I sat there in class, staring at the impossible Physics equation on the whiteboard. Sometimes I just want to kick the teacher's ass.
I twirled my pen around my fingers, not having a care in the world. I didn't care if I was put on detention. Again. My parents won't care; they're dead.
My eyes swung out at the Irish sky. I just wish I could float there, just me. In my own little world…
"Esther!" A loud bang hurled me back into reality
"Mr. Samson…?" I muttered. Here we go.
"If you don't start paying attention in class, I will have you reported to the school council!" He reminded me of a fairy tale ogre at times. Ugly. Old. Bedraggled.
Even his breath was an ogre stench. I tried so hard not to place my hand over my nose.
"Woe, sir! Subway this morning was it?" The class fell out of their seats laughing. I joined with the laughter, then suddenly realised what I just said.
"Esther Ridgeway! How DARE you speak to me in that manner!" I couldn't remember the rest of the rant.
I was too busy looking out the window from the corner of my eye.
A man stood a fair way from where I was looking. Even though he was a fair distance away I felt him looking right at me.
He gave a small wave, his mouth widening into a smile.
Then I started paying attention to my row again…
"…And I will see Mr Jeffries has something to say about this!" He grabbed my shirt and dragged me out of the classroom.
Screaming at the top of my voice, I tried to squirm my way back to my seat, but it was no use.
As soon as he slammed the door of his classroom, leaving us two alone in the corridor, it was my turn to rant.
"You can't do that! I can sue you for assault!"
"I didn't hurt you, child. I simply did the old fashioned thing; drag them out by the scruff of their neck. Or jumper for you."
I backed away from him so fast I fell onto the floor. I don't know why but I felt all this energy just flow inside me. It was painful.
The source of the pain throbbed on my left index finger, where the ring my dad gave me. Before he… nah, I won't bore you.
Mr Samson slowly crept towards me, a gleam in his eye.
"Esther. You've been a menace to this school ever since you stepped through those gates 3 years ago, with your showy pranks and your high attitude. But I've had enough, and I'm the only teacher brave enough to say that."
I edged away a little more, worry filling my guts. What the hell was he on? Yeah I know he was bonkers and only telling the truth, but what did he mean he's the only teacher 'brave' enough?
"What in the bleedin' hell are you talking about sir?" My voice went a tone higher because I was starting to crap my pants.
"Your dangerous Esther. To the teachers, pupils, the staff and the head. I thought now would be the time, to 'get rid of you'." He made the air quotes with his snivelling fingers.
Mr Samson fell to the floor and doubled up as if he were in extreme pain. I just lay there in shock. I was also amazed about how no pupils could hear this. Must be soundproof walls.
Mr Samson's head suddenly shot up. Two huge fangs (yes, I said fangs) extended from his jaw. He shot his eyes straight at me. They were pitch black.
I didn't know what the heck just happened, but as I saw in many horror movies there's only one thing the girl does. That's run like hell.
I jumped up and staggered slightly from the shock. Mr Samson jumped in unison and lunged for me.
Falling back onto the floor in perfect timing, Mr Samson went flying over my head and in a heap in the middle of the corridor. I found a chair abandoned by a few lockers and I threw it at the teacher. It smacked him in the head and he snarled in pain. My legs sprinted for the fire exit on the next left.
A faint growl from behind me seemed to drain my eardrums in fear, so I guessed he was up again. I grabbed the fire exit door and pulled with all my might. It wouldn't budge.
Remembering that the fire exit doors only open if the fire alarm is triggered, I kicked the door in anger.
What a crappy system, in such a crappy school.
The growl was getting louder. My brain fell short for ideas so I looked around wildly for a place to hide. My eyes darted over the janitor's closet.
I dived in and shut the door. Burying myself in the mops and washing up bowls, I threw my hands over my mouth.
The growl turned into a snarl. He sounded as if he was right outside the closet. I froze in fear. A tear rolled down my cheek.
"Mr Samson? Mr Samson? Can I have a word please?" A small voice rose from the other end of the corridor. That voice just saved my life.
I heard him squeal in panic, and another painful gasp. He gave a throaty cough and started walking.
"I thought I could hear your voice from somewhere!" It was the voice of Mrs Davey, head of Dramatic Arts.
"Yes, um, I was checking the fire safety door again. Heard some kids been trying to pull it open."
"Ah okay, cause I have a message for you and when I walked into your class you weren't there. Why would you leave your class to check on a door anyway?"
Their conversation started to fade away around the corner. As soon as I couldn't hear them I broke down and wept.
I had been so scared, petrified. My teacher, who has been teaching me Science and has been my registration teacher for the past 3 years, was some kind of psycho with really long teeth? Like some kind of vampire psycho?
My head dropped to my knees and wept a river.
The insanity I used to have was hanging on a tiny, worn out thread.
It's time for a chat to Uncle Frankie….