The boys of 4M have been working on story openings; using action, description or dialogue to get started. Each boy has written three such story openings of between 200 and 300 words. The boys will then read each other’s work and choose one opening to continue and complete the story.

This is just one of the description openings.

SMM

I got out of the car. I turned around, imagining what it would look like.

“Mum … we have so got the wrong place!”

“Well, this is definitely the correct address.”

“Okay ...” I said, my voice giving away the apprehension that was building up inside me.

I did not understand how the prospectus photo was so different to the real thing. I looked at the photo. Then at the school. The hedges were overgrown, the windows smashed. But worst of all, the tower clock was broken. The headmaster was standing in the doorway of the front hall, surrounded by the rotting timbers that would have once been a rather grand porch. Long, curling vines entwined the structure, as if trying to pull it down.

“Well howdy, partner!” The Headmaster shouted in a strong Texas accent.”I’m Headmaster of… Er… of,” He peeked at the prospectus. “St.Trinians…Yeah, that’s it! I’m the Headmaster of St. Trinians! Let’s go for the tour, shall we?”

He led me through a maze of winding corridors. I looked at the ceiling and the walls. In every nook and cranny there were at least twenty cobwebs occupied by their dead owners. I looked at my feet. Fat, juicy maggots were crawling at my feet and I couldn’t help but wonder what they were feeding on.

We finally got to the first classroom. I sneaked a peek in. It was shabby and bare and some rebellion seemed to be taking place against the teacher.

SPLAT!

A tomato landed on my face.

T Pearce (11.06)