The two women walked nervously in to Mother Immaculata’s office, speaking on the phone the older woman looked a formidable force.

Senator oh god she knows, this thought flashed through both woman’s minds but neither portrayed this. Annabelle dared a look at Simone, only to see her staring blankly at her Aunt; hands tightly clasped the chair arms.

“Annabelle I have been in contact with your mother’s assistant about Catherine, her behaviour towards you has been slanderous and violent, you are the senator’s daughter. I felt your mother must be informed however she was too busy to take my call. So I will deal with it privately.”

Hurt swelled within Annabelle slumped her shoulder; Simone could see the pain Annabelle was suffering. What had to happen to her for her mother to care?

“Catherine will be moved into the room next to mine, she has been warned to stay away from the both of you. Simone the girl has been removed from your classes. She has also been given a two weeks suspension” Annabelle breathed a sigh of relief

“Thank you,”

“No I have to deliver the bad news, Annabelle you were found out of your room after hours, you started the fight with Catherine even though you were provoked, I have to make an example of you, I cant let you go unpunished. You shall not be going on the school trip. You will remain here and study; you will also complete chores in the garden. Miss Bradley due to your failure to know where your student was, you shall remain here and supervise Annabelle.”

“You search my room thinking I’m having an affair with Annabelle now your leaving me here to supervise her on my own.”

“Although it is a punishment I’m trying to prove to you that I trust you, this seems to be the only way I can do that.”

Neither women could believe their luck; they were being forced to spend alone time together as a punishment. Five days of alone time.

As the pair left the room they saw Cat being escorted by her parents.

“So Miss Bradley what punishments are you going to think up for me, I’ve all ready got yours in mind.”

“Annabelle someone might hear you.” Then as she turned to walk towards her classroom Simone whispered “I know exactly what you’re going to be doing.”