Ronald was put into the class class as William. Throughout the day he refused to answer to Veronica and refused to curtsey. He initially refused to take part in his playground activity at lunchtime, but he was no match for the dominant prefects and eventually and reluctantly, he skipped.
Ronald was one of the first to be dropped off from the minibus after school. “I can’t believe he’s been sent to St Flick’s.” William gasped as the minibus departed.
“By the look on his face, he can’t believe it either.” Andrew replied. Some of the other boys asked who he was and both William and Andrew described his various misdemeanours at Cromwell Road; fighting, bullying, misconduct, vandalism, etc.
“He sounds as bad as you were Emily.” Jonathan said.
“Well you were hardly a goodie-two-shoes before you came Jennifer!” Lee retorted.
“Stop bickering boys.” the driver said. “I’m sure Veronica will learn the error of his ways, just as you did.”
Andrew wasted no time telling his mother that none other than Ronald Hunter had been sent to St Felicity’s today. “That brute!” his mother said. “It was only a matter of time I guess.” she added, before asking if he’d settled in.
“I dunno.” Andrew replied. “He’s in Wendy’s class… I mean, William’s.”
“I know who Wendy is dear.” his mother replied, before retying his bunches so they were taught and even. “Don’t forget you’ve got to practise your ballet after your homework tonight.” she reminded him.
“I know.” Andrew moaned.
“Your tights and leotard are on your radiator. They should be dry.”
“Do I really have to wear those?” Andrew whined. His mother raised an eyebrow. Andrew knew the answer.
Over at William’s house, he’s telling his mother about the new boy at school. “Oh dear.” his mother said. “I’m sure he’ll settle in, just as you have.” she said.
William wasn’t so sure that Ronald would settle in. He flat refused to take part in the playground activities, and refused to curtsey in class. “Has my dance kit been washed?” he asked. “I’ve got to practice my ballet steps tonight.”
“It has.” his mother smiled.
“Thanks Mum.”
“Did you play netball again today?” she asked.
“No… it was raining so we did gymnastics instead.”
“I was going to say it’s been drizzly all day.” his mother replied, before asking if he enjoyed it. William described the floor exercises as boring, but liked the vaulting horse and the balance beam was really hard.
The next morning there was no sign of Ronald on the minibus. He was due to be picked up before William and Andrew told him what had happened. “His Dad said he went out last night and didn’t come home… the police have been informed and they’re supposed to be looking for him.”
“I suppose the prefects will join in the search too?” William replied. And he was absolutely right. As they exited the minibus and entered the school, a group of prefects were on their way out… thoroughly looking forward to going on another ‘boyhunt’ as they called it. They stopped Wendy and Alice, knowing they went to the same school and questioned them as to where Veronica might have absconded to, but neither knew since they weren’t friends with him. They did list a number of potential hangouts though, including the old pavilion where they’d found Wendy hiding. “I wish they’d never sent Ronnie here.” William said once the prefects had gone. “When he gets back to Cromwell Road, everyone will know we were here too.”
“It’s not something I’d boast about.” Andrew replied. “When I get back I’m saying nothing to no one.”
At morning break, there’s still no sign of Ronald or the prefects who’d joined in the search, but by lunchtime he’s back, sporting a black eye and wearing the St Felicity’s uniform, flanked by two chaperones who accompany him everywhere. William and Andrew learned that Ronald had initially been suspended from Cromwell Road for a month, but after two days at St Felicity’s, he’s already accrued an additional eight days and is likely to earn himself more. “If we’re lucky he’ll be stuck here… then we’d be able to keep it a secret.”
“You reckon?” William retorted. “Miss Coulton knows… and I wouldn’t put it past her to use us as a threat to the rest of the boys.”
“I hope not!” Andrew replied. “She did say something about keeping it under wraps on Monday at Mrs Arkwright’s.” he added, casting his mind back. He couldn’t recall her exact words, but she said something about private shame being better than public humiliation.
“Yeah but she also said we’d be shining examples of what happens to persistent truants.” William reminded him.