Fifteen Going on Grown Up (2 page)

“Good morning everyone. We will not be keeping you long. We realise this is an unusual situation and thank you all for your patience and understanding. We also realise you are all rather cramped and will soon become hot so we will get straight to the point.”

It was customary for Mr Hopkins to speak as a collective.

“We have with us today Inspector Miller who has some very serious news to pass on to you.”

He stood back and the Inspector stepped forward.

“Good morning. Some of you may be aware of a series of burglaries at off licences recently. Well today we have apprehended a group of teenagers who we believe to be involved. Some of these people are students at this school. What we would like you to do is inform either us or your Head Teacher if you have bought or know of anyone who has bought alcohol or cigarettes from anyone. We would like to stress that any information you give us will remain strictly confidential and if you have purchased any of these goods and come forward you will not be prosecuted. Thank you, if you have any questions two of my officers will be at the school throughout the day to speak to.”

The inspector stood back and Mr Hopkins again spoke.

“We are sure you are all aware of the seriousness of the situation and therefore any help from you will be greatly appreciated. Teachers, would you like to begin dismissing your classes from the back and front of the hall.”

A murmur arose throughout the hall as the students began to file out and head towards their first lessons.

The first part of the morning was quite unsettled and by break time both students and teachers were glad of a rest. Hally and Clia hurried to meet up with Corrinne. The three girls were in the same sets for all of their lessons except Maths. Hally and Clia were in the second set and Corrinne was in the top set. Her Maths was outstanding and she was predicted an A star grade in her exams but she was not in the least big headed about it. Whenever anyone mentioned it she just brushed it off with

“Oh I just have a knack for it.”

The three girls made their way to their favourite bench in the courtyard and sitting down rummaged through their bags for snacks. As they passed them to each other Corrinne exclaimed to the other two.

“On my way to Maths I heard Clarky talking to Double O Seven. He said Dana and Penny were with five oh.”

Double O Seven was the nickname the students had given to Miss Wateley the head of year ten because she always seemed to know exactly what was going on even when the students tried to keep something from her.

“So that was why Clarky called them over this morning.”

Exclaimed Hally.

“Wonder how involved they are?”

Answered Clia. Corrinne shrugged.

“I only heard that bit but I bet they’re in deep. You know they’re always hanging out with Cob’s crowd and he’s been inside at least three times already.”

“Well it might keep them off my back for a while then.”

Hally replied with a smile.

“They won’t be able to spoil this birthday for me.”

She was referring to last year when Dana, Penny and several other girls had cornered her at breaktime on her birthday and thrown tampons at her because she had only just started her period the day before.

“Speaking of which, what are you doing tonight?”

Asked Clia. Hally missed the sly wink she gave to Corrinne.

“I think mum and dad are taking us out for a meal but that was only mentioned in passing at breakfast this morning.”

Hally replied.

“Oh ok but when you get back give us a call and we can come round.”

Clia told her.

The bell went that ended their conversation and after putting their rubbish in the bin they began to stroll towards their next lesson. None of them went enthusiastically; it was History and not a favourite subject with the threesome. However it was greatly cheered up by the absence of Dana and Penny which gave the whole class some interesting conversation in between the discussion on the Second World War.

The rest of the school day was uneventful and to Hally a little disappointing as nobody was able to shed any further light on the Dana and Penny situation. So when the final bell went signalling the end of the school day Hally, Clia and Corrinne happily left and made their way home.

No one was at home when Hally got there, this was not unusual. Nathan would almost certainly be dawdling home from primary school with his friends and kicking a football about on the way with mum strolling along with him. Mum went most afternoons to Hally’s grandparents and picked Nathan up from school after. Depending on how much playtime mum let Nathan have on the way home, they would not be in until at least four o’clock. Hally loved this little bit of quiet time by herself. She dropped her bag on the table, kicked her shoes into the cupboard in the hall and dived for the fridge. Moments later she emerged with a can of cola and an apple and settled on the sofa with her favourite music channel on the television.

Just after four mum and Nathan came in together and the usual bustle of evening family life began. Nathan was typically covered in dirt with green stains on his elbows; and mum was as usual, trying to unpack shopping she had picked up on the way home whilst listening to Nathan gabble on about the next school football match with his head half covered with the sweatshirt he was removing to throw into the laundry. Hally knew if she waited just ten minutes Nathan would be in his room getting changed and mum would be free to listen to her day. It was only the last year that Hally had realised that a little patience with her brother would give her and her mother time to talk without interruption. Her mum had noticed the almost sudden maturity in her daughter and welcomed it, as the squabbles between her two children competing for her attention at the same time was always stressful. Now she was able to ask Hally what sort of a day she had had without one of them screaming at her that they had been trying to tell her something.

Hally poured water from the kettle she had boiled into two cups and squeezed out the tea bags. Handing one to her mum they both sat at the kitchen table and Hally relayed the events of the day. Her mum listened attentively and when Hally finished said to her daughter.

“I knew one or both of those two would end up in serious trouble. Neither of their parents seems to care what they do or where they go. It’s funny, Mrs Teety was only talking about the break ins when I went with your granddad to the post office today. She said the police had caught some people.”

“Well we have all been trying to find out where Dana and Penny fit in but no one at school seems to know. I ‘spect it will come out soon, stuff usually does at school.”

For a while the two sat drinking their tea in silence, then mum said.

“Changing the subject, we thought we would go to Gesslers tonight, how’s that with you?”

“That sounds great, thanks mum.”

Hally replied. Gesslers was a local restaurant and a favourite with most families because it had three sections. One was secluded and intimate with booths rather than just open tables. There was also a formal dining area with white linen and candles and the third and biggest section had large tables that could accommodate groups. The menu was wide and catered for all tastes and occasions.

Mother and daughter chatted for another half hour and then Hally made her way to her room to get changed and do some homework. She had got into the habit of doing her homework straight away right from the beginning of secondary school, so she would have the rest of the evening to herself and so the homework didn’t pile up. Most of the other students she knew thought she was mad and left theirs to the last minute but Hally was a very organised girl. Clia had followed Hally’s habit but Corrinne had a fixed homework timetable and stuck to it rigidly.

By six thirty Hally was in the shower preparing for her birthday meal at Gesslers. Lately she spent quite some time on getting ready for an evening out, styling her hair and applying makeup. Mum had given her many good tips about her makeup so now she wore enough to enhance her natural beauty but didn’t overdo it like some of the other girls at school who ended up looking like painted dolls.

Gran and Granddad arrived at just after seven and Hally wrapped her arms around each of them, holding her Gran for some time.

“Thank you for the bracelet.”

She whispered to her Gran.

“I knew you would like it angel, especially keep an eye on the compass charm. It’s very old and will help you find your way.”

Gran replied lovingly.

At eight o’clock the whole family arrived at the restaurant. They were taken to a long table that was already occupied and very quickly Hally realised that her parents had arranged a surprise for her. Corrinne and Clia were at the table along with six close friends from school. Hally sat down opposite Clia and smiling said.

“You crafty pair you kept this quiet.”

Clia and Corrine just grinned and that completed the wonderful birthday Hally had that year.

Chapter 2

The Party

Saturday morning was cloudy and damp. Hally looked out of her bedroom window and groaned. They had all been hoping for a nice dry day as the party was planned mainly for the garden. Her actual birthday had been terrific and now her parents had agreed to let her have a party at home so other friends from school and outside of school could celebrate with her too. This was to be Hally’s first grown up party. She hadn’t had a birthday party since she was in year six and about to leave primary school so she was looking forward to this immensely.

Outside Hally could see her dad arranging chairs and tables and erecting a couple of large gazebos. At least there would be shelter if it did rain later. The barbeque was all set up too and without even going down Hally knew her mum would be in the kitchen organising food
and drinks. Hally truly believed her parents were first class party organisers. Each year they put on a party for family and friends on their wedding anniversary and it was always a great success.

After showering and drying her hair Hally made her way towards the kitchen in search of food.

“Don’t go getting in my way now.”

Mum told her. Giving her mother a wide berth Hally opened the fridge and stood for a while looking in. She couldn’t find anything she fancied so moved on to the cupboards. With a slightly irritable note in voice her mum said.

“What are you looking for?”

“I don’t know, I’m hungry but can’t find anything to eat.”

This was obviously a contradiction as the cupboards and fridge were always full. Hally’s mother knew her two children enjoyed their food but tried to make sure they didn’t eat too much junk food, so she bought a huge variety of products that they could nibble on but were healthy at the same time. She wasn’t a health fanatic and did provide her off spring with the usual tasty snacks all youngsters enjoyed but tried to balance these with others that did not have as much fat or sugar.

Finally Hally settled on a bowl of cereal followed by an apple and toast with marmite. Whilst munching her toast Nathan came flying into the kitchen from the garden yelling.

“MUM, MUM, DAD’S CUT HIS FINGER AND IT’S BLEEDING ALL OVER THE PLACE.”

Mum put down the colander she was shaking and rushed into the garden to her husband. Hally, taking her toast with her followed. Outside Hally saw her parents underneath a gazebo and heard her father saying to her mother.

“It’s alright May it’s only a little scratch.”

“Let me have a look Colin.”

Her mother replied taking his hand in her own. As Hally got near she could see a smear of blood on her dad’s hand. She heard her mother sigh and tell her father.

“When I get hold of him…”

Hally knew this meant Nathan and knew he was in trouble. She grinned and made her way back to the kitchen still eating her toast.

“Oh you’re in for it Natty.”

She told her brother whose rear end was sticking out of a cupboard as he delved for a packet of crisps.

In a muffled voice he replied.

“Why what have I done?”

As Hally began to explain Nathan emerged from the cupboard with two packets of crisps and a handful of breadsticks. At the same time her parents came through the back door and mum, already annoyed with Nathan marched over to him with a serious frown on her face.

“Those breadsticks are for the party and when are you going to stop exaggerating everything Nathan. Now I suggest you take yourself off to your room for a while and let me get on with things down here.”

“Aw mum…”

Nathan began but the look his mother gave him stopped him complaining further and dropping his head and with hands clutching his snacks he stomped off towards the stairs. As soon as he was out of the room Hally’s parents looked at each other and grinned.

“Well he’s got to learn.”

Mum said to no one in particular. Dad kept quiet as he washed his hands and applied a sticking plaster to the small cut on his thumb.

By seven that evening the garden had been transformed into a perfect party venue with chairs and tables scattered around and nets of lights inside the gazebos. Tea light lanterns rested on each table and there was a cooler filled with ice and loaded with bottles of soft drinks.