Week [1] of June Holidays.

Something made Josh look up from his textbook. Across the classroom, Adel was holding a rule in front of her mouth like a microphone. Her wispy ponytail swung side to side as she closed her eyes and dramatically mouthed a song as if she was in front a crowd of a million people.

Everyone in the class burst into laughter.

Mr James, a tall kindly man clad in a green track suit, looked back and glanced around the class. Everyone had their heads down, pretending to be hard at work.

"How is your work coming along, Josh?" he asked.

Josh ran his fingers through his ginger hair. The truth was that it was in a complete fiasco.

"Well..It's coming along..great!" he attempted to lie convincingly.

"It better be that way."Mr James answered, crooking his eyebrows.

For the rest of the lesson, Josh was either looking out the windows or sleeping.

The bell went for the start of break. Mr James dismissed everyone except Josh.

"Josh, come here."he said.

Josh wasn't too happy as the rest of the classmates trickled out of the classrooms to the canteen or the play area.

"Quit dragging you feet and hurry up Mister."yelled Mr James.

Josh stood in front of Mr James and awaited his instructions.

"Do you know why I am holding you back?" he asked.

"No idea, Sir"Josh replied.

Then Mr James flipped through the pile of paper on his desk and fished Josh's out.

"See it for yourself,"he said as he shoved the paper into Josh's hands.

Josh's heart sank. All he could see were messy red crossed everywhere on his paper. The top page of the pile was covered in neat red ticks and even had a "Well Done!" sticker pasted on it.

"I'll give you one last chance," said Mr James.

"If you still fare so badly for the test term paper, I shall send you to Miss Amy. She will probably speak to your parents and decide how to deal with you. You jolly well work harder. Do you understand?" he questioned loudly.

Josh nodded and heaved a sigh.

At this point the bell for the end of break sounded.

Josh wanted to just run out and play and he wanted to cry but all he could do what to sit down at his seat and stare out of the window watching his classmates flocking back to the classroom.