Effie nervously twiddled the ribbon at the end of her plaited, long brown hair, as she sat on the bus.  She looked out the window, desperately trying to avoid the glances of her fellow passengers, most of whom were rowdy, drunk, or both.  This was Effie’s first ever experience of travel on a public bus – she normally travelled by private limousine - and it was an experience she never wished to endure again.  “What a dreadful day”, she thought to herself.<br/><br/>It was early that morning that she had been summoned to the headmistress in her office.  Effie attended the very exclusive Attenbrook Hall School for Girls, where she had been in attendance since she was 11.  Now, just turned 18, she was in her final year, and a well-respected prefect.  However, being summoned to see the headmistress was not an everyday occurrence. Before knocking on the oak-paneled door, she had carefully checked her appearance, making sure the collar of her white shirt was fastened, her tie was straight, her blazer was buttoned up, the hem of her navy blue pleated skirt was not above the regulation 3” over the knees, her white socks were neatly pulled to her knees, and her black shoes were polished. Satisfied, she knocked and entered.<br/><br/>The news had not been good.  In short, Miss Turnberry had informed her that the school had been notified of a family crisis – something to do with accusations of fraud against her father.  Whilst investigations continued, there was no money to meet the $40,000 school fees that were already overdue – and there was unfortunately no choice – Effie would have to leave Attenbrook Hall.  To add to her troubles, Effie was also told that bailiffs had confiscated the entire contents of her room – including all of her clothes.  Arrangements had been made for one of the school minibuses to take her into the local town – from there she would have to make her way to her new school by public transport.<br/><br/>“It’s a boarding school, Effie”, Miss Turnberry had offered, handing over an envelope containing the details.  “Not one that I had heard of before I’m afraid, but it is apparently run by a Lady Shaw, so I am sure it will be just fine”, she added.  “I’m afraid you will have to travel with just the clothes you are wearing, but I’m sure your new school will get you kitted out in a new uniform once you get there”.<br/><br/>That had been seven hours ago, six of which had been spent sitting on this revolting, uncomfortable bus, and apparently there was still another hour to go.  Effie winced as the bus stopped, an overweight balding middle-aged man got on and sat directly next to her, his stained trousers pressing firmly against the bare flesh of her thigh.  She turned to say something, but seeing the leering grin, and detecting the overpowering stench of alcohol on his breath, decided to keep quiet.<br/>