"That project has to be in for Monday, class," concluded Ms Hallover, as class 7E packed their books into their schoolbags and whispered to each other excitedly about what they had planned for the glorious weekend ahead. "And Amy, I need an A from you on this one or you will be taking remedial History every evening from now till my retirement."

The eleven year old named Amy sighed stressfully as she saved her notes on the Dark Age on her palm top. She had enough anxiety in her life without having to stay up half the night writing about some old geezers who were long forgotten by now…

She casually stayed late after class to attempt pleading with the Ice Witch who was her History teacher. Ms Hallover was possibly the route of all evil in London, Florida. A slim, tight lipped, essay giving woman who could find no other pleasure in her life than making teenagers life a living hell. As Amy pondered on these thoughts she wondered if the upcoming discussion could do more harm than good.

" Ms Hanover," she casually began, "Is there anyway I can maybe postpone my essay, 'cus I got a lot of stuff going on right now, and, well, kinda complicates it even more…"

"Forgive me, Miss Adams," began Ms Hanover, employing her favourite tone of voice that chilled Amy right to the bone, "but I do not believe any household situation should excuse you from doing this project. In fact, I believe a letter home to your mother would be more than necessary for your behaviour. Stay just another moment as I write the email."

Ms Hanover began to write the letter, and read aloud as she wrote: "Mrs. Adams, I write to you about the unacceptable behaviour of your daughter at the end of class today. Amy Adams tried to bargain for extra time to do a project on the Dark Ages because of certain "household issues". Your daughter is now expected to have a very high mark in her project if she wishes to continue in my class. Yours Sincerely, Ms Hanover."

"Well, Miss Adams," asked the teacher, "will that be suffice?"

Amy stood bewildered for a few seconds, before cursing her bad luck. She realised that she must not show any weakness in front of the teacher; Amy wouldn't let Ms Hanover get the better of her.

"Certainly, I can't wait to do it, Ms Hanover."

Amy walked out of the classroom cool and collected, but as she left the room she couldn't control her anger at this stupid school. Ms Hanover could stuff her project, because Amy was having none of it. She wouldn't waste her time on some History, it was well in the past, why not live in the present?

Amy dwelled on this anger as she was walking home, and was so fully immersed that she walked right into someone as she rounded the corner. The stranger was actually her friend Thomas, who she immediately greeted and hugged. Thomas was slightly small for his age and also slightly heavy. He was a kind-hearted soul who was very easy to talk to and a good listener.

"Hey Thomas," she spoke, "how are you keeping?"

"Okay, very busy at work, so I'm exhausted these days! What about yourself? That school better be treating you well!"

"Well, the way they are going about it, I may have been better of leaving it and going away to Australia," Amy bitterly replied, "but other than that, I guess I'm fairly well!"