Castle Combe Mia G, Class of 2026 “I’m not taking you because they are coming into town.” “What? They haven’t come in eight years. What could they possibly fancy about this town that wasn’t here all the other times we invited them?” “I’m not sure actually. But that is beside the matter. I must get packing go along.” “Fine,” I said. I slid down the banister on the stairs and stopped at the second floor, then went into my bedroom. My room had many big, old windows that opened to a balcony with vines hanging down the side. I had an old fireplace that hadn’t worked in 200 years and a grand gold bed. I climbed through one of the windows and jumped out onto the balcony. I picked a few roses from the vine and spent the next hour in my room potting flowers into vases. “Darling, Elizabeth darling are you okay?” “What. Oh yeah, I’m fine Ms. Vass, is there something you need?” “Your mother is leaving and would fancy a goodbye.” “No.” “No?” “No, I will not come to say goodbye.” “Whatever you wish,” she sighed, rolling her eyes. I didn’t leave my room until I stopped hearing Ms. Vass’s feet shuffle along the floor, then I opened my door and ran down the stairs as fast as I could. I ran to the foyer and sat on the bench underneath the window and watched the driveway, waiting for my brother's carriage to arrive. When
“Thank you, Mr. Picher,” I said, as my feet hit the manicured lawn. I picked a mint leaf and chewed on it as I ran across the driveway and inside. “Elizabeth is that you?” Ms. Vass yelled almost in sync with the giant front door slamming shut. “Yes, what is it?” I took off my coat and hung it on the large gold hanger. “It is your mother. She would like to speak to you, and how many times have I told you not to leave your shoes in the corridor?” “What about?” “I don't know, she is in her office waiting for you.” “Ok,” I said, starting up the stairs. The stairs were long and wide and seemed to go on forever. When I got to the top floor where my mum’s office sat I stopped. I dreaded talking to her but kept walking. “Mother, did you request me?” I whispered. “Yes, come on in.” “What’s the matter?'' I said. I sat down in one of her brown flocculent chairs. The room had all sorts of books and papers and even some sports equipment. My mother was never like other mothers in our town and I don't think other families like us for that. “It’s about the trip.” “I knew it!” I burst out. “I’m afraid you won’t be coming anymore, plans have changed and I don't feel it is the right thing to do anymore.” Her words felt like knives cutting into me, how could she do this! “Why? It is not fair, you always used to take Oliver and Adger,” I halfyelled. 14
