I remember it was a bright, sunny day in May, really vibrant and cold though as well. I felt that this brand new week ahead of me was going to be as good as the week before. I was surprisingly really looking forward to school, though as a eight or nine year old, I didn't have much to worry about as I had no homework and the classwork for the term was about Ancient Egypt which I loved. I didn't think that things would change, that this week would shape me so much, but I still look back and smile. I'll try and remember as much as I can, but it was so long ago, I'll probably forget some details, but anyway, like I said, it all started on this particular day in May...

May 2002

The sun was shining behind the thin veil of clouds, hiding the light blue sky behind. It felt so good to be out of my classroom and outside in the fresh air, as I walk my way down the many steps outside my classroom and out onto the playground. A group of older boys, in Year Five are already in the middle of a game as I jump down the last high step and onto the ground. I have to dodge the ball which is now flying towards me at speed. A brief scream is escaping from my lips as I run as fast as I can to avoid any accidents. My heart racing, but I know I'm safe for now.
I make my way towards the broken down wall which is in the middle of the playground, around the corner from my near escape. I had planned with my friends to meet there for first break and for lunch but they don't seem to be there. "Oh well." I think to myself as I walk closer before settling myself into a corner of the T shaped wall, placing my book bag and lay it down beside me as I watch the playground fill up quickly with pupils and teachers. I study everyone around me for a little bit, watching what people are doing, sometimes hearing what people are saying before I finally decide to do something while I wait. I pull out a cereal bar from my bag before placing it on my leg, not wanting it to get dirty and then I pull out my 'Judy Moody' book and open it to the last page I read. I eat and read for what feels like only a few minutes before I hear the whistle going off to signal that break time is over. I sigh softly to myself, both out of feeling annoyed that I have been on my own all break time and because I have got to a good part in my book and I've had to finish.
I quickly pack everything away, leaving me in a quiet part of the playground as I hear many voices coming from the fences outside the main entrance. I quickly get up before making my way as fast as I can to my class queue which was bang in the middle of the nine queues. We all wait our turn, starting with the two Reception classes, then the two Year One's, Year Two's, my year and then the single classes after. I don't see the classes after us go in as I now spot my friends, Katherine, Laura and Jessica. Jessica in my queue, Katherine and Laura in the other. They are all talking to each other. Where have they been? Why are they all talking to each other and laughing? Have I done something wrong?
Walking back to class via the computer suite, I ask Jessica why none of them turned up to play with me. The only explanation I get is that they were busy. However Jessica promised they would all meet up with me at the wall at lunch time instead.
My teacher sents us out for our lunch time break, before calling us into the hall to eat our lunches, once Key Stage One have finished theirs. I make my way to the wall for the second time today and wait for the others to join me...and wait...and wait...and wait. Fed up of waiting, I now make my way to the friendship bench, in the the hope that someone will pick me to come and play with them. Lots are coming and going but no-one is actually speaking to me.
Now totally fed up and upset of being stood up yet again, I begin to make my way to the school garden, where a pretty two tone pink and yellow rose also appears to be all alone in full bloom. I decide to sit on the bench alongside this beautiful rose. I find myself staring at it, taking in every detailed petal and it's subtle, sweet scent. The whistle is now blowing and I have to go back inside for lunch, leaving behind my rose.
For the rest of the week, every break and lunch time was spent on the bench mesmerised by my bright rose, only seeing the other girls in class.
The last day of the week arrives and as usual I make my way to visit and admire my rose. Usually I'm greeted by the bright, colourful petals and sweet rose scent, although today is different. There is no sweet rose scent and no beautiful pink and yellow petals to catch my eye. Panic is setting in and as I get closer I can see that it hasn't been picked but that it had tragically been trampelled upon. My eyes filling with tears and my heart sinking fast, I sit on the bench all alone crying in silence, in mourning for my rose.
Feeling saddened for the rest of the day, nothing else seemed to matter, just the precious memory of my lovely rose.