The accusation

I flipped open my wallet to reveal my bus pass.  “I’m afraid I can’t let you on without your bus pass”, stated the bus driver.  I glanced at my open wallet and almost stumbled with shock.  Where could my bus pass be?  My wallet was always in my possession, so my buss pass couldn’t have been stolen.  I must have lost it, but when?  I reached for my spare cash, reserved for emergencies just like this.  I scooped out all my spare change, only to be denied once again.  Instead of the usual pound coins, I was met with a jumble of coppers.  I guess I’ll be walking today…

I was about 30 minutes late when I finally made my way though the school gates.  For the whole journey I had turned to the mind of Sherlock Holmes, attempting to pinpoint the thief.  So far I had two main suspects: Martin Jason, the school show off; Rick Michaels, my best (and probably only) friend.  I have been friends with Rick since we started primary school, and over the past 8 years we have just grown ever closer.  In fact, only last weekend did Rick come to my house for a sleepover…  Of course!  While I was asleep Rick must have grabbed my wallet from my bedside table and swapped all my pound coins with worthless coppers. But how does that explain my buss pass?  Even if Rick wanted to steal my buss pass, he wouldn’t be able to use it.  However, the biggest question still remained.  Why would Rick, my best friend, want to steal all of my money?

The clock struck 1am as the whole school flooded out onto the courtyard.  This was our only chance to enjoy ourselves today, and every day.  I go to Tantingham School, the only private school in our county.  I wouldn’t call our school posh, but it certainly isn’t dull and dreary.  In fact, if I had to describe the school in one word, I would settle with lifeless.  Yes, we have miles upon miles of beautiful tapestries and artwork, but what use is beauty in education.  I stepped out onto the courtyard, savouring the revitalising rays of the autumn sun.  I saw all my classmates crowding around the figure of Martin Jason, showing everyone his latest gadgets, and so I decided to go join them.  I peered over the clustered bodies to see Martin boasting about his latest purchase – an iPhone.  Everyone was focusing so intently on Martin that they did not see Rick prowling through the crowd; except for me!  Every once in a while he would slip his hand into a blazer pocket and pull out a wallet.  For each wallet he would throw in a handful of coppers, making sure to empty them first.  I turned away, too shocked to shout out.  Was I dreaming, or was this actually true?