…Hello Miss Jones, Yes I’m Lauren’s Dad. No problem at all, Lauren told me the trip couldn’t go ahead unless a parent volunteered, and I’ve never done this sort of thing before, so I thought “why not?”. Brave? Ha Ha. OK, I know paperwork waits for no man, sorry woman…I’ll get the coach loaded, see you in a bit.
***

OK, bags in the boot everyone and…into the coach! No I’m not a new teacher, I’m Lauren’s Dad. No I’m not driving, I’m riding shotgun. Well at least you are easily amused. Get into the coach. No I’m not going to show you my guns. Get into the coach. Yes, in the boot. Then get into the coach. You two, where are you going? There’s no time for that, we’re running late. Can you get into the coach please? Why are you getting off the coach, lass? No you’re not. Get into the coach. WILL EVERYBODY GET INTO THE COACH!!! Yes, sorry…you’re quite right Victoria I shouldn’t have shouted. No, you’re right again, I haven’t had any training, bit late now, you’re stuck with me as is. Now is everyone on? I don’t think my clothes are old fashioned…Serena? At least I don’t have a ring through my nose. Yes, sorry, I shouldn’t have said that, it was a bit rude. Now, please don’t get upset, you’ll get me in trouble with Miss Jones. Hopefully Miss Jones won’t give me detention, no. Thank you for offering Kylie, but if I do get a detention it won’t help if you join me. Right, just need to find Miss Jones and then we’re off!
***
OK everyone, we’re at the first lodge! Bit late, but you all know why. Please unload your bags, your rooms have been preallocated – ask at the desk. Yes, make sure you get your bag Serena. Kylie, what are you doing? He’s asleep, and for your information we say “poor homeless person” not “smelly old tramp”. Just get into the lodge. No I won’t buy you a new iPod if you give him yours. Yes it was a nice thought, pick up your bag and go, Miss. Victoria, I thought you were checked in. Lauren’s room isn’t better than yours, they’re all the same. It isn’t favouritism, they were preallocated, I had no idea what they were like. A bigger mirror isn’t the end of the world Victoria. OK, look, if my room is “better” than yours we will swap. A smile never hurt anyone young lady. By all means go and talk to Miss Jones, she’s doing some paperwork somewhere.
Has everyone got their bag? Yep, they’re all gone. Including mine it seems.

***
OK, I’m going to join Miss Jones through here, and when I come out I want to see my bag on this table. Let no one say I haven’t a sense of humour; no more will be said, Miss Jones need never know. Yes it is the bar Sandra, and no, you aren’t allowed in there. We’ll be doing paperwork Kylie. We might have a small drink Serena. Miss Jones and I do have separate rooms, Indira – I think my wife would prefer it. Right? I’ll be back in ten minutes…
***
Yes, it is a small shop Lauren. Toothpaste, but no pyjamas. Are you sure you know nothing about this young lady? No, I’m not trying to show you up in front of your friends sweetheart. It isn’t just making a fuss. I am seriously miffed, my Kindle is in that bag. Do you want to say that in english? Who might know something?? Tell Kylie I want to talk to her tomorrow. Thank you for the advice Lauren, but I’m not you and I’m not going to “steer well clear”. Go to bed.
***
Who the heck…Kylie. It’s 11pm! I said tomorrow. No, you can’t come in, especially dressed like that – unless you have my bag somewhere? You wish I was your teacher? That’s nice, but not a good idea if you want to pass your exams, and besides I’ve seen what happened to Miss Jones. Let’s get back to the bag shall we? What was that? You think someone gave it to the tramp!! Yes, I know you said poor homeless person. I hope you are joking. You’re not. How do you know? Do you want to try that again, and look at me this time. Because it was you. I see.
Yes, I have gone a bit quiet.
If you do have more to say, now would be a good time. A “bit naughty” doesn’t quite cover it Missy. No, I don’t want to talk about it tomorrow. In fact I think we will continue this conversation right now, but with you across my knee. Get in here please! Yes, I know Miss Jones is next door. She brought more paperwork back from the bar, believe me she will hear nothing. What’s that for, I’ve already got a toothbrush? Oh, it’s yours. An alternative suggestion. I see. Yes I have gone quiet again. I’m just wondering how many extra smacks that particular “suggestion” deserves. I think you’ll find it wasn’t “worth a try” young lady. Just lie across my knee. STOP!! I didn’t say anything about dropping your pants. It’s called decorum, lady. That’s better. What did you just say? Viagra. Can you just lift your bottom for a moment please, I think these pants are surplus to requirements after all. Yes, well, I may be a bit inconsistent, but sometimes maximum sting is all that matters. No, you can’t sit next to me on the bus tomorrow – believe me you won’t want to sit anywhere for a while. Good grief. Do you ever stop talking? That’s no problem Missy, my hand isn’t going to feel cold shortly…
