Chapter 13

Kate spent the next day attacking her room while taking breaks for meals. By the time the sun was setting Kate's room was spotless. Everything was sorted into boxes and clothes that were in ok condition were hung up in her wardrobe waiting to be used or were put in basket ready to be washed. Kate sat on her bed with a sigh. She liked her room like this. She knew where everything was and she could take some pride in it, that she had it all by herself with just a little bit of help. She couldn't wait to show her best friend Sam.

Mrs. Marshall entered the room with a knock on the door. Kate looked up as she walked in.

"Wow Kate you have done a really good job on your room. Do you want to help me with the rest of the house?" Mrs. Marshall's eyes sparkled but her face remained serious.

"Of course Ma'am, it's my house, so I have to help keep it clean. Which room did you want me to start on tomorrow?" Kate asked.

Mrs. Marshall sighed. She moved into the room and sat down on the chair that was at Kate's desk.

"Kate, it's going to have to wait til Saturday. You have to go back to school tomorrow."

Kate looked at Mrs. Marshall.

"Why do I have to go to school? It's too difficult and too boring. The only reason I like school is that I get to see my friend Sam. I don't like all the work that Ms. Palmer makes us do." Kate's face was deadly serious.

"Look Kate." Mrs. Marshall paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. "You need to go to school." She held up a hand to stop Kate from interrupting. "Kate it's important you get an education. You don't always want to stay here for the rest of your life, do you?"

"N-no Ma'am, I don't. I want to go and do something important." Kate said firmly.

"Well if you want to do something important you need to have a good education. So what we are going to do is, send you to school and then when you get home we are both going to work on your homework. By the time you finish school you are going to be the top student in the school. Don't you want to be proud that you can achieve something?"

"Ah, yes Ma'am. Its just I never understand everything Ms. Palmer says." Kate paused then asked very shyly, "Do you really think I can be smart enough to be the top student?"

For the first time since Kate had met Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Marshall smiled. It was a nice kind smile, it changed her face completely. It was a nice change thought Kate.

"Yes Kate I really think you could be the top student. You just need to study and do your work. How about we get you ready for tomorrow? So let's make your lunch together and get your uniform out. So that way you're not rushing round the house tomorrow, you'll be pretty much ready to go. Come on lets get started."

Kate thought about it. It would be nice to have lunch at school for a change. Usually, she didn't have time to get something for lunch in the morning. She nodded to herself as she followed Mrs. Marshall out to the kitchen. Yes, making your lunch the night before was a good idea. Though, going to school Kate still wasn't sure if that was a good idea.

Two hours later, Kate had her lunch made as well as had dinner and helped Mrs. Marshall with the dishes. They had played a game of scrabble in which Mrs. Marshall had won but Kate was determined to beat her next time. Kate just had to learn more words that was all she thought. She was walking up to her room to get her uniform out then she was going to have a bath.

She opened her cupboard out and pulled out her uniform. It was still rumpled but it was clean of all stains. It was an improvement Kate thought. Kate put it on her chair all laid flat and ready to go.

Mrs. Marshall came in. "Kate you got your uniform out yet?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Kate said while pointing to her chair.

"Kate! You can't go to school like that. It would be disgraceful come on lets go iron it." Mrs. Marshall said.

"I-iron it? What's that and what does it do? How will it make my school uniform better?" Kate was curious.

"Just get your uniform and follow me."

Kate picked up her uniform and followed Mrs. Marshall to the laundry.

"Ok Kate, I want you to sit here." Kate was picked up and put on top of the freezer box. She could now see what Mrs. Marshall was doing. She had a hand device in her hand and she had plugged it in.

"Kate, this is an iron. It's very hot so you have to be careful. I'm going to show you how to iron, not that you'd be doing this for a few years but it's always good to know something. Now pass me your uniform."

Kate handed her uniform over and before her eyes, Kate saw magic unfold infront of her. Her uniform lost all its creases and it became smooth. Kate's eyes widened in fascination.

"How are you doing that?" Kate asked in awe.

Mrs. Marshall paused as she turned to look at Kate. She coughed to hide her laughter.

The iron is hot and when it is at the right temperature when you rub it on material it will get rid of all the lines or creases. If it's really hard to get out you use this button, it lets out some steam." Whoosh, white little clouds appeared out of the end of the iron. "See. Now doesn't that look so much better?" Mrs. Marshall held up the school uniform in her hands all crease free.

"Wow! That's amazing! Why can't I have a go?" Kate asked.

"Because Kate you could burn yourself and we don't want you to get hurt." Mrs. Marshall added quickly as she saw Kate's face fall, "But you can come and watch me iron if you like."

Kate smiled. It was the first one in what felt like a long time. "I'd like that very much Ms."

"Well, come on Kate why don't you go have a bath now. While you get undress I'll run the water." She lifted Kate down onto the ground then turned off the iron. She then went to run the bath for Kate.

Kate stared at the iron for a moment then turned and followed Mrs. Marshall out to go and have her bath.

A/N: Hi guys! Yes I know it's been ages but things have been soo hectic but I won't bore you with all the details on it. I'm sorry its taken soo long to update, esp. when I had finished writing this one a long time ago. Please leave a review and let me know what you think about this story.

Cheers,

Fantasy