Unit 4.1, Exercise 2, Page 104.0:18
From the moment we returned from the violent heat of East Africa, we were soaked by the continuous drizzle of a fine English summer.0:41
It was not a particularly promising introduction to life back in England after three years of being baked under the Kenyan sun.0:49
Nevertheless, the leaden skies of August could not make me any less enthusiastic than about my fast approaching return to British education.0:56
I was about to enter a South London comprehensive.1:04
At the time, I was totally unaware of the shock that was awaiting me, one much worse than adapting to the dismal climate.1:08
I was just looking forward to making lots of new friends and getting stuck into school life.1:15
I was under the impression that the other pupils would be interested in my stories about Africa and would instantly warm to my sparkling personality.1:20
Unfortunately, however, I had really been looking at things through rose tinted glasses and it wasn't long before I experienced a much darker, unappealing side of things.1:28
On the first day of term, I bounded into the noisy assembly hall, eager to size up my new classmates.1:39
As I scanned the room, which was packed with huddled clusters of teenagers, I got my first suspicions that becoming part of their cozy groupings might not be as easy as I had imagined.1:45
They all seemed to have an air of belonging as they laughed and chatted together.1:56
I tried to look relaxed and carefree, but no one so much as glanced in my direction, let alone tried to introduce themselves.2:01
It turned out to be an uncomfortable morning in my new class, but as the hours dragged by I tried to work out what would be a good plan of attack for getting in on the action.2:08
It began to dawn on me that that what was needed was a little effort on my part.2:18
So at break I swallowed my pride and strolled over to a group of boys standing by the gates to say hello.2:22
The tallest was a dark haired lad with a permanent sneer on his face.2:28
Where did you get your shiny shoes, mate?2:33
I looked down at my new leather shoes and noticed that everyone else was wearing the latest trainers.2:37
Before I could think of something amusing to say, they had begun to wander back to class, leaving me red faced and dumbfounded by the gate.2:42
At the end of my first day, I stormed out of the classroom as soon as the final bell rang, almost knocking over a girl who was passing along the corridor.2:50
I had arrived that morning full of hopes for a bright new future, only to have them dashed on the hard rocks of teenage indifference.2:59
The dark clouds above my head seemed to settle around me as I trudged back home, reminding me of how grim the day had been.3:07
I was so enraged that I almost didn't hear someone calling my name and and I turned round to see a boy from my class, Brian, running to catch up with me.3:14
You haven't exactly been made to feel welcome today, have you?3:22
He said, beaming at me.3:25
You could say that, I replied sarcastically.3:27
He laughed and suggested I give him my mobile number and he would text me later.3:30
But I haven't got a mobile.3:35
I told him, my heart sinking once again.3:36
A look of utter amazement spread across his face and he suddenly went very quiet while I waited for him to reply.3:39
Finally, he took a deep breath.3:46
Look, if I were you, I'd get a mobile.3:48
And while you're at it, sort yourself out with a decent pair of trainers.3:52
I walked into the house and flung my blazer and bag down in the hall.3:58
My mom popped her head round the living room door and asked how my first day had gone.4:02
Can you please tell me why I need a mobile, phone and trainers if I want to make any friends?4:07
I was so stony faced that I think she knew better than to reply, so she just stood there looking confused as I stomped up the stairs and slammed my bedroom door shut.4:13
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