There was no feeling quite like it; tearing across the muddy school field, my ponytail streaming in the wind. “Quick Tina!” yelled one of my friends. “I can see Miss Williams at the window.” Giggling, I ran even faster. A few moments later we were out on the lane, away from school, away from the bullies.
For 13 years I’d been a model daughter and then a model student. I’d never stepped out of line. I hadn’t had a single unauthorised absence, or even a late mark, on my school record.
But after starting high school in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, I was bullied over my weight. I carried a couple of extra pounds, as most of my family did. It had never seemed a problem until the teasing began.
For over a year I put up with it. Every day there were nasty comments and sneers behind my back. Aged 13, I decided I couldn’t take any more and started to play truant. Each morning, I went in and registered, before escaping across the school field. For months it was fun. We hung around the shops or the park. Then, one morning, as I was waiting at the bus station, three men came over.
“Fancy a cigarette?” one asked.
I didn’t like to admit I’d never smoked before. They were all so much older than us. So when they suggested meeting up after school, at the local park, I felt flattered.
That night the men brought more cigarettes and a bottle of vodka. I’d never been drunk – I felt so grown up. One of the men, who introduced himself as Pretos, seemed to be in charge.
“See you tomorrow,” he said.
Denne historien er fra June 26, 2023-utgaven av New UK.
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Denne historien er fra June 26, 2023-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
A STICKY SITUATION
Actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Guillaume Cyr bond with Margo Martindale and get beaten up by Jamie Lee Curtis in a riotous new comedy drama series
THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY
Love Actually writer and director Richard Curtis gifts the world a new festive film this year
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for peoplepleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
Caught on dashcam injecting her ex with fatal dose of 'poison"
Amanda Hovanec enlisted her lover and her mother in her cold-blooded plot
'I looked better getting married at 53 than I did at 23!'
Wellbeing coach Sarah-Jane Clark, from Swindon, shares how she achieved her dream of wearing a size 10 wedding dress after losing 12st
'I am so looking forward to Christmas'
Helen Flanagan shares her plans for the holidays with her new boyfriend Robbie Talbot and her kids
I'm turning the anger into positive energy
His best friend's death has made Gok Wan rethink life
‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle
Actress and presenter Kéllé Bryan on managing fame and fronting a new fashion initiative
'There were rats..it is a real jungle
Marvin Humes on his I'm A Celebrity experience, backing his buddies and the importance of kindness
'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'
Model Caprice Bourret tells new about her festive traditions and starring in and producing a Christmas film