At
first, the idea of going to a boarding school filled me with as much
dread as it did excitement... now, eight weeks in, I'm preparing to
go home for the half term break.
Unlike those who attend daily, us borders have to wear our school
uniform in the evenings and on the weekends too. Whilst this may seem
unfair at first... it's a common rule in many boarding schools.
However there are some rules at St Ursula's which aren't very
common...
~oOo~
Saturday
It's
Saturday morning and I can't wait to return home, see my mum, meet up
with my friends and wear my own clothes for a change! On my bed is a
small suitcase, inside which is the jeans, t-shirt and jumper, along
with the shoes and socks I'd arrived wearing some eight weeks ago. It
felt strange wearing 'civilian' clothes after two months in uniform.
I
packed the books I’d need, closed the case and clicked the latches
shut, before going to the school's office to collect my train ticket.
The 55 mile journey home should take around 90 minutes. I made sure
my room was all in order; bedding straight, floor swept, en-suite
bathroom spotless and my uniform items all neatly folded on my shelf,
or hung from my clothes rail... ready and waiting for my return in a
week's time. I looked forward to a whole week away from the rules,
the routine and the academia of boarding school. Saying that, I do
have a number of homework assignments to do during the week long
break, hence my small case being half full of both text and exercise
books.
I
made my way from the dorm, down the long corridor towards the stairs
and ultimately to the school's reception desk. “Where do you think
you're going?” a stern voice called as I descended the wide wooden
staircase.
“Home
Miss.” I replied.
“Not
dressed like that your not... you know the rules.” Miss Holbeck
said in the same stern tone.
“But
I'm going home Miss... to Beckford.” I said, lifting my small
suitcase a little as if its mere presence validated my claim. “...on
the train.” I added.
“Nevertheless,
the rules state that you should be in uniform at all times. And that
includes travelling to and from the school.” she replied.
“But...”
“But
nothing child.” she interrupted, “Your own clothes were in your
case so that you could take them home, not for you to wear on the way
home.” she stated, before telling me in no uncertain terms to
return to my room and “...make yourself presentable!” as she put
it.
