Chapter 10

Mr Austin

The new term was indeed busy and though not particularly stressful the workload was quite intense. Hally’s favourite subject, English proved to be challenging but interesting. The students were given a list of books that they would be reading throughout the year and a list of recommended reading that would support the set books. Several of these, Hally had already read as had Corrinne and Clia, so re-reading them was recreational rather than studious. Mr Austin, their English teacher was very pleased with this and sent letters home to all their parents congratulating them on their dedication to the subject.

However, in class Mr Austin treated the girls the same as all the other students. He had been very aware of the problems Hally had incurred from Dana and her friends, and although none of these girls were in the same group as Hally, he knew what they were capable of outside the classroom. Still, he knew Hally was one of his brightest students and that English was her strongest subject, so he was determined to give praise where it was due.

This became very evident at the beginning of the third week back in school. The students had been given a writing assignment. They had to compose a poem about dread, and Hally had chosen her Gran’s illness as the topic of her poem. She wrote straight from her heart and was given an A star grade. On top of this Mr Austin asked if he could read it out in the year group assembly. Hally agreed, but felt very embarrassed.

It seemed very strange to hear someone else reading her thoughts to her peers. At the start there were a few snickers from Penny and her group but a scathing look from Mrs Wateley quietened them very quickly. As he read on, Hally glanced around and saw her peers were giving her work their full attention. It might have had something to do with the way Mr Austin read it out, but they all seemed really moved by her poem. Even the boys, who usually stared at the floor seemed interested. When he finished reading there was a moment of silence then applause. Hally felt herself blush, then an overwhelming sense of pride.

“Well done Hally. That is an excellent piece of work.”

Again there was applause. After, as they were leaving to go to lunch several people passed Hally and complimented her. She had always been able to write well but this was the first time it had been made public and shyly she enjoyed the moment.

Wes was waiting for them when they came out, and Clia launched into a detailed account of the assembly. Wes hugged Hally and told her he was very proud of her. Then he whispered in her ear.

“Can you come and meet my family this evening?”

Hally felt herself glow with pleasure and quickly nodded. She only hoped the meeting would go as well as the assembly.

Hally dressed carefully for the visit to Wes’. She had told mum all about it and how nervous she was. Mum had held her and tried to reassure her but knew Hally would only feel better once she was there. As arranged Wes called for her at seven and hand in hand they walked across town to where Wes lived. Hally was actually surprised to find he lived quite some distance from her home, and chatted comfortably about in on the way. Wes explained that they had chosen the house because it was old and had a huge garden. His dad was a builder and his mum although a trained accountant did interior design as a hobby, so between them they had begun renovating.

As they got nearer, Hally began to feel tense. Wes sensed this and put his arm around her. But as they turned the last corner and Hally saw the house her nerves disappeared. It was gorgeous, not because it was huge, but because it was set behind wrought iron gates; surrounded by lawns and shrubs and bordered with big old trees. These were just beginning to change colour and the reds, oranges and gold of autumn glowed in the evening sun.

Wes took Hally around the back of the house explaining that they rarely used the front door and Hally gasped when she saw the rear garden. It was big and open and overlooked the fields on the edge of the town. Hally had lived in the town all her life but didn’t even realise there were houses like this. She and her friends mostly stayed in the newer part of Colingford, but silently she resolved to find out more about her home and to encourage Corrinne and Clia to do the same.

Wes led Hally to the backdoor and her nerves flooded back. She was sure his parents would either dislike her or think she was too young. As she stepped through the door she saw a wide open, but modern kitchen and a small, round, dark haired woman tending pots on the cooker.

“Mum, we’re here.”

Wes announced. His mother turned and smiled so warmly Hally felt her tension disappear. Both stepped towards each other, Wes’ mum spoke first.

“Hally, it’s lovely to meet you at last.”

She gave her son a serious look, but he smiled brightly and put his arm around her shoulder. He towered over his mum, but he had her eyes and hair.

“It’s lovely to meet you too…”

Hally paused and felt her face heat up. She had no idea what to call her.

“Kate, I’m Kate and Wes’ dad is Michael.” She frowned at Wes. “You didn’t tell her our names.”

Wes gave a pretend pout.

“Oh dear, I’m in trouble. Sorry mum, I thought I had.”

“It’s not me you need to apologise to, it’s Hally, poor girl. Now don’t be embarrassed Hally. Sometimes I can’t believe I brought him up with manners.”

Hally smiled at the chastisement of her boyfriend, especially as she could see both mother and son were grinning at each other.

“I am so very sorry Hally.”

Wes said with mock exaggeration. Hally found this very amusing and soon they were all laughing.

“Someone going to let me in on the joke.”

A tall, stocky man with a deep voice came into the kitchen. Hally was quite shocked at how much Wes sounded like his dad.

This time Wes introduced Hally impeccably and soon they were ushered from the kitchen by Wes’ mum; who was adamant they would ruin dinner if they didn’t get out of her way. Wes led Hally into the lounge which was very comfortable and showed definite signs of a small child. Though very neat and clean there were toys in a wooden box and some still on the floor, and a small child size bookshelf with lots of big colourful books. At first, Michael chatted with Hally asking about her family. Then he suggested Wes take her on a tour of the house. He was obviously very proud of what they had done so far.

Each room Wes took her into showed signs of renovation, but it was clear there was still much to be done. There were four bedrooms, his parents’ which Hally glanced in through the door; Wes’ room which she would have like to linger in, but thought it was better not to; a very pretty spare room and a closed door which he explained was Ellie’s room.

“I won’t open the door ‘cos sometimes she wakes up when the light shines in.”

He told her. Then to finish he took her up a narrow staircase to a large attic with windows looking out over the fields.

By the time they returned to the lounge, Kate came in to tell them dinner was ready. To Hally’s relief they ate in the kitchen at a big farmhouse table.

“Thought this would be more cosy and less formal.”

Kate told her as she served the food.

“It’s lovely Kate. Thank you.”

Over the meal Hally felt very relaxed. Michael and Kate made her feel very much at home and the only slight pause in the conversation came when Hally mentioned Ellie.

“It was a shame I didn’t get to meet Wes’ little sister.”

She said casually. Kate quickly glanced at Wes then turned back to Hally.

“Yes, our little gemstone.”

Hally noticed the look and thought she had said something wrong but couldn’t work out what.

“Have I said something wrong?”

She asked concernedly. Kate smiled warmly.

“No of course not my dear. It’s just, well there’s such a huge gap between Wes and Ellie, well it was a bit of a shock to us when she came along, and of course you will meet her very soon. We just thought meeting you without a toddler demanding my attention would be better. At least at first. Besides, she’s very attached to Wes and she would probably be a bit put out that someone else was getting his attention.”

Wes laughed and added.

“Yes, she does tend to dominate my time when she can.”

Hally could see that having the attention of a grown up brother as well as parents would be very nice for a toddler.

The rest of the evening passed pleasantly and without incident. On the way home they chatted whilst walking hand in hand. The evening was a little chilly but clear and the stars shone brightly. When they reached Hally’s house they saw a police car parked outside. Hally became very anxious and rushed around the back to see what was happening, Wes close behind her.

“Mum, dad!”

She called out as she dropped her bag and coat on the table.

“The lounge baby.”

Mum called back. Followed by Wes, Hally went through the door. Both parents were sitting on the sofa and PC Duston was sitting in a chair. Mum held a hand out to Hally and dad moved along to allow her to sit between them. Wes settled himself on the floor to the side of the sofa.

“What’s happened?”

Hally asked in a small voice. Mum took her hand and held it gently.

“PC Duston has been waiting for you to come home. He needs to ask you something.”

Hally was scared and puzzled at the same time. She hadn’t done anything wrong so wondered what this could be about. She looked worriedly at PC Duston. Gently he spoke.

“Hally, do you know a girl called Dana Edwards?”

Hally nodded, still confused, she thought it was about the trouble at her party.

“I haven’t seen her in ages.”

She told him. Then she remembered the note she had received.

“Oh, but she sent me a note; a few weeks ago.”

“A note; do you still have it?”

PC Duston asked. Hally felt something ominous, she began to tremble and dad took hold of her other hand.

“Um, yes, it’s…”

She looked at Wes as though he would know where she put it. She remembered the day she received it, remembered reading it, but where had she put it? Wes stood up and came over to her. He knelt in front of her and put his hands on her knees, gently squeezing them he looked directly into her eyes.

“We had been swimming, then the picnic. It was warm so you didn’t have a jacket, just your big bag.”

Wes’ voice was soothing and almost hypnotising, so much so she suddenly remembered.

“Yes, my big bag, the side pocket.”

Hally leapt from the sofa and dashed from the room and upstairs to her bedroom. She was visibly shaking as she delved into the pocket of her bag and found the envelope with Dana’s note. When she returned to the lounge, she held the envelope out to the police constable and in a voice she hoped was steady asked.

“So what is this about?”

PC Duston opened the envelope and took out the note as mum indicated to Hally to come and sit back down. As she moved back to the sofa PC Duston scanned the contents of the note. Then very gently he spoke.

“Hally, Dana was found earlier today at her home. She committed suicide.”

All of the breath went out of Hally. There didn’t seem to be any air in the room either. Between her parents and Wes on the floor she felt herself go cold; her cheeks tingled and a darkness began creeping in from both sides of her head. She could hear all their voices saying her name, but they sounded as though they were very far away and muffled. She felt herself sway and slip and then there was nothing.

A soft hand was on her cheek and a cool damp cloth was on her forehead. She was lying down, but unsure of where. As she opened her eyes everything came flooding back. Mum was sitting by her side on the sofa, dad was standing at one end of the sofa and Wes was kneeling at the other end. He was the person holding the cloth to her brow. She tried to sit up quickly but mum shushed her and held her back.

“Baby, take it slowly. Here have a sip of water but take it a little at a time.”

Hally did as she was told and gradually eased herself into a sitting position. With more water she began to feel more in control of herself again and looked over to PC Duston.

“Oh God. Did I really hear you right?”

She asked in a very small voice.

“Yes Hally, I’m afraid so. Are you ok?”

He asked.

“Um; I think so. I mean, probably not but I’m not going to pass out again. What happened?”

Hally’s voice became stronger as she spoke but inside she felt torn up with guilt. She knew this was irrational but it was still there. PC Duston looked towards her parents to see if he should go on with such devastating information. Dad stood straight and nodded that he should. Wes had moved to the sofa and was now sitting on one side of Hally with mum on the other. He had his arm securely around her and mum held her hand. PC Duston took a deep breathe.

“Well, one of her friends, a girl called Penny went to her house as no one had seen her in days. She thought Dana may have run away from home because apparently she doesn’t have a very nice home life. However, when she got there no one answered, but the door was unlocked. Penny went in calling out to Dana, but she didn’t get an answer. Penny was worried by now because Dana and her mother always locked up when they were out. She went upstairs to Dana’s room and found her lying on her bed. Unfortunately, it was quite obvious to Penny that Dana was already dead. She ran screaming from the house and all but hammered down the next door neighbour’s door. The neighbour rang us.”

He paused and sipped the mug of coffee Hally had not noticed before. Strangely what came to her mind then, was that the drink must be very cold by now. Since he quickly put the mug back down she assumed she was right; and a giggle tried to bubble up out of her. She held it back, knowing it would be totally inappropriate. Mum seemed to sense this and patting her daughter’s hand said.

“Why don’t I go and get some fresh hot drinks for everyone.”

Dad nodded and took her place on the sofa taking Hally’s hand in his big warm one. This had a wonderful calming effect on her. For a short while they were all silent, waiting for mum to return with the drinks.

“What I don’t understand is what this has got to do with me. I mean why are you here telling me?”

Hally asked, and was relieved to find her voice was now normal. Mum came back into the room with a tray and placed it on a small table. She handed Hally hers first, then began passing out drinks to the others. PC Duston sipped his now steaming coffee then replied to her question.

“We found a mobile number written in marker pen on a calendar. We thought it was Dana’s mother, but when we checked it was registered to you.” He paused to sip more coffee then added as though an after thought. “We don’t know how to contact her mother.”

Without even thinking about it, Hally jumped in with.

“You won’t be able to. She’s somewhere in America. She left Dana by herself and went off with a man.”

Everyone looked at Hally, surprise on their faces. Mum spoke before anyone else.

“Hally, how do you know this? Dana is not one of your friends.”

Hally took a deep breath and a large gulp of her drink which burned her tongue, but she ignored this and said.

“Oh I wish I had said something earlier. I so wanted to, I wanted to tell social services, or you (she looked at her mother) so you could; but I promised her I wouldn’t. She was so scared they would put her in foster care again, and…and (tears began to flow down her cheeks) she was going to be sixteen soon.”

She broke down into sobs, her body shaking with shock and guilt and a sadness she couldn’t comprehend. Dad squeezed her hand gently.

“Hally, honey; I think you had better tell us everything.”

He said.

For the next hour Hally told them everything that had happened from when the three decided to confront Dana, to when they went to her house and how Dana had finally stopped bullying her. She told them about the time in the Hotspot when Dana had flown at Penny and how she had put her out of her mind over the holidays. She was too shy to explain that her knew relationship with Wes was the cause of this, but a quick glance in his direction confirmed to all that this was the case. She explained about the picnic and how the note had been left for her at the Hotspot and a nod from Wes confirmed this too. She finally finished by saying.

“But, I had absolutely no idea what she meant by it. Ask Corrinne and Clia, they’ll tell you. That’s the truth.”

Tears began to well up again as she turned to her father.

“Daddy is this my fault? Could I have stopped her?”

Wes relinquished his hold on her as dad pulled her into his arms and held her whilst she cried.

“No my angel Tinkerbell; nothing about this is your fault. The girl had problems, huge ones by the sound of things. No wonder she felt there was no where else to go. If anything you tried to help her, but she chose not to accept that help. That’s right, isn’t it PC Duston?”

The constable nodded and realising Hally was too distressed to notice this cleared his throat and spoke.

“Your dad is quite right Hally. I’m so sorry you had to be put through this, but we had to find out. I think I have all I need here so I’m going to leave you with your parents and boyfriend. I have to take this note, (Hally looked up with fear in her eyes) it’s ok, not because of you, but the coroner will need it. Well I won’t go into any more detail.”

He stopped talking. Hally thought she had missed something but couldn’t work out what; but at that point she didn’t think she could cope with anything else so she didn’t ask any more questions. Instead she stayed snuggled in her father’s comforting arms whilst mum saw PC Duston to the door.

After the constable left, Hally went to her room and changed into cosy pyjamas and a fluffy dressing gown. Mum made hot chocolate and the four of them sat quietly drinking the soothing beverage. Wes stayed close to her and when their drinks were finished he told them he should go home and let Hally get some rest. He wouldn’t let her get up and see him to the door but gave her a light kiss on the lips before he left. He showed no signs of embarrassment at doing this in front of her parents and she felt just as comfortable. Mum followed her to her room and sat with her as she settled into bed.

“Could you stay with me for a little while?”

She asked mum. A small lump came into her mother’s throat at the pain in her daughter’s eyes.

“Of course I will my baby. You close your eyes and try and sleep.”

Hally didn’t think she would sleep at all that night; but she woke from a dreamless sleep to autumn sunshine. It seemed very late and when she looked at her clock she saw it was ten thirty. She jumped out of bed wondering why mum had not woken her for school. As she rushed from her room the events of the previous night flooded back into her mind and she stopped on the landing, realisation coming that this was why mum hadn’t woken her.

“Hally, are you alright?”

Mum called from the bottom of the stairs. Hally trotted down to meet her mother.

“Um, yes, I think so. How come you let me sleep in. I should be at school.”

She said as she got to the bottom.

“Don’t worry, I rang Mr Hopkins and explained everything. He agreed it was best for you to have a day at home and rest. And before you ask, I rang the girls too. They both wanted to come straight round but I insisted they speak to their parents first.”

There was knock on the backdoor, so Hally followed mum through to the kitchen and saw Corrinne and Clia through the glass. Hally felt her day brighten with the sight of her friends as mum opened the door for them. They dived at Hally with hugs and a huge box of chocolates.

“I’m not ill.”

She told them laughing. Together they said.

“We know.”

“But you need pampering” From Clia

“And chocy comfort.” From Corrinne

They all laughed then and Hally raising her hands in submission said.

“Ok, but first I’m going to have a quick shower and get dressed.”

The girls explained how their parents had agreed to let them have time off school to support Hally, and as they were all three very able students, Mr Hopkins had given permission too. Feeling secure that Hally would be alright with her friends, mum left them to visit her parents.

Settling on the sofa with a DVD, hot chocolate and the box of chocolates, the three girls began to discuss the dreadful news of Dana’s death.

“I just wish I had said something before.”

Hally said solemnly.

“I know Hals, we feel the same way. But, really, there was nothing any of us could do. Obviously Dana was in a very bad way, but even her own mates didn’t know anything or do anything.”

Clia stated.

“What a horrible life to have.”

Corrinne said in a soft voice. This brought tears to Hally’s eyes. Tears because of the loss of such a young person; tears because of the desperation and loneliness of the girl who had treated her with such hatred and tears because she felt privileged to have a family and friends who loved her. Corrinne and Clia hugged her from either side and for some time the three sat huddled and quiet.

“Hello!”

A voice called from the kitchen. Hally leapt up recognising the voice as belonging to Wes. As she reached the kitchen she saw him holding the back door slightly open with his head poking through the gap.

“I knocked a couple of times, but I don’t think you heard.”

He told her as he came fully into the room.

“Your mum rang me and said Corrinne and Clia were with you, but I wanted to see for myself how you were doing.”

“My mum rang you. how?”

Wes hugged her and laughed.

“Uh, they call it a phone.”

He said jokingly. Hally play thumped him on the arm and giggled.

“I meant, how did she get your number?”

“I gave it to her last night when you went to get changed and asked her to call me anytime, even through the night if she wanted me to come round.”

Hally hugged him tightly, all the joking put aside.

“That is so very lovely.”

She whispered into his shoulder. Wes hugged her back, then with his arm around her led her back to the girls in the lounge, where Hally took her place between her friends and Wes settled on the floor resting against the sofa. They watched the film and ate chocolates and though Dana’s suicide was very much in Hally’s mind; she kept pushing it back and tried to enjoy the company of three of the most important people in her life.

The next morning Hally walked into school with Corrinne, Clia and Wes feeling very apprehensive. She knew how quickly news got around the school and she was sure everyone would know about Dana. What she wasn’t sure about was whether anyone knew about her involvement. There was no sign of Penny or any of the other girls in Dana’s gang and the boys who usually hung out with them seemed to have drifted away to other groups.

Registration went ahead normally but Hally could see some of the students giving her sly looks. However none dared question her with Mrs Jacobs commanding silence throughout. But, as soon as she dismissed them for their first lesson she was bombarded with questions.

“Did you find her Hally?”

A girl called Rachel asked.

“Yeah, what happened?”

Asked a boy she only knew was nicknamed Pickle. Clia and Corrinne saved her, they linked arms on either side of her and marched her through the throng calling out as they moved.

“No she wasn’t there, and she doesn’t know anything about it, even if you have heard different.”

It was a relief to arrive at English and settle down in the classroom. Mr Austin was there so no one had any chance to question Hally further. The lesson progressed normally, but it seemed to fly by to Hally and she was quite disappointed when the bell went indicating the end of the lesson. As she gathered up her things Mr Austin came over and said quietly.

“Could I just have a quick word?”

“We’ll wait outside Hals.”

Corrinne told her. She gave her friends a thankful smile and waited whilst the remaining students left.

“Mr Hopkins has explained what happened Hally. All I want to tell you is that I am a trained counsellor in trauma. The school believes it’s important for the students to have someone to talk to about things like this, so if anytime you feel it’s getting too much or you just need to talk about how you feel about this; well just let me know.”

Hally was a little taken aback about this. She hadn’t thought at all about herself needing support, if anything she imagined Penny would need it. She didn’t voice this though but instead shyly thanked him and went to meet the girls outside.

As English had been a double lesson, they went straight to break and much to Hally’s relief Wes was waiting on their bench. This completely discouraged any other students from coming over to question her. However she knew it was only a short reprieve; that she would undoubtedly have students coming up to her throughout the rest of the day wanting to know any little titbits she could impart.

Somehow, Hally got through the rest of the day without too much trouble. She had one really uncomfortable moment when at the end of the day outside the school gates she saw a van with the local news logo on the side. Milling around was a television crew interviewing a few students, and when they saw her, a few pointed at her. The reporter immediately headed towards her. Wes who had been waiting outside her last lesson of the day tried to steer her away, and when he failed to accomplish this put his arm around her protectively instead. Corrinne and Clia closed in on either side too, so the reporter was unable to get too close. Trying to get as close as possible the reporter leaned in. He was short with thick dark curly hair, an orangey looking tan and brows that looked like caterpillars wiggling across his forehead as he raised them when he spoke.

“Hello, my name is Daly Fesandelo. Could I ask you about Dana Edwards?”

He thrust a large microphone towards her.

“No, I don’t know anything.”

Hally replied nervously. Daly tried to inch nearer and she backed away. His eyebrows really did look peculiar and she felt laughter bubbling up. Help came with the deep authoritative voice of Mr Hopkins.

“Really. This is unacceptable. I cannot have you trying to interview my students outside the school gates.”

As Daly Fesandelo turned to the head teacher Hally and the others made a quick escape. They knew all the cut throughs away from the school and were able to put some distance between themselves and the television crew.

They headed for Hally’s and were all relieved to find mum already at home when they got there. Hally flopped onto a kitchen chair and miserably told her mother about the day. Mum gave them all drinks and snacks and gently massaging her daughter’s shoulders said.

“It was bound to happen baby. But it sounds as though you all handled it well.” She turned to Wes and the girls. “And thank you for taking care of her.”

Nobody said anything, they knew they didn’t need to.

“Think about what Mr Austin said though darling. I know you have all of us to support you, but he has had professional training and you never know, it might help.”

Mum told Hally. Hally swivelled in her chair to look up at her mum.

“But I feel ok. I mean it’s really sad and it was a huge shock at first, but it really doesn’t have anything to do with me.”

“I know baby, I know. But he’s there just in case.”

Mum told her as she squeezed her shoulders gently. Hally nodded and left the subject there. There was a loud crash from upstairs which made them all jump and mum quickly moved towards the hallway.

“Nathan, what have you done!”

She called on the way. Hally and the others laughed. Hally was grateful to her little brother, the diversion was a relief, even though she knew he had probably created an enormous mess for her mum to clear up.

After dinner Hally sat with her family watching the television. The local news was on and though she was looking at the screen, she wasn’t really concentrating on what was being said. Her mind was all over the place. Thoughts of Dana just kept invading her little daydreams about Wes and this annoyed her. Mum and dad were partly watching and partly chatting, and Nathan was playing on the floor with his cars. Suddenly her attention was brought back to the television when she heard one of the newsreaders say Dana’s name. Everyone except Nathan, went completely quiet and watched with full concentration. It was a short piece, and showed the reporter Daly Fesandelo outside the school. There was a brief moment when Hally saw herself, then the report cut to Daly solemnly telling the viewers about the tragic suicide of Dana. They watched in silence, and after mum quietly came over to the chair Hally was curled up in and wrapped her arms around her.

That night Hally had the worst nightmare of her life. She awoke sweating and frightened and lay for some time as real life replaced the horrors of the subconscious. She didn’t want to wake her parents, but wished she wasn’t alone. She looked at her clock and saw it was just after three. Debating what to do she finally reached for her mobile phone. Before she could change her mind she rang Wes. He answered quickly.

“Hally what’s wrong?”

The panic in his voice made her feel very guilty.

“It’s ok. Oh I feel stupid now…sorry to wake you…”

She stammered, her face heating up even though he couldn’t see her.

“Hally, babe, what is it?”

He asked quietly. There was such gentleness in his voice that tears began to flow.

“I just had the most horrible nightmare.”

She whispered. He sensed she was crying and replied.

“I’m coming over. Can you wait in the kitchen? I don’t want to wake your family.”

Hally tried to protest but he wouldn’t hear it, so she nodded then realised he couldn’t see her.

“Ok, and thank you.”

Then he was gone.

As quietly as she could Hally slipped out of bed and put on her fluffy dressing gown and matching slippers. She tip toed out of her room and down stairs. She didn’t turn on any lights until she reached the kitchen, and because of this the nightmare invaded her thoughts and she began to shiver with the fear of it. She partly wished she had woken her parents instead of ringing Wes, but the thought of seeing him helped alleviate her terror.

Much to Hally’s surprise Wes arrived in record time. He was a little breathless and felt somewhat sweaty when he pulled her into his arms.

“I jogged most of the way.”

He told her by way of explanation in a hushed voice. She felt exhilarated that he had gone to so much effort just because she was afraid and upset and held onto him tightly, tears beginning again.

“I woke up and it seemed so real.”

She mumbled into his sweatshirt. He rubbed her back gently murmuring soft words of comfort. Then he led her to a chair and turned to put the kettle on. When they were both sitting with hot chocolate, Wes asked her to tell him about the dream.

“I was back in Dana’s house, but on my own this time. I could see my number on the calendar and it seemed to be much bigger and it was flashing red. Everything was really quiet and there didn’t seem to be anyone there, just me. Then I heard a sound from upstairs. I realised someone was calling my name. It was weird, like a radio station slightly out of tune, it seemed to come and then fade. I had to go up the stairs, yet I knew there was something up there that I didn’t want to confront. I went up and only one door was open. Dana was standing in the doorway, she was grey and was pointing at me. Then she said in that weird voice. “Hally why didn’t you help me?” then she sort of floated towards me with her hands reaching for me, and that’s when I woke up.”

She shivered at the memory of the nightmare and Wes came around the table and put his arms around her. He whispered gently.

“Maybe you should go and see Mr Austin.”

Hally nodded into his forearm.

“I think maybe I should. I’ll speak to him tomorrow. Oh cripes, it already is tomorrow, it’s gone four. Oh Wes I’m sorry, you must be shattered.”

Laughing softly Wes kissed the top of her head.

“I’m alright.” And at the disbelieving glance she gave him. “Really, I am, and I will stay with you as long as you want me too.”

They were still sitting in the kitchen quietly talking when dad came down at half past six to get ready for work. He gave a startled “Oh!” as he saw them. Hally stood up and refilled the kettle for her father.

“I had a really bad nightmare and didn’t want to wake you and mum, so I rang Wes and he came over.”

Dad nodded, accepting the explanation, but answered with a little frown.

“Darling, we wouldn’t have minded you waking us.”

“Waking who? Oh, hi Wes”

Mum said as she came into the kitchen too.

“Have I missed something?”

Hally made tea for them all and explained to her parents why Wes was there so early, and though it gave her more tremors, retold the nightmare to them.

“I’ll call the school and tell them you won’t be in today.”

Mum stated matter-of-factly. Hally quickly shook her head.

“No it’s alright mum. I want to go in, and I will go and see Mr Austin. I’m sure the dream was just a reaction to yesterday, you know the questions and that reporter. I don’t want to sit around all day it will probably make me think about it more than I should.”

Mum didn’t argue, instead busying herself with breakfast preparations.

Hally saw Mr Austin before lunch. She was surprised by how comfortable she felt sitting and bearing her soul. For an hour, she talked about the bullying she had suffered and the trouble Dana had caused at the party. She talked about how her relationship with Wes had helped her become more confident; and she poured out all her fears about the guilt she felt over Dana.

Mr Austin sat and listened, rarely commenting or questioning. By the end of the session he had made a few notes which he went through with Hally.

“I just have to keep a brief record of this meeting, but it is all confidential and kept locked in the main office.”

He told her as he placed the notes into a new folder with her name on the front. Hally wasn’t at all worried about this; she felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her.

“I think you are very strong Hally. You have a supporting family and friends and having nightmares is a way of our minds dealing with our fears. By talking about it, you are helping yourself analyse it. I won’t make formal appointments for you to see me because I think you will find a way to deal with this yourself. But, I would like to stress, that you should keep talking to your family and friends, and any time you need to see me, I will be available.”

The fact that this statement didn’t bring tears to Hally’s eyes showed her how far she had already come. She thanked him and made her way to meet Corrinne and Clia from their respective maths lessons.