June 21 Car crush Pc nominated for award

PC Alex Collinson, chronologically twenty nine years old but feeling fourteen sat in the reception of Wilberforce Community College trying to look relaxed. In his hands, an invitation to address the school assembly, to inspire the pupils: embody what they could become. Lost in time he pictured the quiet put upon young boy who'd hid in the toilets during break-time. What had happened to everyone in the intervening years ? Our lives are not planned Alex, they open out before us, they find their own way like drops of rain on a window, you never know if they will turn or come to a stop; his Uncle rarely spoke but when he did you listened.

" This way Mr Collinson Sir " a young girl, low slung tie and mouth full of gum appeared through the door. She spoke better than she dressed and even half curtsied as she held the door for him. Her name is Molly McMahon she told hin as they walked to the hall.

" Wait here please Sir"

Outside the sound of kids messing about, avoiding teachers, making their stands.

A minute later the door opened and Molly reappeared, behind her the smell of cheap deodorant losing a battle with teenage body odour,  " This way Sir, up to the front Sir "

Alex Collinson followed her past the pupils and staff, to the stage. Eight hundred faces looked towards him, waiting to be impressed, he swallowed, they would be.

" I am not here to talk to you about my award, I am here to lay a ghost "