CHAPTER FIVE

"Hello and welcome to the start of a new year back at Borderline Secondary!" Misty Flaire stood at the front of the assembly hall, her silver-blonde hair now chopped into a bob, and a smile full of charisma placed on her face. "This will most likely be an exciting year for many, but don't think that you've escaped exams quite yet!"

Dana groaned, rolling her eyes. Exams were the worst. Next to her, Ben was wrecking havoc on his school bag, hidden so that no one would see as he drew smiley faces and curse words on it. On the other side of Dana was Finn, who was strangely quiet. Like everyone who knew him, Dana suspected that he was planning a stupid prank that would land a stylish outfit in A&E. Just like last spring, when her new scarf was blown away by a wind machine that Finn managed to drag into the Science class from the Staff room.

"Alright, I know it sucks." Misty grinned, gesturing for the students to calm the protests. "But it has to be done, otherwise you'll all end up cleaning toilets. No one wants that, do they?"

She was met with hushed murmurs. Seeming satisfied, the senior teacher carried on. "Right. So this assembly is going to be based around Family Legacy Day. I suppose you've all learnt about the founding families?"

Ben dropped the bag he had been wrecking, glancing up with complaint. "No, miss! Please not this, anything but it!" He called, followed by many other comments.

"Sorry, kids." The teacher waved her hands. "Anyway, long story short, the founding families were constantly battling with hardships. But after many years, they decided to settle their differences and create laws and regulations to keep everyone safe. Family Legacy Day celebrates that. We will have many attractions, including an awards ceremony. Be on your best behaviors."

Finn smirked cheekily. "Best? Come on, miss, you know that's impossible with me around."

"Everything is impossible with you around, Finn." Misty laughed, and many students joined in. Ivy nudged Finn and Ben started teasing the boy, throwing other comments at him.

"Carrying on..." Misty continued with a wink in the student's direction. "Family Legacy Day is on November 8th. It isn't compulsory, but it's best if you do attend, at least for a while, especially if you're family is directly involved with the founding families."

Ben groaned and mumbled under his breath, "I'm screwed then. Bring me some of your dad's nice beer, would you, Dana?"

"Shut up, idiot." Dana fake-slapped him, grinning the entire time. "Get your own beer."

"Alright, calm down." Dana's attention was drawn back to Misty, who had clapped her hands several times. "The bell is about to go, so if you'd all leave in a sensible fashion, then you can get to your classes quickly."

Ben killed his bag! Did you see it? -H.

Dana glanced upwards and towards Hazel, who sat opposite her. The said girl was smiling and attempting not to be seen by Miss Fare, the snappy English teacher who was busy marking work at her desk. Dana nodded, seeing the multi-colored bag out the corner of her eye. Ben seemed content enough, flicking through the boring book they had been given to study.

Checking that Miss Fare wasn't looking, Dana managed to find a spare piece of paper and began scrawling on it, naturally in her new glitter pen. Every so often, Dana would look up and if the teacher was looking, she'd pretend to be taking notes.

I see it. You going to Family Legacy Day? How about the after party? - D.

When Miss Fare was focusing on her electric pencil sharpener (and learning how to use it - it was the first time she was forced to use something remotely technology related), Dana threw the note, aiming straight for Hazel. It landed short, and Hazel was forced to drop her pencil, fall to the floor and crawl to grab the note.

Dana watched her friend read the note, thinking how note-sending was so much more entertaining than the book they were being made to read. She noticed how Ben had decided to write in a notebook, probably drawing rude pictures, and how was yawning every once in a while. Many other students, she reflected, had barely touched their books. Miss Fare didn't even care - well, she did, but the students knew how to not do their work.

And then she found a note land on her desk. Ever so quietly, Dana unfolded the note, reading it in her head.

Of course. Not sure that I'll attend the after-party, because my Mom is strict about alcohol. You? -H.

"What's that note about?" Ben leaned over and hissed, smiling.

"Me and Hazel were talking about Family Legacy Day and the party after."

Quickly, Dana scrawled down her words. As she did so, she thought how nice is was that she had so many friends, and that she was able to pass notes to each other freely; or as freely as Miss Fare allowed, anyway. And then Dana threw her note to Hazel.

Of course. Not even my Mom can stop me! - D.

Thanks so much for reading!

Also, it's my birthday. So, reviews, maybe? Possibly? And if you have a request, please tell me!

Love,

Nat xxx

(I'm a birthday girl, whoop whoop)