Chapter 2
Waterloo Road didn't seem a big scary place to Martha, she had been in the school her whole life, and she had spent more time in her mum's classroom during summer holidays helping to put up displays or sort through books than any kid should have to spend at school. She walked in behind her mum and stood in the middle of the entrance hall. "sweetheart do you know where you're going" Lauren said gently "yes mum, Mr Wilding's classroom, he's my form tutor" "ok, well that's…" "bottom of the stairs, turn left first door on the right" Martha said before her mum could finish. "ok well have a good day" Lauren said. "she'll be fine" Tom comforted his nervous daughter in law, "she's a Clarkson" he added proudly.
Before long it was time for morning assembly, all of the new year 7s filled the front seats of the hall before Tom walked up onto the stage "good morning, welcome back to another busy term" Tom started looking out at all of the students. Tom gave all of the important notices and welcomes and then it was time to start the new term properly. Martha made her way to her first lesson- English. She was keen to impress as her Grandad, Nana and Mum all taught the subject. She sat down and waited for Miss Kareshi to take the register. "Molly Lawson" Philip and Danielle's daughter, a quiet girl sat at the front who was the double of her mum with her red hair. Rachel and Eddie had adopted Philip when he was still at school and he had taken Eddie's surname. "Jake Smilie" Bolton and Michaela's son who was sat at the back of the room talking to the girl in front of him. "Martha Clarkson" "yes miss" Martha said quietly "Clarkson, as in Mr and Mrs Clarkson the head and deputy and Mrs Clarkson the English teacher" Jake said loudly. Martha didn't respond, "oi you, I'm talking to you" Jake said again kicking the back of Martha's chair "Jake, I will not tell you twice to stop talking" Jasmine said sensing that trouble was brewing "I only asked her a question init" Jake shouted "and I suggest you don't" Jasmine replied quickly. Martha was glad Jasmine had intervened at that moment. When morning classes were over the new year 7s made their way outside for break.
"Oi you, when I ask you a question I expect you to answer it" Jake said pushing Martha against a wall "leave her alone" Molly shouted trying to defend her new friend "out my way" Jake said again pushing Martha further against the wall. "please leave me alone, you're hurting me" Martha pleaded. "you need to realise short stuff, I am in charge around her and when I speak to you, you answer me got it" Just at that moment Tom came running across the playground after being told by Molly. "oi, what's going on" Tom shouted as he grabbed Jake by the collar "what do you think you were doing, cooler now" Tom said angrily "don't know where that is do I" Jake said smirking "I'll be happy to show you sunshine, looks like you'll be spending a lot of time in there" Eddie said as he had followed Tom over to what was happening. "are you okay, did he hurt you" Tom said to his now sobbing granddaughter "what happened" Tom added comforting her. "It was just a stupid thing from class" Martha said trying to not make a big deal of it. "it didn't look like nothing" Tom said conscious of the fact he didn't want it to look like she was getting special treatment "I'm fine sir, honestly" Martha said smiling. As they made their way back into school Molly caught up with Martha, "I know what its like you know, to have family working here" Molly said, "my grandad is Mr Lawson and my mum works here too, she's a music teacher" Molly added. Martha felt comforted by the fact that she didn't seem to be the only one. Lauren had heard about what had gone on and went to find Martha only to be stopped by Eddie on the way. "Trust me Lauren, the last thing Martha will want is for you to go and make a big deal out of things" Eddie advised "I know but that horrible child hurt my girl" Lauren said panicking "yeah, it's been dealt with love, honestly don't worry you will be doing her more of a favour by not making a big deal out of it all" Eddie said putting his arm around Lauren.