Ella's face would contort into a rage of frustration if she didn't get her way, her small fists balling up at her sides as she stamped her feet in protest. Her mother had spent countless hours trying to reason with Ella, but the young girl refused to see things from any other perspective but her own. As Ella had grown older, her displays of selfishness and outbursts of anger were becoming increasingly more frequent.
Ella strutted into the living room, her head held high, and her hands pressed flat against her hips. She demanded the latest phone, laptop, designer clothes - whatever the hottest trends were now. Her parents shook their heads and sighed: they wanted Ella to learn the value of money and that she couldn't just get what she wanted without consequence, So they decided to take away her homeschooling privileges and send her to a boarding school where she would be forced to take classes with other kids her age. There she could learn some humility.
Ella felt a wave of crushing despair as her parents presented the idea of proper schooling. No more would she be able to stay in bed day dreaming, or sleep in late on school days. There would be sports to play and languages to learn, a bedtime that couldn't be ignored, and worst of all, sharing a dormitory with other girls instead of having her own bedroom- normally overflowing with messy piles of books and clothes.
Ella had tears streaming down her face as she declared "I'm not going to some posh school," but her parents didn't waiver. They had already secretly arranged for a meeting and campus tour of Stombridge School for Girls, without telling Ella that once she arrived, she wouldn't be coming back home afterwards. That morning Ella woke in abad mood, she was determined to do whatever it took to make her parents change their minds, this included being rude. She stamped down the stairs in her pyjamas and slippers, she hadn't showered brushed her hair or cleaned her teeth.
Ella marched into the kitchen, wearing the shabbiest pair of pyjamas she could find, Her mother's mouth dropped open in shock. "Ella, you need to get dressed," she said, but Ella shook her head defiantly. "No!" she shouted indignantly. Her mother sighed and gave in. Ella smiled as if she had won an argument, secure in the knowledge that she would never have to leave the house dressed like this. But little did she know that was exactly what was about to happen.
Her parents glanced at the clock on the wall and jumped to their feet. "Come on Ella, let's go," her father said jovially, but Ella's expression remained stony. She looked down and shuffled her feet in her worn-out slippers as she tried not to think about the looming visit to the prestigious private school. After some coaxing from her mother, she reluctantly trudged towards the car with all the enthusiasm of someone marching to the gallows.
After what seemed like forever driving through lanes and up rolling hills, they reached Stombridge school. Ella's father pressed the intercom on the gates, and they slowly opened. The building was a sandstone mansion with arched shaped windows and large oak wooden doors, a long gravel driveway, and a pond with a fountain in the front yard. A mass of flowerbeds spread out through the grounds.
Ella looked out of the car window and frowned, "I'm sure it's not as daunting as it looks, her father said, apparently they even have an indoor swimming pool, You like swimming. "No, I don't replied Ella" Hopingthat would put them off sending her to such a ridiculous place. They headed off across the car park, with Ella shuffling along behind kicking stones and scuffing her feet. "Hurry up Ella," cried her mother. we don't want to be late. Ella thought that would be an excellent idea, so she slowed right down to a stop.
Her father, usually a gentle and serene man, was losing his temper with her. He walked over to Ella, took her arm firmly in his grasp and said, "No more of this nonsense. Come on." Her typical screaming didn't work on him that day. When they arrived in the hallway, Ella scowled. It had black, white, and red tiled flooring; a large staircase; and different doors leading off in different directions. Ella despised it.
A well-dressed woman wearing a navy-blue suit and pearls around her neck approached them. "Hello, glad that you could make it, I'm Mrs Chambers, I'm the headteacher," she said, reaching out to greet Ella with an open palm and a warm smile. Ella stuck out her tongue in response. Her father sighed apologetically. "Sorry, she's not being very well-behaved today." Undeterred by the attitude, Mrs Chambers gracefully led them through a maze of corridors, occasionally stopping in at classrooms where lessons were taking place.
All the girls wore skirts which touched their knees and blouses which were crisp from hours of ironing. The ties, red with a gold band and black blazers lent an air of seriousness to everyone walking across the schoolyard, regardless of whether they were in class or going out for extra study sessions.
Mrs Chambers presented Ella with a smirk to the teachers, but Ella refused to reciprocate. She brazenly sneered back and when she thought no one was watching she stuck out her tongue. As they touredthe school Mrs Chambers enquired of what Ella had been doing in the way of homeschooling - Maths, English, Science, French - to which Ella's mother proudly responded that she also loves cooking. "No, I don't," snapped Ella in response, calling it 'boring'. Mrs Chambers simply ignored Ella's offensive comments and hostile attitude, having dealt with similar girls over the years. She knew that once she settled down, Ella would be no different to any of them.
They'd been walking round for about an hour or so when Mrs Chambers introduced Ella to a small group of students, Daisy, Melissa and Sophie, They were all the same age as Ella, and they were the polar opposite to Ella, who on this particular day didn't care what she looked like or what anyone thought of her.
So, these lovely girls are going to take you off to view the dormitories' and introduce you to some of the other girls. Ella couldn't care less about the girls or meeting anymore girls, she didn't care about the uniform, the dorms or anything else. "Go on Ella you go off with these girls, I'm sure you will enjoy yourself," her mother commanded.
Ella stomped her foot on the carpet and yelled. "No!" The girls stared at her, embarrassed by her outburst. Her mother crossed her arms and pursed her lips in a disapproving pout. She approached Ella slowly, as if she were approaching an infant. "Stop behaving like a baby. We decided this was for the best, and you're making a spectacle of yourself. " Ella didn't like being referred to as a baby and she didn't want to be seen as one either, so she glared at her mother before saying through gritted teeth, "Fine."
Ella's dad acted quickly, grabbing her stuff from the car, and signingthe forms without hesitation. Mrs Chambers saw her chance to get them out of there before Ella noticed they weren't taking her home. Her mother was painfully aware that if Ella found out she wasn't coming home with them, all hell would break loose.
Ella swaggered up towards the Dormitories, the girls timidly mentioned that there was Six to Eight girls per dorm, then they stammered "all girls have to be in bed by 9pm," Ella scoffed "I go to bed when I want," she snarled, "There's no way I'm goanna have a bedtime!" The girls nervously glanced at each other before Melissa replied hesitantly, "Well, if you don't follow the rules here, you'll get detention." Ella rolled her eyes and laughed disdainfully, "Detention? What's that? Sounds like something only dumb kids get. I've never heard of it 'because I was homeschooled."
They plowed forth with their tedious tour, informing Ella that breakfast is at 7.30am and if you miss it, there won't be another meal till 11am. "I don't have to get up that early when I'm at home," Ella replied sulkily. "Well, you do here," Melissa shrieked in disgust as she had grown tired of Ella's condescending attitude. Classes start at 9am on the dot, Mrs Chambers will make sure you get a uniform and timetable. Yet, Ella didn't bother to let her know that she was certain she wouldn't be staying; though little did she know that her parents had already abandoned her.
After what felt like eternity, the tour of the school was finally over. With excitement, Ella anticipated her return home - until Mrs Chambers shattered Ella's dream by informing her that her parents had left, and she would have to start afternoon classes with her new peers; Ella couldn't believe it. Her face contorted into a sneeras she fiercely threw herself into a chair, demanding that Mrs Chambers call her parents back. Mrs Chambers' response shocked Ella even further; Do you have a mobile? She asked. Yes, replied to Ella reluctantly, it's not allowed here during term time, can I please, have it? Mrs Chambers said, offering out her hand for the device. No! Replied Ella in disgust, It's mine!
Fine, Ella. Then you can spend an 1hr in detention at dinner time this evening, Mrs Chambers threatened.
"What! I'll miss my dinner!" She whined, glaring angrily at the teacher. "I informed your parents of the rules and expectations and they agreed to them," Mrs Chambers replied sternly. "Oh well, I don't!" Ella snapped obnoxiously. "In that case," The teacher continued steadily, her face expressionless. "You can spend every break sitting in my office with myself or the deputy head until you're willing to cooperate." Ella responded by sticking out her tongue rudely. "Your phone?" Mrs Chambers asked calmly with one eyebrow raised as she held out her hand expectantly. Reluctantly, Ella handed it over, watching as Mrs Chambers placed it with all the others - under lock and key.
Mrs. Chambers handed Ella a bundle of dark fabric with crisp creases, "Your first lesson is at two o'clock, and Melissa and the other girls will make sure you find your way around. This is your uniform; please take good care of it and always be presentable." She held out a thin pamphlet outlining Ella's new schedule. Ella took it in her hands and glanced over its contents before shoving it into her pocket. "Go to your dormitory and get changed," Mrs. Chambers commanded, gesturing to the other girls.
As soon as Ella stepped inside, the other girls gathered around her, eager for information. "What did Mrs. Chambers have tosay?" one asked. Ella sighed heavily, knowing she was in for a rough week ahead: "She said I better follow the rules, or I'll end up spending dinner in detention every day!" All of them shared a knowing look; none of them could remember ever seeing anyone last longer than just a few weeks under such strict rules.
Ella stomped off into the bathroom, the door banging against the wall with a force that made the other girls jump in their seats. They watched anxiously as she disappeared behind the door and waited for her reappearance. After a few moments of silence, Ella stepped out, wearing her new uniform - a crisp white blouse tucked into an immaculate black pleated skirt. Her shoes were polished to perfection and her hair fell perfectly around her face. Daisy's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Ella's transformation - "How's it feels wearing a uniform?" she asked inquisitively, but Ella just sneered and shoved her already screwed up timetable into her pocket before leaving the room.
The girls shared a conspiratorial smile, their words dropping into a hush as soon as Ella approached. Walking towards to the classrooms, Ella felt her stomach flip with apprehension. Though her heart pounded wildly in her chest, she kept an even expression on her face, determined not to let her fear show.
Ella's rude and obnoxious behaviour continued for several weeks, taking a turn for the worse as she was forced to spend numerous detention hours in the Mrs Chambers office. On one occasion it was for spitting directly on her teacher's desk. Another time, she refused to even complete her homework assignments. Worst of all, Ella produced idea after idea for how to get out of class.
Ella refused to obey the 9 p.m. bedtime rule and was late downfor breakfast every morning her uniform didn't remain nicely pressed like the other girls, and her part of the dormitory was filthy. The girls she shared a dorm with reported it a number of times to Mrs Chambers, who decided it was time to take action; she went into the girl's dorm one night and took away all of Ella's books which her father had packed for her along with her radio and some other personal belongings. This infuriated Ella, who quickly demanded that they be returned.
Mrs Chambers explained that her mother wasn't here to clean up after her now, and she had to learn to take responsibility for her actions as well as her behaviour, if she could behave then Mrs Chambers would agree to let her have one item back a week. Ella didn't like the sound of this. She could feel the fierce determination of Mrs Chambers radiating from her stern gaze, and she quickly accepted defeat. She joined the other girls at the long dining table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner without a single complaint or inquiry. Her corner of the dormitory was spotless, her uniform crisp and neat like all the others. She even managed to refrain from any immature antics by keeping her tongue in check and avoiding anything that remotely resembled spitting.
Mrs Chambers glanced proudly at Ella, who had her head buried in a book. Papers of equations and diagrams littered the desk, each one filled with annotations and corrections. As Ella worked diligently, Mrs Chambers couldn't help but be impressed by her success - she was top set in all subjects. But to keep up this level of excellence, Ella would have to continue her efforts or risk losing more of her precious belongings.
THE END!
Ella strutted into the living room, her head held high, and her hands pressed flat against her hips. She demanded the latest phone, laptop, designer clothes - whatever the hottest trends were now. Her parents shook their heads and sighed: they wanted Ella to learn the value of money and that she couldn't just get what she wanted without consequence, So they decided to take away her homeschooling privileges and send her to a boarding school where she would be forced to take classes with other kids her age. There she could learn some humility.
Ella felt a wave of crushing despair as her parents presented the idea of proper schooling. No more would she be able to stay in bed day dreaming, or sleep in late on school days. There would be sports to play and languages to learn, a bedtime that couldn't be ignored, and worst of all, sharing a dormitory with other girls instead of having her own bedroom- normally overflowing with messy piles of books and clothes.
Ella had tears streaming down her face as she declared "I'm not going to some posh school," but her parents didn't waiver. They had already secretly arranged for a meeting and campus tour of Stombridge School for Girls, without telling Ella that once she arrived, she wouldn't be coming back home afterwards. That morning Ella woke in abad mood, she was determined to do whatever it took to make her parents change their minds, this included being rude. She stamped down the stairs in her pyjamas and slippers, she hadn't showered brushed her hair or cleaned her teeth.
Ella marched into the kitchen, wearing the shabbiest pair of pyjamas she could find, Her mother's mouth dropped open in shock. "Ella, you need to get dressed," she said, but Ella shook her head defiantly. "No!" she shouted indignantly. Her mother sighed and gave in. Ella smiled as if she had won an argument, secure in the knowledge that she would never have to leave the house dressed like this. But little did she know that was exactly what was about to happen.
Her parents glanced at the clock on the wall and jumped to their feet. "Come on Ella, let's go," her father said jovially, but Ella's expression remained stony. She looked down and shuffled her feet in her worn-out slippers as she tried not to think about the looming visit to the prestigious private school. After some coaxing from her mother, she reluctantly trudged towards the car with all the enthusiasm of someone marching to the gallows.
After what seemed like forever driving through lanes and up rolling hills, they reached Stombridge school. Ella's father pressed the intercom on the gates, and they slowly opened. The building was a sandstone mansion with arched shaped windows and large oak wooden doors, a long gravel driveway, and a pond with a fountain in the front yard. A mass of flowerbeds spread out through the grounds.
Ella looked out of the car window and frowned, "I'm sure it's not as daunting as it looks, her father said, apparently they even have an indoor swimming pool, You like swimming. "No, I don't replied Ella" Hopingthat would put them off sending her to such a ridiculous place. They headed off across the car park, with Ella shuffling along behind kicking stones and scuffing her feet. "Hurry up Ella," cried her mother. we don't want to be late. Ella thought that would be an excellent idea, so she slowed right down to a stop.
Her father, usually a gentle and serene man, was losing his temper with her. He walked over to Ella, took her arm firmly in his grasp and said, "No more of this nonsense. Come on." Her typical screaming didn't work on him that day. When they arrived in the hallway, Ella scowled. It had black, white, and red tiled flooring; a large staircase; and different doors leading off in different directions. Ella despised it.
A well-dressed woman wearing a navy-blue suit and pearls around her neck approached them. "Hello, glad that you could make it, I'm Mrs Chambers, I'm the headteacher," she said, reaching out to greet Ella with an open palm and a warm smile. Ella stuck out her tongue in response. Her father sighed apologetically. "Sorry, she's not being very well-behaved today." Undeterred by the attitude, Mrs Chambers gracefully led them through a maze of corridors, occasionally stopping in at classrooms where lessons were taking place.
All the girls wore skirts which touched their knees and blouses which were crisp from hours of ironing. The ties, red with a gold band and black blazers lent an air of seriousness to everyone walking across the schoolyard, regardless of whether they were in class or going out for extra study sessions.
Mrs Chambers presented Ella with a smirk to the teachers, but Ella refused to reciprocate. She brazenly sneered back and when she thought no one was watching she stuck out her tongue. As they touredthe school Mrs Chambers enquired of what Ella had been doing in the way of homeschooling - Maths, English, Science, French - to which Ella's mother proudly responded that she also loves cooking. "No, I don't," snapped Ella in response, calling it 'boring'. Mrs Chambers simply ignored Ella's offensive comments and hostile attitude, having dealt with similar girls over the years. She knew that once she settled down, Ella would be no different to any of them.
They'd been walking round for about an hour or so when Mrs Chambers introduced Ella to a small group of students, Daisy, Melissa and Sophie, They were all the same age as Ella, and they were the polar opposite to Ella, who on this particular day didn't care what she looked like or what anyone thought of her.
So, these lovely girls are going to take you off to view the dormitories' and introduce you to some of the other girls. Ella couldn't care less about the girls or meeting anymore girls, she didn't care about the uniform, the dorms or anything else. "Go on Ella you go off with these girls, I'm sure you will enjoy yourself," her mother commanded.
Ella stomped her foot on the carpet and yelled. "No!" The girls stared at her, embarrassed by her outburst. Her mother crossed her arms and pursed her lips in a disapproving pout. She approached Ella slowly, as if she were approaching an infant. "Stop behaving like a baby. We decided this was for the best, and you're making a spectacle of yourself. " Ella didn't like being referred to as a baby and she didn't want to be seen as one either, so she glared at her mother before saying through gritted teeth, "Fine."
Ella's dad acted quickly, grabbing her stuff from the car, and signingthe forms without hesitation. Mrs Chambers saw her chance to get them out of there before Ella noticed they weren't taking her home. Her mother was painfully aware that if Ella found out she wasn't coming home with them, all hell would break loose.
Ella swaggered up towards the Dormitories, the girls timidly mentioned that there was Six to Eight girls per dorm, then they stammered "all girls have to be in bed by 9pm," Ella scoffed "I go to bed when I want," she snarled, "There's no way I'm goanna have a bedtime!" The girls nervously glanced at each other before Melissa replied hesitantly, "Well, if you don't follow the rules here, you'll get detention." Ella rolled her eyes and laughed disdainfully, "Detention? What's that? Sounds like something only dumb kids get. I've never heard of it 'because I was homeschooled."
They plowed forth with their tedious tour, informing Ella that breakfast is at 7.30am and if you miss it, there won't be another meal till 11am. "I don't have to get up that early when I'm at home," Ella replied sulkily. "Well, you do here," Melissa shrieked in disgust as she had grown tired of Ella's condescending attitude. Classes start at 9am on the dot, Mrs Chambers will make sure you get a uniform and timetable. Yet, Ella didn't bother to let her know that she was certain she wouldn't be staying; though little did she know that her parents had already abandoned her.
After what felt like eternity, the tour of the school was finally over. With excitement, Ella anticipated her return home - until Mrs Chambers shattered Ella's dream by informing her that her parents had left, and she would have to start afternoon classes with her new peers; Ella couldn't believe it. Her face contorted into a sneeras she fiercely threw herself into a chair, demanding that Mrs Chambers call her parents back. Mrs Chambers' response shocked Ella even further; Do you have a mobile? She asked. Yes, replied to Ella reluctantly, it's not allowed here during term time, can I please, have it? Mrs Chambers said, offering out her hand for the device. No! Replied Ella in disgust, It's mine!
Fine, Ella. Then you can spend an 1hr in detention at dinner time this evening, Mrs Chambers threatened.
"What! I'll miss my dinner!" She whined, glaring angrily at the teacher. "I informed your parents of the rules and expectations and they agreed to them," Mrs Chambers replied sternly. "Oh well, I don't!" Ella snapped obnoxiously. "In that case," The teacher continued steadily, her face expressionless. "You can spend every break sitting in my office with myself or the deputy head until you're willing to cooperate." Ella responded by sticking out her tongue rudely. "Your phone?" Mrs Chambers asked calmly with one eyebrow raised as she held out her hand expectantly. Reluctantly, Ella handed it over, watching as Mrs Chambers placed it with all the others - under lock and key.
Mrs. Chambers handed Ella a bundle of dark fabric with crisp creases, "Your first lesson is at two o'clock, and Melissa and the other girls will make sure you find your way around. This is your uniform; please take good care of it and always be presentable." She held out a thin pamphlet outlining Ella's new schedule. Ella took it in her hands and glanced over its contents before shoving it into her pocket. "Go to your dormitory and get changed," Mrs. Chambers commanded, gesturing to the other girls.
As soon as Ella stepped inside, the other girls gathered around her, eager for information. "What did Mrs. Chambers have tosay?" one asked. Ella sighed heavily, knowing she was in for a rough week ahead: "She said I better follow the rules, or I'll end up spending dinner in detention every day!" All of them shared a knowing look; none of them could remember ever seeing anyone last longer than just a few weeks under such strict rules.
Ella stomped off into the bathroom, the door banging against the wall with a force that made the other girls jump in their seats. They watched anxiously as she disappeared behind the door and waited for her reappearance. After a few moments of silence, Ella stepped out, wearing her new uniform - a crisp white blouse tucked into an immaculate black pleated skirt. Her shoes were polished to perfection and her hair fell perfectly around her face. Daisy's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Ella's transformation - "How's it feels wearing a uniform?" she asked inquisitively, but Ella just sneered and shoved her already screwed up timetable into her pocket before leaving the room.
The girls shared a conspiratorial smile, their words dropping into a hush as soon as Ella approached. Walking towards to the classrooms, Ella felt her stomach flip with apprehension. Though her heart pounded wildly in her chest, she kept an even expression on her face, determined not to let her fear show.
Ella's rude and obnoxious behaviour continued for several weeks, taking a turn for the worse as she was forced to spend numerous detention hours in the Mrs Chambers office. On one occasion it was for spitting directly on her teacher's desk. Another time, she refused to even complete her homework assignments. Worst of all, Ella produced idea after idea for how to get out of class.
Ella refused to obey the 9 p.m. bedtime rule and was late downfor breakfast every morning her uniform didn't remain nicely pressed like the other girls, and her part of the dormitory was filthy. The girls she shared a dorm with reported it a number of times to Mrs Chambers, who decided it was time to take action; she went into the girl's dorm one night and took away all of Ella's books which her father had packed for her along with her radio and some other personal belongings. This infuriated Ella, who quickly demanded that they be returned.
Mrs Chambers explained that her mother wasn't here to clean up after her now, and she had to learn to take responsibility for her actions as well as her behaviour, if she could behave then Mrs Chambers would agree to let her have one item back a week. Ella didn't like the sound of this. She could feel the fierce determination of Mrs Chambers radiating from her stern gaze, and she quickly accepted defeat. She joined the other girls at the long dining table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner without a single complaint or inquiry. Her corner of the dormitory was spotless, her uniform crisp and neat like all the others. She even managed to refrain from any immature antics by keeping her tongue in check and avoiding anything that remotely resembled spitting.
Mrs Chambers glanced proudly at Ella, who had her head buried in a book. Papers of equations and diagrams littered the desk, each one filled with annotations and corrections. As Ella worked diligently, Mrs Chambers couldn't help but be impressed by her success - she was top set in all subjects. But to keep up this level of excellence, Ella would have to continue her efforts or risk losing more of her precious belongings.
THE END!
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