OK, here's my first proper chapter. Enjoy!

The Trouble With School

“Here there, Rhode Island! Today is going to be an overcast day with a slight chance of some stormy weather and a few rough spots!” the radio DJ broad-casted.

“Ain't that the truth,” twelve-year-old Amelia Hartford muttered, before grabbing her slice of toast from the toaster.

It was Monday, which meant another dreary school day of sitting in class and listening to the teacher rabble on about something most adults didn't even know. In other words, it was just another day of wasting time by sitting in a classroom all day long, whilst paper balls were thrown at the class dork.

Which was, unfortunately, Amelia.

“Don't be so sure, Amelia,” her adoptive father, Vincent Hartford, said, as he grabbed his blazer and tie from the sofa.

“Your father's right; those weather reporters are almost always wrong,” her adoptive mother, Marion Hartford, agreed.

“I wasn't talking about the weather report, Mum!” Amelia told her. “I know for a fact that my day at school will mirror that report.”

Vincent gave his wife a kiss, before grabbing his case and using his free hand to ruffle up Amelia's hair.

“You'll be fine,” he promised, before hurrying out the door.

“Yeah, when pigs fly,” Amelia muttered.

Arms folded across her stomach, Amelia plodded slowly along, hoping that if she was slow enough, she would miss school altogether. Not only did she not learn anything, but she was known as the dork of the class. Amelia had no friends, and the boys in her year didn't hesitate to make her life even more miserable than it already was. Plus, there was her getting detention constantly, but that was another story.

“Hey, look who it is!”

Amelia looked up, to see Brad Hodgson, Steve McCallan and Dave Steward standing right in front of her, looking down on her as if she were a piece of dirt.

“What you got for us today, Dorkarella?” Brad asked.

“Nothing that's worth your time or interest,” Amelia said, before trying to push past him.

But instead, Dave pushed her backwards, but not hard enough for her to fall to the ground.

“Whether it's your lunch money or your lunch; hand it over!” Brad demanded, holding out his hand.

Amelia sighed, before handing over $5. These jerks weren't worth her time, and she didn't want any trouble. She tried to walk past them again, but Dave once again pushed her backwards.

“What?” Amelia asked. “I gave you my money! What else do you want from me?”

“All of it!” Steve demanded, pushing Amelia to the ground.

She looked up at the three boys, snarling.

“We know your tricks, Slime White!” Brad spat. “Now, hand it over!”

Amelia didn't move. But when the boy's faces began to look more menacing, she took out a brown paper bag and handed it over to them. All three boys smiled, before leaving Amelia to pick herself up.

After brushing herself off, she smiled as her eyes followed the boys into the school building. What they didn't know, was that Amelia had put hot chilli sauce in the sandwiches she made, and it was only a matter of time before...

“HELP! IT'S HOT!”

Amelia couldn't stop herself from laughing as all three boys came rushing back out the school building, each holding their throats in panic. They all ran around in circles, before finally launching themselves into the school water fountain and placing their mouths under the running water.

Amelia tried to hide her smile as she hurried into the school building.

As soon as first period had ended, Amelia went straight to her locker to put her History books away and get out her Maths books, when she was suddenly grabbed from behind, dragged down the hall way, and pinned up against the wall. It was Brad, and he didn't look happy.

“You made us look like total idiots, Sleeping Ugly!” he yelled in her face.

Amelia closed her eyes, wincing at the spit that was flying in her face. And the boy desperately needed to become acquainted with his tooth brush.

“Well, you're gonna be asleep in a minute!” he continued, lifting up his fist, ready to punch her.

Thinking fast, Amelia stamped on his foot. It wasn't very hard, but it caused enough distraction that allowed Amelia to duck, Brad's fist punching the wall. He cried out in pain, before cradling his fist in his other hand. Immediately, the two other boys charged forwards, but Amelia tripped up Steve, sending him toppling into Brad. She then turned and gave Dave a punch right in the face, causing his nose to start bleeding once he hit the floor. Amelia was just about to make a run for it, but...

“Hartford!”

Amelia cringed, before turning slowly round. The headmaster was standing behind her, his arms folded in a way that meant he wasn't very happy. And he was looking straight at Amelia.

Amelia knew that she was in trouble now.

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