James was anxious about his first day at St Argyllâs boarding sixth form college; he tried to hide his nervousness from his mother; âeverything all right?â she asked.
âGreat, I canât waitâ fibbed James.
When they reached St Argyllâs lane, James began to sweat slightly. He and his parents pulled up just outside the main entrance, Mr Cartwright came out to greet them. âAh, you must be Mr and Mrs Neilson, and James, weâve been expecting you, come this way.â
A few moments later they reached the Head Masterâs office. âTake a seat, please.â
âThank youâ James and his parents said simultaneously.
âNow, letâs see. Youâve paid all the relevant fees and have had the meeting with Dr Gregg have you not?â asked Mr Cartwright rhetorically.
âThatâs correctâ Mrs Neilson replied.
âWell then thatâs all I require of you, Mr and Mrs Neilson, thanks you for coming. Miss Hartley will show you outâ.
James hugged good-bye to his parents â trying fervently to hold back the tears. They then left the Head Masterâs office and got back in the car. James peered out of the blind-covered window as best as he could to see his parents leave. He turned round timidly when Mr Cartwright re-entered the room. âRight, now, Iâve appointed a Fletcher Williamson to be your guide, heâs a very diligent student, so he wonât lead you astray. Now do your best to make friends because youâre here for two years day and night; you should count yourself lucky, we donât usually allow outsiders in to the school, youâve your fatherâs wallet to thank for your being here. Have you anything to say?â
âNo.â muttered a companionless James.
Mr Cartwright instructed a prefect to show James to his room. It was 4pm so all the boys were in their rooms after an arduous first day of the school year.
âSo, youâre gonna be this new guyâs mentor?â asked Phil.
âYeaâ, replied Fletcher with a smirk, âHe sounds all right, we should have some fun withâŠâ
A knock was heard on dorm 23. Fletcher opened it while Tom doused out his fag in case it was a teacher. Fletcher looked down at James.
âI believe this is my room, Iâm James Neilson, Iâm new here.â Uttered a very tense James.