School

Dear Addie,

Guess what? We recieved our science test results! I scored 93%! Some of my classmates didn't do as well, but I suppose that's not my problem.

When I got home, I told Mother Hill about it. She gave me a whole slice of chocolate cake before dinner! I couldn't believe my luck. Father Hill said "Why not 100%?" and then started to ramble on about how worried he is about my future. I reckon that next time I receive a test result, I won't tell him about it.

Rowan said that Father Hill is grouchy about grades, and she had a stony look on her face when she said it. I wonder why.

Today during sports, we played Netball. It's this complicated game where you try and shoot the ball through the hoop, like Basketball, only everyone has an area their allowed to go in. It's really comfusing.

Everyone was so amazing at Netball except for me. Every time somebody through the ball at me, even from a meter away, I'd miss. I know the mean girls were laughing at me from the shade.

I don't like them at all.

I wish you were in my class. You'd stand up for me. I know you would.

After sports I had Humanities and Mathematics. I don't like Humanities because the mean boys sit next to me, and they're always whispering and glancing at each other. I think they're talking about me. Maths was a bit better, but my brain wasn't really working and I struggled quite a bit.

How are your studies? Probably wonderful (as always). I wish I was nearly as good at sums, or art, or music as you are. Aunt Kate must be so proud.

Speaking of which, how is she? I know last month was rough. Please send my regards and give her a hug for me.

At the end of term, Mother and Father Hill are sending me back home for the holidays. I can't wait to see you, Ma, Lottie and Aunt Kate. I'm especially excited to meet your new baby brother! What's his name going to be? I do hope he'll be called Will. I miss Will terribly.

During class, Ms Blackard said that we could sign up for the end-of-term Dance Recital. We're doing 'Swan Lake'. Oh, how I'd love to be a beautiful swan, gliding through a lake in a silky white dress and glittery tiara! I reckon I'll give it a go. What do you think?

I miss you and everyone lots and can't wait to see you again.

Please write back.

Lots of love,

Parker XXX

Dear Addie,

It's been a month, and still no reply. What's happening? Did I upset you in some way? If I did, I sincerely apologise. Please write back to me. I'm terribly lonely here.

Mother and Father Hill are angry with me. Rownan told them about the dance recital, although I told her not to.

I was sure they would forbid me from participating, and I was right.

"You must focus on what's important", Mother Hill had reprimanded.

"How dare you commit to something without our permission!", Father Hill added.

"You must learn to listen to your parents from now on".

At that moment, I had had enough of it. I know that I'm meant to be grateful. How kind they have both been, but they both know how much I love dancing. They were taking away the last thing I had to remind me of home.

So I yelled at them.

I'm sorry.

I told them they were not my parents. I had the right to do the recital. It was only fair.

They both looked shocked. Mother Hill burst into tears, and Father Hill was red in the face. He told me to go to my room and that they didn't want to see me anymore. I went to my room feeling guilty, and hurt, and ashamed.

I saw Rowan on my way, giving me a smirk. She knew they wouldn't let me sign up.

All of that was yesterday. I haven't spoken to anyone all day. Mr Richards asked me a question in class, and I just stared back at him. I couldn't even open my mouth. Everyone laughed at me.

All I want is to go home. I can't be here anymore.

Everyone hates me.

Do you?

Please please write back. I miss you so much.

Lots of Love,

Parker XXX

'Dear Parker,

I'm so sorry I haven't written. Kitto has been taking your letters and hiding them! I found them in the stables under the hay. He now has to buy me lollies, plus clean the chimney for a week!

Everyone here misses you a lot. Maylene wanted to send you a letter, but she's out of stamps, so she asked me to send her regards.

I am doing quite well in my studies. Today we learned something very interesting.

Apparently, the moon revolves around the Earth, which causes day and night. I don't understand at all what this means, though.

Ma is doing very well now, and she misses you a lot. She has named my baby brother Evan Will Brownsworth. He's got real chubby cheeks and cries a lot. I can't wait for you to meet him.

I'm very sorry to hear about everything going on. Did I not tell you that the Hills would be nasty? I reckon you should sign up for the Recital anyway, if it's not too late. Then if you get a part, you'll prove them all wrong. I believe in you.

Here, I read something in the paper today. I'm sure it'll help. Chris Jonas did a speech in the square, and he said

"Turn to the Sun! Don't look back to the darkness. Keep looking up to the light and the shadows will fall behind you!".

I cut the part out and put it in the envelope. When they're mean to you, just read it. I hope it'll make you feel better.

I promise to write from now on. Miss you.

Lots of Love,

Addie.