It was fine. The 'dumping ground' as they liked to call it was fine, no good. People here are nice, they included me and made an effort and well so did I. I tried to be myself and hoped it was coming through. Not in a crazy way but in a normal way. Everyone here was different but they were all friends. Some were closer than others, like Rick and Tyler. Then there was Baily and Johnny who acted like they hate each other but secretly get on quiet well. The 3 younger ones stuck together and played around. I usually try to avoid getting involved in there games after I ended up tied to a chair for an hour on my third day. Then there is Tee and Carmen being typical teenage girls, I can keep up with them the most especially when it comes to make overs, I seem to have a skill there. Despite this everyone is really close like brothers and sisters, on many occasions I have been pulled into random hugs or had someone sit on me. The only person who lacks this is Carmen when it comes to the boys. She always seems to want more from Rick and Johnny, but I guess that's just the hormones.

So the home is good. I think I will actually manage to survive this part of my new life. I'm even enjoying it, waking up in the morning (all though early) is fun. Breakfast is always interesting and usually ends up with food in someone's hair, but I've learnt it's easy enough to avoid it. But this morning was different, when I got down stairs Mike was standing in the kitchen looking shifty. Everyone else was sitting around normally and no one appeared to have been shouted at so why did he look guilty? Looking up from the sink he turned to face me.

"Morning Anna, Listen I need to talk to you about something."

"Umm…okay."

"We need you to start school on Monday; Rick is going back after his mock exams which means it is a good time for you to join the year."

I stood there numb. I had forgotten about the real world outside this place. I was happy here, I was safe. I couldn't go to a new school, I couldn't go to school. That was where things got worse. It was where hell began. I didn't realise I was moving until I backed into the wall.

"I can't. Not again. I'm sorry."

And then I ran, I must have looked so stupid but right then I didn't care. I headed through the kitchen and out into the Garden. Heading past the vegetable patch I spotted a gap in the wall which would conceal me a little bit. I just needed to think. Crawling in, I just fit and then I let my tears fall. I couldn't go through the bullying of school again. Being called names which didn't even fit my situation. I was in care but I had a family. Abused for being smart. I was pushed and beaten, the school was worse than the home. I couldn't do it again, not this time especially seeing as I am happy.

I don't know how long I was sat there. I don't think it was that long, but in the early morning air I was freezing. So that's why the feeling of warmth was more shocking of cold, as thick hoodie was flung over my shoulders.

"The idea of having to go to school with me was that repelling, huh?" Ricks accent cut through the cold in my body and warmed me.

"You know it's really freezing out here Anna and I just gave you my jacket. We could talk inside?"

Instead of moving I swung my legs around so there was room for Rick to sit down next to me. My voice came out weak and brittle with tears.

"Not yet, I need to stop crying first. I already feel terrible because I ran off."

Rick had slide onto the wall next to me and with great difficulty had placed his arm around my shoulder.

"Anna you'd be surprised how many times things like that happen. I'm surprised you haven't seen anyone run of in tears yet. Thing is there is always someone hear to talk to and we usually understand."

"I was bullied at both my old schools. It was like they knew I have been bullied before so they go for me. I was always so miserable and because I'm happy here I don't want to lose that happiness."

"It's really not that bad a place. I'm the only care kid who goes to this school and I have never been bullied about it. I'll look after you I promise; who knows maybe we'll have some of the same classes after all it's not exactly a big school."

I stood up slowly and turned to face Rick, reaching out my hand. Once he took it I pulled him up so we were face to face.

"Has Mike got my uniform? I'm intrigued."

Ricks serious face, broke into a grin. He had slight dimples and a lopsided smile.

"Wow that was easier than expected. I was expecting to have to grovel and bribe you with a secret stock of Ben and Jerry's."

"If that offer is still on I wouldn't mind a bowl. I do want to see my uniform first though, especially if it's in my room I'm going to have to save it from Carmen."

Noticing Rick had never let go off my hand, he pulled me up the garden.

"Rick I'm not that in a rush."

"I know but I haven't eaten breakfast yet and with Tyler you have to eat quickly or it'll be gone."

"Oh so the rush isn't about me. It's about your belly."

"You'll learn pretty much everything is about my belly. But I did come and talk to you before food so I think you should be honoured."

"Fine, you've got a good point though I am starving."

We kept walking up towards the house, as we got closer I went to drop my hand but Rick kept a tight hold. I wasn't sure what was going on but this was new. Looking to the side at Rick, I got butterflies. Tingles edged through my body, I really hoped it was just me warming back up. I could risk losing a friend because I have slight feelings for him. No one could find out about it. All though whatever Rick was thinking, he wasn't one for subtlety as he walked us straight into the kitchen holding hands. Luckily only Tyler and Tee where in there. Tyler spotted us and raised an eyebrow but Tee didn't even notice. Rick dropped my hand and grabbed two plates. Just as Mike walked in.

"You know Rick you should just become a care worker, would have taken me a long time to convince her school isn't that bad."

"He promised me ice cream so I wouldn't get to excited Mike. Have you got my uniform? If I'm going to go I hope it's a decent uniform."

Mike just smiled and went to go get it. I guess this will just be another thing I'll have to grin and bear it.