Where did Mary go

The school trip

"Mary come downstairs, breakfast's ready!" said Mrs Hanvelse. Dreading, Mary rolled her eyes then finished applying her shimmer lip gloss. She lazily came down the stairs wearing a blue dress with a leather belt around her waist. " somebody's looking stylish today, is it photo day?" asked Mrs Hanvelse. Mary ignored her mother's sarcasm then finished eating her cheerios. "John remember to come early from work, we're having the senator and his wife over at noon"." I can't confirm anything right now because we have a big deal happening - "excuses excuses excuses I don't care, and I certainly do not want to be embarrassed just be there". John shook his head, then looked at Mary. "Hey Mary, I'm going to the shops later want me to get you your favourite: cherry pie "John smiled. Mary shook her head sideways. "Alright, do you want me to get you anything else, maybe a raspberry scone?". Mary shook her head again. "Mary, you're gonna be late go on" Mrs Hanvelse rushed. Mary took a considerable breath than gathered her backpack leaving for the door. Just as the door shut John said: "What's wrong with her these days, she doesn't talk or even eat properly". "Oh, she's fine probably just wants some attention she'll go back to normal when she finds out she won't get any. Anyway, I better rush off I'm going to be late for my Kitty party". "Mother wait" John stopped. "What is it now?". "Look I really think there's something wrong with Mary something is obviously bothering her maybe school or something - "Oh what is your point get to it quickly". "My point is your her mother; it's your job to make sure she's happy and normal like any other child". "Don't you dare remind me of what my job is after all I gave birth to you, I'm getting late we'll talk about this later". John rubbed his eyes with his fingers.

The walk to school was the only time Mary could be with herself, which she enormously enjoyed. The company of others had always put her in an awkward position. She wasn't very good at making conversation and often mumbled out of fear. The walk to school was only ten minutes, but because Mary had moved in a week ago, it was difficult for her to find direction. It was eight-thirty, and the school bell had just rung." Alright, take your seats, everyone. Now, remember we all need to quickly and quietly get in the school bus for our annual school trip" said miss Daisy. "what how did I forget about the trip?" Mary thought to herself. " Everyone needs to choose a buddy, and I can not tell you how important it is gonna be to stick with your buddy at all times". Abruptly the class became frantic. Every boy and girl rushed towards their peers, joining up. Sadly, no one approached Mary, and neither did she. She waited for what seemed to be an eternity of minutes, standing embarrassed for everyone to see how lonely she was. She rushed towards the corner, hoping to not be the centre of attention.

The bus ride wasn't particularly fun for Mary. All of her peers joined in singing various new pop songs and gossiping wildly. Suddenly, Mary smiled as her favourite song became the tune everyone was singing to happily. Just then, a boy sitting next to her took great interest. "You've got a pretty smile; you should smile more often"." Oh umm... " speechless Mary stared into his eyes " Thanks". " I'm Henry by the way, are you new because I don't think I've ever seen you before?" confused. " Yes, I um... moved in a week ago". Mary suddenly became nervous clenching her fists." Oh," Henry began to take notice of Mary's uneasiness."Anyway, who's your partner?"."I don't have one" she said humiliated.

"That's great cause neither do I, do you maybe wanna pair up?". Delighted, Mary nodded and calmly unclenched her sweaty palms. " Maybe this isn't such a bad day," Mary thought. She turned her head outside the window only to find her self surrounded by mulberry trees." It's beautiful" Mary said, amused." I know right; the scenery is pretty refreshing, don't you think"." I've never seen anything like it before". " Students in a couple of minutes we're gonna be at our destination and when the bus stops I want you all to make a line outside single file," said Miss Daisy. Mary suddenly gaped towards Henry noticing every detail on him, from his type of shoes to his hair type, it was the first time someone took an interest in her. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she imagined the possibilities of them being together.

"Alright, everyone lets start with the register". One by one, Miss Daisy started ticking off the names. Mary gazed around her surroundings, amused. The crisp autumn leaves lay scattered like a tapestry, and the chirping of the pink hummingbirds intrigued Mary. "Mary Hanvelse". Mary stared at the hummingbird taking in the nectar from a purple-flowered tree. " Mary Hanvelse...No? All right". Miss Daisy continued down the list. "So students the purpose of this trip is for you all to explore wildlife and take pictures for your annual project so take many but don't go too deep into the forest causeI'm not going to bring you back" she laughed "be back here in exactly one hour. Henry turned towards Mary "Hey by the way I didn't catch your name". "It's Mary". "Oh, cool name" he smugged. "Anyway, we better go now and find a spot I bet if we go in the deep part of the forest, we can spot a tiger or a bear," he said while running. Mary didn't like the idea of going so far but trusted Henry's judgement." Hey, Henry, don't run so fast" Mary told." Why can't keep up with me?" He said sarcastically." Oh when I run, I don't stop" Mary grinned. Both sprinted through the forest, eager on beating each other. Mary felt free and alive, the most she's felt in her life. She darted and leapt through the branches while the wind whipped her hair. Adrenaline coursed through her veins. Soon enough, both stopped and panted heavily." wow for a girl your a pretty fast runner" Henry said out of breath.

"Thanks, and for a guy, you're a pretty good runner" Mary exclaimed. Henry laughed. "well, let's get exploring then," Mary said sarcastically. Henry walked towards the oak tree, spotting a branch of mulberries. Cautiously, he climbed up the tree, reaching his hand for the berries." What are you doing that's dangerous" Mary said worried. "Hey, I didn't eat breakfast, and I'm starving. I might even faint".

Languidly Henry climbed down the tree with the few berries in his hands until his foot slipped upon the thin branch and lost his balance. He tumbled down and hit the thick grass unconscious." Henry !" Mary shouted in shock. " are you okay look at me". Henry lay motionless but slowly started flickering his eyes. Mary put his head on her lap and started softly slapping his cheek. "Henry say something, so I know you don't have a concussion" Mary mumbled. "My head" "Come on, get up" Mary whispered. "I told you it was dangerous". Henry steadily rose and held his hand on his forehead, feeling groggy." How many fingers am I holding ?" Mary asked." three fingers. "Good your perfectly fine, now let's go back you may need an ice pack on your head". Both walked towards the direction they came from or at least thought it was the direction they came from.