A/N: Thanks for the continuing support with this even though my updates suck at the minute because of college work and preparation for uni. Enjoy :)
CHAPTER 36
(Poppy's POV)
When we reached school I sat in the car just watching people walk past. I always use to feel safe here with Rachel close by but now the thought of going into that building filled me with dread. I could see Amy Porter stood up on the field with her posey of screaming girls. Lara placed her hand on my arm and my eyes snapped up to meet hers.
"It's okay to be nervous... It's your first day back" She said
"I'm not scared" I said grabbing my bag and opening the car door
I stood outside the car door and slipped the strap of my bag over my head and onto my shoulder. I headed for the door, my bag banging against my bum as I walked. I went to my locker and put my key in the lock turning it and opening the door. A folded piece of paper fell onto my shoes and I bent down to retrieve it. I opened it out...
WELCOME BACK WHORE! I'M WATCHING YOU!
Had she seriously still not let this go? I sighed... I just couldn't be bothered to carry on this rivalry crap.
"Poppy... Welcome back" Miss Boston said from the stairs behind me
I spun round in surprise and shoved the screwed up piece of paper in my hand. She continued to walk down the stairs until she reached me.
"You've been moved to my form..." Miss Boston informed me
I didn't say anything, just looked at the floor.
"Is everything okay Poppy?" She asked, sensing something wasn't quite right
"I'm fine... I need to erm... Yeah" I mumbled walking past her and rushing up the stairs, I dropped the paper and stopped at the top of the stairs to see where it had landed.
Miss Boston had it in her hand unravelled... She looked up and her eyes met mine in a sympathetic look. I turned and ran down the corridor tears stinging my eyes.
"Poppy wait!" She called but I was gone
I made it to the toilets and dropped my bag I kicked the doors to all the cubicles open and then punched one of the mirrors, it shattered centering from my clenched fist, I pulled my hand away and slammed it hard into the broken glass a couple more times, screaming as I did so. I eventually sunk down against the wall, sobbing. My knuckles we're cut and sore and my entire hand was throbbing.
(Nikki's POV)
Poppy turned up to form late, she had no reason because she'd been here long enough but I decided to let her off... It was her first day back and she had a lot on her plate. I'd seen the note someone had left her this morning and I had my suspicions it had something to do with Amy Porter. My entire form was seated and there was only one empty seat available next to Karla Bentham.
"You're late, sit down" I told her
She slumped down in a chair beside Karla and rested her chin on her arms. I took the register... But Poppy didn't reply. Form time was interrupted by a visit from Rachel.
"Can I just have a quick word with Poppy?" She asked
"Yep... Poppy" I said
Poppy stood silently and walked out of the door with Rachel, I watched them talking through the glass. Well Rachel spoke Poppy just stood there quietly, then she walked off down the corridor. Rachel went after her but walked back a few minutes later. When the bell rang my form filed out. I waited until the corridors had cleared and then headed to the staffroom.
On the way I heard something... The corridors were deserted so I could hear it easily, I followed the sound of quiet sobbing and sniffing to the stairs... Poppy was sat halfway down the stairs with her head against the wall. I walked down and sat beside her, she frantically wiped the tears away trying to get herself together.
"I know its hard coming back after you've had time off..." I told her
"You're telling me? I use to be something here, people were scared of me. Now they know everything... I'm just a joke" She said
I took her hand, looking at the grazed, bruised knuckles.
"I think you and me need a little chat" I said standing up "Come on..."
I took her back to the PRU, it was never used anymore and it had its own kettle. Poppy sat down at one of the desks and sighed.
"Do you remember when I first met you?" I asked
"Yeah. I ran away from you and shouted at you and kicked off"
"Yeah you did in traditional Poppy style, the Poppy I know stands up for herself... When you came here were you instantly popular?" I asked
"No..."
"You earned it... So don't back down now... Are you really going to let Amy Porter ruin you?" Miss Boston asked
She was right! Amy Porter was not killing me off... This was my school and she was not getting it. I stood up and smiled.
"Thanks miss" I smirked
A/N: So what's Poppy gonna do? Reviews are always welcome... :) xxx