watch. It read 7:40. I felt sick. I didn't think I had enough time to get to the loo and spew. Butterflies now turned into humming birds, flapping away inside my tummy. This was it.

Mr. Dixon arrived as punctual as ever. I thought he might make me wait, though second thoughts made me realise he wanted to see if I was on time. I was nearly late, my legs had felt leaden as I had walked along the corridor. I hadn't even noticed the stern looks from the paintings of previous benefactors, headmasters and that sort of thing looking down on me. Doubtless they would have disapproved!

Mr. Dixon opened the door and motioned me to step inside. The sun was shining through the windows, a lot different from the rest of the day.

I stood in front of the desk yet again. I looked for my shoe prints in the flooring though as expected there wasn't any. Stupid imagination. When I looked up, Mr. Dixon had sat in his chair. I didn't want to meet his eye so I let myself wander. On the blackboard was the legend 'Fiona Natalie is becoming a problem' with a huge exclamation mark. 'Oops!' I thought. This is serious.

"Fiona Natalie," he began. I thought here we go. "I have decided that not only are you to be punished for your tardiness with your task, I am more importantly punishing you for your alcohol abuse!"

I felt light headed. Surely I was going to be let off for that?

"The first part of your punishment is going to be a spanking. Just to warm you up you understand! I don't want any fuss! If you do, it will mean things will get a lot harder."

"Yes, Sir!" Was all I could manage. I hadn't been spanked in anger since the last time father had done it when I was 8 years old. If this was meant to be humiliating then it was working.

As I lay myself prone across his lap I notice three canes in the corner. They were not there this morning, I was sure of it.

"Put your hands behind your back. Come on girl, you can balance!" He grabbed my wrists.

Fuck, it felt like a Chinese burn!

He lifted up my gymslip exposing my panties to the air. The next instant I felt a finger in my waistband as he started to bare my bottom. I went red! Even dad hadn't give it to me on the bare!

Thud! His palm hit my left cheek. Three followed alternately on each cheek. My bum felt hot but no worse than what Martell had done before.

"Stand up girl!" He pulled me up off him. "I don't want you to be too red for the main course!" He laughed at his silly joke.

Standing up, I pulled my panties back over my warm buttocks and smoothed down my gymslip.

"How many drinks did you have on Friday night?" He stood up and fetched the thin whippy cane from the corner.

"Three, Sir! Though I didn.." He cut me off abruptly.

"That's six for the drinking. Now for your homework, I'll add another four! What does that make girl?" He asked.

I had to count on my fingers since my brain refused to co-operate.

"Ten! Sir!" I looked him straight in the eyes. I said proudly.

"Very good! Now what is our school motto?"

"Motto Sir?"

"Yes, that nice piece of writing you girls have on your badges! Come on girl I expect that to come easier than this!"

"Honor Super Omnia!" I said, remembering with glee.

"Excellent! So I expect you to conduct yourself with just that during this punishment session. If you squeal or move, it will count as a repeater. Any coarse language and I will treble it. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Sir!" I replied timidly.

"Bend over the corner of the desk. Your first four will be with your panties on!" I did as I was told, lifting my gymslip, revealing once again my panties but I received a ticking off for my bum being too high.

"Get your arse down girl!"

I found this position really difficult as the corner of the desk was digging into my tummy. I heard a couple of swishes as he tested the cane in the air. I trembled. Hoping I wouldn't do anything wrong.

The first stroke hit me flat on both cheeks. I thought my lungs would burst. I'd forgotten to hold my breath and what little air I had came rushing out and seemed to burn me.

"Come on girl, have you forgotten? Count out loud!"

Fuck! Teachers really are sadists! He expects me to count as well?

"ONE! SIR!" I squeaked.

"That's good!" He said with a chuckle.

A rush of air and the second one was delivered. This time it was a lot harder than the first. I moved.

"Keep still, girl!" He shouted at me. Anyone in the corridor would have most probably turned to jelly at that voice. "I'm going to repeat that one!"

Swish. I felt the pain rise up my back. That one hit me above the second, though this technically was my second now.

"Yoww. Owww! Goddd!" I flinched and tried with a lot of will power not to rub my burning cheeks. I felt a trickle pass down the corner of my left eye.

"Two, Sir!" I fought back a sob, and though I tried to put a snarl in my voice, it must have come out as a weedy gurgle.

"That's good! Now I want you to think about the appalling spelling." The cane hit me for the third time without him pausing as he spoke those last words!

"Three!" I was just getting composed again when there was another swish and the fourth stroke bit into my flesh through my panties. I felt the heat rise and my knees started to buckle. Maybe it was the hockey? I hoped so.

"Four, Sir!" I jumped up with a yell. I couldn't resist it any more and rubbed furiously at my hot cheeks. I felt the ridges there already. I could imagine the bruises starting to come in the next half hour or so.

"Not good enough, Mouse! Get back down again! Another repeater! If you keep on like this you'll miss your cocoa!"

"Yes Sir! Sorry Sir!" I sobbed through my tears. This was going to be a really severe beating. I placed myself back on the edge of the desk. My tummy yet again pressed into the edge.

This repeater was the worse yet. I felt the rush of air, and that horrid whippy sound that this cane made, twice next to my buttocks but they didn't connect. I flinched and tensed up, which was the worst thing I could do. It hit finally, just below my buttocks, on the uppermost part of my legs.

"Fu.. Four!" I spoke with as much decorum as I could muster. At least I didn't swear. Tears were flowing copiously now.

"I remember your I.T. teacher saying that was the place that hurts you the most!" He held me down with his left hand and quickly striped me for the fifth time!

"Five!" I got up quickly. I was sore.

"I didn't tell you to get up did I child?"

"No Sir! I'm sorry sir I was just..." Yet again I was cut off without any chance to explain.

"Take this back into the corner and fetch the thick one."

I stood up and drying my eyes with my fists. I took the cane from him and did as I was asked. I presented the cane to him, palms up. I knew the procedure and the correct way of doing things. I wasn't about to let myself, or my house, down by forgetting such things.

"These I will administer on the bare. Just let your panties fall to the ground."

They fell with ease down my smooth legs.

"Bend over again, please. Ready?"

"Yes, Sir!" I replied as I once again bent over the desk. I felt his eyes admiring my behind.

"I want you to tell me what kind of alcoholic drink it was."

"Blueberry Vodka!" I said.

Thwaaack! The cane bore down on my soft behind.

"Yoww... six, Sir!" I cried even more than before.

"And what is it now, missy?" he asked!

"Poison, Sir! Deadly nightshade! Like my bruises, Sir!"

Another hit! Right on the first. I wasn't being spared anything. Nicole would be pleased to see me crying like this.

"Seven!" I sobbed even more.

"I want you to remember what that next one tasted like, Fiona!"

"Bitter, Sir!"

"Very good, my girl!"

The eighth came just as quick as the seventh. I couldn't even recall the sound or the dull thud as the piece of wood pushed my buttocks up.

"Eight, Sir! That was more bitter than the last, Sir!" I felt the front of my gymslip and blouse wet with tears.

Nine came, making a fresh indentation on my right cheek.

"Nine! Sir!" I got up and rubbed my cheeks fast, trying to get some nice sensation going. None was forthcoming and I'd realised too late that this was another repeater!

There was a whoosh of air as the cane missed me. I flinched again and the rod bit me once more, near my spine.

"You will learn, Missy! What did that one taste like?"

"Nine was even more bitter than eight, Sir!" I was sobbing uncontrollably now. Though I'd learnt my lesson and stayed put, waiting for the harshest one of all.

"Now, Miss Holden. This is the one I want you to remember every time you feel like a drink. You may turn your head." I did as I was told and saw the cane and his arm raised as high as it would go. As it bore down towards my naked buttocks I turned my head and concentrated as much as I was able onto the wood grain of the desk.

Thwapp! I felt my body physically move as the cane struck.

"Ten! Sir!" I squirmed and fidgeted.

"Well done, my girl! You may stand up now!"

I got up to face him with my head bowed. My knickers were still round my ankles and my gymslip had managed to get entangled in my house sash. Mr. Dixon paced around to my rear and examined the contusions on my poor battered arse. Admiring his handy work, no doubt!

"Very good, Miss Holden. I hope this has been a lesson to you, and your mischievous behaviour isn't repeated. I shall go and enter this in the punishment book."

I looked up at him and met eye contact. I could tell that my face was red and wet from my tears.

"Thank you, Sir! I'll make sure an incident like this never happens again!" I really meant it.

He came towards me and cuddled me. I cried in his arms and as he broke away said "You are dismissed!" and just as I opened the door to go out he added "Honor Super Omnia!"

I smiled and left the room massaging my globes.

When I got to the dorm I was greeted with three cheers from Martell, Jane and Nicole. I blushed, though with the state of my face it was probably hard to tell.

"Come on then Mouse, let us have a look!" Jane said as she hugged me.

I laid on my bed encircled by my friends. I gingerly lifted my gymslip and yanked down my panties, exposing my stripes proudly. Everyone gasped.

"Oh! My Poor Mouse!" Martell said and moved onto the bed with me.

"Even I didn't expect it would be so severe! How many?" Nicole was looking at the mess closely.

"Four with the hand. Should have been ten with two different canes though it came to twelve, I think, with repeaters!"

"You poor little shit, Mouse!" Jane said. "Let's leave them to it, Nicole, we'll see her when she feels better."

Martell was gently rubbing some salve into my bum cheeks and I saw a tear fall down her cheek.

They left me with Martell and I cried in her arms until I fell asleep.

Did she ever find the meaning of the word 'Chwiptin'? It's in there somewhere!!!