It was about 2 o’clock in the afternoon, mid January, with the rain lashing on the window panes and the biting wind howling outside when the stranger first arrived. Walking down the streets with resolute determination he headed towards the school. His shoes slapped down against the slippery pavement, his dark eyes flashed as he stomped along with his trench-coat billowing out behind him.
Everything about Dranfield Grammar School was perfect- the uniforms, the grounds, the buildings. Every parent in the area wanted their precious child to attend the school. With the best results in the country Dranfield Grammar School was indeed perfect.
Outside the stranger paused, looked up into the rain towards the assembly hall and glared. How he hadn’t missed that dank, dark, suffocating hall. Students at Dranfield were accustomed to impulsive assemblies. Their headmaster often called an assembly mid afternoon to discuss achievements. That day was no different. As each form marched into the hall military style, Mr Clarkson swept in and smiled, admiring his hard work. Whilst he climbed the steps to the stage, he was thankful that he had weeded out the ‘problem’ teenagers before you could say ‘top of the league tables’.
Stacey had been working hard in reception when he entered. An involuntary shiver shot down her spine. “Hello, how can I help you?” she inquired, her smile plastered to her face.
His appearance was dishevelled and there was something about him that wasn’t right. She just couldn’t put her finger on it. He gave a sinister smile as he took out the revolver from his pocket. She froze.“Another round of applause please.” Mr Clarkson flashed a smile at the pupils and carried on with the assembly.
He crept into the room noiselessly. “So Emma said that Beth said that you fancy Jamie. Do you?” As the year elevens who had skipped assembly smoked their cigarettes and chewed gum fervently they discussed their favourite subject- who fancies whom. Abruptly the temperature of the room dropped and the girls turned round instinctively. Catching sight of the gun in the man’s hand they shrieked and were still shrieking when they hit the ground with a sickening crunch.
Assembly carried on with Mr Clarkson explaining the importance of every student being in attendance for exams. It was a waste of time, considering that his students never, ever had a day off.
The stranger continued, his pace quickening as he neared the hall. His opportunities in life had been thrown away when Clarkson had ‘weeded’ him out for a crime he hadn’t committed, this was payback.
As Mr Clarkson finished his speech he noticed the door opening at the side of the hall. He had half been expecting this to happen. One day. Mr Clarkson nervously smiled at the panic stricken faces of staff and pupils alike and muttered under his breath “I expelled you… Didn’t I? I’m sure I…”
The stranger, interrupting Clarkson, bellowed “IT WASN’T MY FAULT. I DIDN’T DESERVE IT” before progressing to the front of the hall.He strode to the centre of the stage, pushed the revolver to Clarkson’s temple and whispered “I didn’t do it”, before slowly and deliberately pulling the trigger, a sick, twisted smile on his face.
Hannah 10H
