(Not insignificant re-write February 9, 2015)

First day of term, first class, gym teacher’s office.

There's a knock on the door and Tom, my best friend, enters.

-Hi Dave, is Mr Ferguson around?
- He’s already out there warming up.
- I see your little sister is taking ballet this year.

- Yes, they think it will help her development.
- How is she doing at Sandringford school?
- It’s amazing the progress she has made in only a year.
- OK, give Andy and me 3 minutes and we will be out there to escort you.

My little sister is the sweetest child in the world, despite or because of her mental handicap.

If only she wouldn’t insist on “Do as big brother do” or if Sandringford wouldn’t be so firm about “structure” including school uniform. Not like my anything goes school, I think as I hang up my jacket with the Sandringford crest and matching skirt. Sometimes I wish I could tell her that I do one thing and then do another but her trust in me is too valuable. I must NEVER lie to her. This time I could possibly have escaped I lament as I make sure my pink tights are pulled up and un-twirl the spaghetti straps on my new leotard, if not my school had ballet as a PE option.

I remind myself that it’s the first 4-5 weeks of every term that are the worst and that I have the support of great friends like Tom and Andy.

I take a deep breath and open the door.

... and maybe next year she will be able to understand.