I looked up keenly at Ms Campbell, and her face instantly changed from sweet and kind to angry and full of contempt. I was so confused and could feel a knot of dread forming in the pit of my stomach, as it was an expression I had seen on Mum’s face many, many times and it never ended well for me. I bit my bottom lip, tasting the salty blood as I tried to quell the rising panic I was feeling.
“Laura Smith, is it?” asked Ms Campbell in an accusing tone, as if I was guilty of a crime by virtue of my very name. I swallowed hard before confirming my identity. “Well I’ve already heard all about what a clever little superstar you are this morning from Mrs Jones. Proud of yourself, are you?” she asked rhetorically, before continuing: