"Wake up! You'll be late!"

It had been a long morning. I awoke sore from the deflating air bed, surrounded by boxes. Despite my exhaustion, I had slept in and scrambled to dress myself into last-minute bought shoes and a blazer that was two sizes too big. I didn't mean to leave so abruptly, but I needed to get going. This did not go unnoticed and I received 'words' when I got home about proper manners and 'appropriate' behaviour and the like from Mum, but to be honest I really didn't care. I couldn't be late. With time to spare I stepped into the porch and strode towards the new day, brimming with confidence. However two steps onto the gravel, I realised I'd forgotten my bra.

My name is Cam. I'm fourteen and when we moved house I had to move schools. It was inconvenient and unexpected, and really pretty annoying, but any worries I had were answered with a metaphorical, patronising head pat.

"It'll be fine."

I tried to keep this mindset myself, but really, I knew it was too good to be true. I had lots of friends at my old school, and I was happy. Now I was torn away half way through the year. Options were chosen and GSCEs loomed closer; I was ready to experience the closing of high school with the people I'd grown up with. We'd worry together and laugh about the new grades that no one understood. But family comes first. I'll love the new house. I'll make friends right away. I'm a lovely girl. Great.

Striding out for a second time, I walked more self consciously than I ever had. I couldn't be late, that was for sure, but equally I couldn't power walk. You don't want to be the new girl who sprints to school everyday because she's super eager for learning. Tangled in my thoughts it wasn't long before I arrived, greeted by looming gates that just topped off my anxiety. As I walked I felt judgmental eyes burning into my soul, inspecting my every move and thought.

Smooth, grey paving lead me to the reception where I was greeted by a bitterly sweet receptionist called Tammy. She looked about 40 with her polka dot red and black M&S blouse and sparkly eyeshadow, but was probably only 30. She stood up quickly as I entered. Her roots were showing through her stripy 90s highlights and her boobs bounced as she moved.
"Hello! You must be..." She looked down at some paper work "Cam! Welcome Cam!"
She flashed me a wide grin. She had lipstick on her teeth.
"Ah, hi," I mumbled apprehensively.
"Don't be so shy! I'm Tammy! Claire should be here in a second, she's in your form. She's a lovely girl, you'll love her!"
I knew I wouldn't.
"Look, she's here now!"
And oh sweet lord was she.