Sisters

Scene 1 - Missing 

Aden and Bethany are sisters. They are fighting over Bethany's top that has gone missing. They are in the kitchen.

Aden

Beth, I promise you I didn't take your top. I wouldn't be caught dead in that raggedy old thing. Stripes are for hot sailors not fashion statements! 

Bethany

*sporadic, angry hand gestures* 

Well I'm sorry but I don't think either Mum or Dad could fit in that top and well Spence is 9 ... Not sure he is into stripes and frills. That means your the only one left who could of taken it. 

Aden 

Have you checked your wardrobe properly. You wear glasses for a reason Beth! 

*Aden cackles*  

Bethany 

Glasses have nothing to do with it. It's not in my wardrobe, I didn't even have to check there. I know for a fact I put it in the wash last week. 

Aden 

*annoyed tone*

There you go mystery solved it's still in the wash! 

*Aden starts to become annoyed by Bethany's accusations*

Bethany

*shouting* 

It's not there, I checked the dirty and clean washing. So someone must have taken it. The only person that could of is you! Why are you making this so difficult. Just give it to me. 

Aden 

*shouts back* 

I don't have your stupid top, you have others anyway. Stop blaming me. 

*Aden storms out of the kitchen* 

*Mum (Julie) enters* 

Julie 

Why are you and Aden shouting. It's 9 in the morning, your dad got home from work late last night. I thought you two were more respectful then this. 

*opens fridge door and starts making breakfast* 

Bethany 

Sorry mum, but my stripy top with the frills is gone. I can't find it and I need it for later. I'm going out. I know Aden has it. 

Julie 

Well I washed it so it should be with the clean washing. Why can't you just wear another top?, you have plenty of others. 

Bethany 

*annoyed and stressed* 

Yes but I want to wear that one. It's not in the clean washing. I checked. I know Aden has it, she is such a brat. She could borrow it if she just asked. 

*runs hands heavily down face in anger* 

Julie 

*sternly*

If anyone is being a brat Beth it's you, your sister isn't a liar. Stop throwing names around and go apologise and I'll have a look for your top. Your not going out for ages anyway. There's no need for all of this fighting. 

*makes direct eye contact with Beth* 

Bethany 

Fine. 

*groans in annoyance*

*stomps out of the kitchen* 

Julie 

*shouting*

You can apologise to your dad too for your shouting!

*still making breakfast* 

Scene 2 - Liar 

*Bethany knocks on Aden's bedroom door* 

Aden 

Come in.

*Bethany enters, hovers by the door* 

Aden 

Oh I didn't know it was you. You can leave if your gonna question me again. 

Bethany 

I'm not here to do that. I came to apologise, I'm sorry for accusing you. My top will turn up. I shouldn't have blamed you for it being missing. 

*crosses arms and leans against the door* 

Aden 

I accept your apology even-though I'm pretty sure mum forced you into it. 

*walks towards Bethany*

Bethany 

She did and she said we have to say sorry to dad too. We woke him up with all our shouting. 

Aden 

Crap, I forgot he got in late last night. Well we can do it when he wakes up, no point doing it now. We'd just be waking him up again. 

*puts hand on door* 

Bethany 

Yeah your right, I'll let you get back to whatever your doing. 

*steps out of room* 

Aden 

Alright. 

*closes door* 

*Aden walks over to her closet and opens it pulling out a striped, frilly blue top with a huge red stain down the front* 

*Julie enters without knocking* 

Julie 

Aden are you sure you haven't seen Bethany's top? I looked in the washing and I thought maybe you took it by accident ... 

*Julie looks to the top in Aden's hand* 

Aden 

*nervous*

Mum I can explain. It's just ...

*Aden walks towards Julie* 

*Julie shuts the bedroom door* 

Julie 

Aden, why did you lie? One thing I didn't think you where was a liar. I'm so disappointed, your sister apologised to you when she was right all along. What happened to the top? 

Aden

*walks to her bed and sits, Julie stands by the door* 

I borrowed it last week... without asking when I went out with Gracie and Alex. I was gonna wash it for her and give it back but I accidentally spilt Ribena all down the front of it. I've washed it twice! But the white stripes have just gone ... pink. I didn't know what else to do. 

*Aden fidgets* 

Julie

Aden you should of just told Beth, she is going to be more angry now. Not as angry as I am that you lied though. We can get this stain out, it would of been gone the first time you washed it if you had just brought it to me. Honestly Aden she is your sister and this is just a top (*Julie motions to top*), Bethany wouldn't stop talking to you for the rest of your life. Being honest would of made this whole situation easier. 

Aden 

I know. I just didn't want to get in trouble, sorry for lying I won't do it again. Plus I'll go tell Beth right now. 

*Aden rises quickly* 

Julie 

Wait Aden, let's get this stain out first then you can tell her. 

Aden

Okay. 

*both exit* 

Scene 3 - Forgive 

*Bethany enters the kitchen, Julie and Aden are in the kitchen also* 

Bethany 

Hey, so mum did you find my top cause I have to start getting ready or Lucas and I are going to miss the film. 

Julie 

Yes I found your top. However I think Aden needs to have a word with you first before you start getting ready. 

*Julie exits whilst handing Bethany the top* 

Bethany

*Edging slowly out of the room* 

Make it quick I've got to go. 

Aden 

I don't want to you be angry. 

*steps from foot to foot nervously* 

Bethany 

I won't, just come on hurry up. 

Aden 

*speaks quickly* 

I lied, I had your top all along. I accidentally spilled Ribena down it last week when I borrowed it. I couldn't get the stain out and I know I should of asked to borrow it I'm sooo sooo sooo sorry Beth. 

Bethany 

*staring blankly* 

You had it all along. You made be apologise. Your such an idiot Ade. 

I thought I was going mad, you should of told me I wouldn't of minded. I'm kind of upset that you think so little of me, that I would get so angry over something so minor. 

Aden 

I'm sorry Bethany I just know you love that top and you where so angry earlier when you couldn't find it. 

*looks down to the floor* 

*Bethany walks towards her and touches her shoulder* 

Bethany 

I'm not mad Aden, I forgive you. Your my sister! Just ask next time. Also don't lie to me, I was so stressed about it earlier I could of done without all this. 

Aden 

I won't lie to you again. I promise 

*Both girls smile and hug eachother before Bethany exits in a rush leaving Aden alone in the kitchen* 

*Julie enters* 

Aden 

You were right mum. 

Julie

I don't know why you bothered lying in the first place, she would of forgiven you anyway. She's your sister. 

An emotional monologue for the future

I can't believe that only a few days ago I broke up for my summer holidays, 7 weeks of freedom, relaxation and fun. But whilst all of this seems like a positive thing it's meant the end of another year at school. Year 10 is done. Finished. No changing those mock exam grades now. So with the end of year 10 comes the start of year 11. Which for me begins a day earlier then most of my year. Tuesday the 6th of September. My last first day back of the school year in highschool. (Does 6th form count as highschool, I don't feel like it does. It's called 6th form) The fact that I'm starting year 11 this year makes me feel all sorts of things. I'm scared because the thing most of my life has been leading to (for now) is almost here, I have to scourge up everything I have ever learnt, scribble it on a piece of paper and be done with it. My GCSEs done. Before any of that happens though I have to spend months, weeks and days revising. Consolidating all my knowledge. The thought of it right now causes me stress. Although I am excited for it to be over, my GCSEs to be done (I shouldn't get too excited A levels are right around the corner after that) All that homework I've done will have finally done me some good! So to round up, so far I'm feeling: scared and excited. I'm also feeling rather melancholy because this means I have to say some goodbyes. Whether I stay on at my current school or move I'm gonna have to say goodbye to a huge chunk of my life. To people I've known for almost 5 years (once I finish year 11), to my friends, maybe teachers. All these people I've made memories with, all going off to do their own things. Make new friends. I know I'm gonna make new friends to but I can't help but feel mawkish (in a good way). These people have helped me, pushed me, laughed with me. These are friendships unlike the ones we make in primary school, they are linked. Sort of entwined, like a tree as we've grown individually our roots have become tangled. Tears are sure to flow, it's gonna be a struggle for someone so sensitive. Who cries at literally everything. The last day is going to cause me to have a breakdown, I mean if you saw me on my last day of year 6 you would be booking me a room in a hospital ASAP! So our list grows from scared to excited to melancholy. I have a 4th emotion hiding in me. It's worry, I'm worried. Worried about all the change, all the things to come that I'm not used to. New people, new lessons, new subjects and new rules. With age certain responsibilities are handed to you. Your more dependable, trustworthy. So with that I worry because all these years whilst I have been seen as those things, they've never seemed too important because I was younger and the oldest would always be picked first to do anything like that first. So my 4th emotion is worry, I'm worried as to what the future brings, however as I said before I'm excited too. Another emotion Im feeling (which I mentioned earlier) is stress. Sooo much stress, my "To Do List" doubles everyday with the amount of coursework and revision I have to do. I'm constantly stressing over whether it's good enough or if I have enough time to do it. Stressing over whether I'll pass or fail. Stressing over what's gonna happen if I fail. What will my future hold? I do try to keep myself calm though because if I do majorly mess up, exam results aren't everything. I still have a chance to do something with my life. I'm feeling all the emotions it seems as a sneaky 6th feeling has snuck up on me. I feel sentimental, reminiscent, nostalgic. Thinking back to my first day in year 7, I was terrified. Alone. Worried about what was to come. Missing my friends. I pulled through though and I've gotten this far. Year 11 seemed so close but so far then, I still had time to do fun things. I did my homework however I didn't need to revise straight after. As the years have gone past I can't help but cringe at every embarrassing memory that slithers into my mind. To think I was 11 when I started this journey and I'll be 16 when its (almost) over. 5 years doesn't seem too long, although a lot can happen/change in 5 years. Now finally my last emotion I'm feeling is pride, I'm not sure if that's an emotion? It's a feeling. I mean I'm proud of myself for doing so well, for handling everything thrown at me. Grasping every opportunity I had. If I hadn't of done all the things that have made me smile I would of regretted them. I always try to do everything asked of me and more because that's when I feel proud. I'm proud of myself, of my friends. All of our achievements. I'm proud of my friends for helping to shape me into the person I am, they have pushed me into to soo many  (good) uncomfortable situations but they always have supported me. Cheered me on, wished me luck and congratulated them. My friends are the best, all of them. Not only my squad, anyone I have ever spoken to who has been nice to me or helped me. So with that I must tell you I have told a lie ... I do in fact have an 8th emotion/feeling. I feel thankful. To everyone who has got me this far, my friends, teachers, family. Without their (continued) support I definitely wouldn't be doing so well in school. I would be struggling right now, I wouldn't be on a good path for year 11. Which I hopefully am. So yeah to sum this up with the start of year 11 on the horizon I'm feeling  8 emotions: I'm scared, excited, melancholy, worried, stressed, nostalgic, proud and thankful. This next year is sure to have its ups and downs however its going to be such an important part of my journey and have such an impact on my near future. 

The final assessment!

Last weekend I finally completed my Duke of Edinburgh and whilst it was one of the most difficult and terrifying weekends of my life, I have never felt more proud of myself. I made so many memories with my team. I know I'll look back on the whole weekend with nothing but joy. 

We left on Friday evening and it took about 3 hours to get there, but we all made the journey fun. Discussing our work experience which we had just finished that day and stopping off at McDonald's for dinner. When we finally arrived it was still quite early, but we still got straight to building our tents. 

It seemed my friends and I had grabbed a dodgy one, it was missing part of a pole and the zip was broken so we couldn't close it. We only noticed this after we had built and pegged it. We ended up having to take it down and build another one ... In the dark. After that hassle was over we settled in for the night. Nervous for the day to come as our practise assessment had been painful and exhausting. Although we were better prepared this time, we made sure we packed light and dressed warm. Plus we bought tonnes of socks as they are the key to surviving dofe. We set off quite early. Our first part of the walk was over a collection of huge cliffs right next to the ocean.

Going down a steep pathway I took my first fall ... Brilliant. 

We shortly took a break to re-energise and kept walking, we managed to get ourselves a tad lost. However after a quick group consult we where back on track and walked up the steepest hill. We all collapsed as soon as we reached the top! Our next part of the journey consisted of a very long walk through a massive, smelly, mucky and sheep covered field. 

I was surprised to find that almost every person we met was extremely friendly, everyone said hello and

commented on how massive our bags were! It was very heartwarming. We kept going and after a few hours (out of the field) we hit our half way point! We where at corf castle.

 Corf castle is a beautiful decaying castle with a lot of rich history. We met up with our group leader (before this I fell once again and ripped my leggings!)  and after a quick break we set off once again on our final part of the trip. We went though a wet, muddy forest for about an hour before we finally got back to the camp site. We built our tents (a new one, not broken) and ate some dinner. After that we cleaned up and showered and played some games with the other groups before heading to bed. I actually felt quite good. It wasn't as painful as last time, I was feeling confident about the Sunday. Ready to get it over and done with. 

We woke up extra early the next day, keen to get going. We dressed warm as the weather wasn't being so kind to us that day. After packing up our tents for the final  time we were off on our adventure. The walk started well, it was very slippery though. The mud was thick in the woods and you sunk with every step so navigating a safe pathway was difficult. Soon we where out of the woods and at our first check point. We met up with our leader, after a quick chat we set off again past a cute little train station. 

Things were looking positive until we reached the hill (it makes me sick to think about it right now), it was the tallest, steepest hill I had ever seen. It looked like an actual mountain (just to add I had joked about climbing the hill half an hour before we had reached it, I didn't think it was on our route!) I was petrified to climb it as whilst I am not scared of heights I'm scared of being up high with nothing to hold or falling from somewhere high. We climbed up the smallest, slippery steps, edging higher and higher. The view was quiet incredible, the sound of a church-bell could still be heard.  After reaching the end of the pathway of steps I was exhausted! Yet I wasn't even at the top of the hill yet. It just kept going and going. I walked up in very slowly, trying to keep my grip as my heavy bag was being pushed by the strong wind making me wobble. When I finally reached the top I could see nothing, the fog encased the whole group and we could only see a few steps ahead of us. 

We walked across a series of hills for about and hour and a half, stopping at one of our checkpoints and meeting many friendly bikers along the way. The pathway seemed to never end and we where getting more cold and more wet by the minute. 

Although when finally we started moving downhill everything was a whirl. We reached our checkpoint, had a quick meet with our leader. Then we where off on our final stretch. 

The end of our last trip had been the hardest part of the whole thing but after pacing ourselves and preparing a lot more it was a lot easier this time. It was painful, yet we got through it. We made it to the end, celebrating when our school van finally came to pick us up at the end of our very very long walk. The journey home was long, we all had a nap. When we pulled up to the school everyone just couldn't wait to get home. 

Duke of Edinburgh has been one of the biggest challenge of my life so far, but it's been an incredible experience. I pushed myself in ways I never thought I could, I faced fears. Built stronger relationships with my friends, who pushed me out of my comfort zone. I made so many funny memories with everyone, that weekend will forever be one of my proudest moments in my life. 

Body Positivity

Young girls and boys are more active on social media then ever before. With new social networking sites and ways to share popping up all over the place these young minds are influenced by everything and anything. Over many years the ideal body shape has been twisted and tweaked. Due to this "ideal" shape being portrayed so heavily in the media it has created a negative view to anyone who doesn't conform to it. Hence forth we have body shaming. 

Body shaming can be done by other people, such as friends, family and even strangers. It involves insulting someone for simply being shaped differently or even just negatively commenting on someone's weight or size. Some people don't even realise it's happening to them, especially when it comes from a close friend or family member.

The reason it has become such a concern for young people is because it's happening a lot more on social media and kids everywhere are seeing it. Accepting it. Not fighting it. Society has always obsessed over how much you weigh and how thin/small you are. Which leaves a big problem for larger people or curvier people. People shaped differently. People with wider hips or shoulders. Tall girls and short men. (Men are supposed to me tall and women shorter then men. Yep that's sexist. I know!) These teenagers are exposed to these things by the media, social networking sites, celebs, family and even school.  

The comments they hear downgrading body types starts to effect their own body images. They start to feel as if they should change. They become uncomfortable in their own skin and sometimes they even start to body shame others themselves. Having such a negative view of yourself can lead to all sorts of things, such as eating disorders and mental health issues. Society's standards are unrealistic as most men and women don't conform to the "ideal" shape and only a small minority actually fit it. Because of this photoshop has become normal to use in the media and online. This is such a negative thing to be showing such young minds, allowing them to be sucked into the false images of their fave celebs. They are forced to aspire to certain body shapes that don't actually exist in the real world. Also giving these young people access to these tools let's them change their selves to make others like them, it doesn't allow them to accept and love their bodies. 

A lot of body shaming is aimed towards larger/curvier men and women. Body shaming trolls excuse their disgraceful comments by calling these people "unhealthy" "unfit". Telling people not to love them selves because being that size causes health issues and they should be ashamed to show their bodies. (Key phrase: "Their bodies") However I have never understood this mentality because you can't shame someone into changing their body. It's a personal decision to make, and even if they are unhealthy or unfit do they not deserve to love themselves and be happy. Just because they are bigger and perhaps unhealthy doesn't mean they shouldn't be allowed to show off what they look like. Many larger or curvier people may be unhealthy and sharing a nice picture or themselves isn't them endorsing their lifestyle. It's them being positive and loving themselves. Also how many times do I have to repeat, curvy does not equal unhealthy and thin doesn't equal healthy. 

Whilst the media/social networking sites are full of body shaming society has slowing been moving towards a more accepting attitude towards people of all shapes and sizes. With more plus size models, questioning of unhealthy body images/role models and celebration of different body types the world is ever so slowly moving some where positive for all. But alas the Internet is still plagued with hateful comments telling people to "lose weight" or "cover up". So how can we change this? Here are a few ideas: 

1. Influences 

There needs to be more positive influences online/in the media. More focus on a mix of body shapes not just the same shape over and over again. The fashion world needs to be more accepting of bigger men/women, catering for their needs in all shops not special ones for plus size. Also they need to question what plus size is because it definitely isn't a size 12. While we are at it can we eradicate the use of the word plus size, it's so oppressive (I know I have used it a lot in this article but that is due to lack of a better word.) Furthermore society needs to stop pressuring women into being thin to fit in, and instead idolise being healthy. Women and men of all shapes and sizes should be treated the same everywhere.  

2. Role models

We need a variety of good role models, who spread good messages, who focus on body positivity and can help better young people. A good role model for young girlscould be Meghan Trainor, who recently deleted a whole music video after finding out someone photoshopped her without her say. She later re-uploaded the original video and addressed that she loves the way she looks. She don't need no photoshop.  

A good role model for young boys could be Prince Fielder who slammed body critics who called him plus size after posing nude on a sports magazine. He said being big doesn't mean you can't be athletic and that's very true. 

3. Positive movements/groups 

 

A relatively new event at the moment is the "golden confidence pool party".

Which involved larger women going to a private pool part and wearing their swimsuits with pride. It's all about accepting yourself and being part of a positive group.

 Another movement is "the body positive" which is a group that specialises in teaching people of all ages self care and giving them the confidence to complete their life goals. It does this through training sessions and workshops. Finally a final group working towards getting rid of negative body images is the intersectional body image organisation "Adios barbie" which focuses on redefining  beauty and power. 

So what are some are some ways to expose a body positive lifestyle to young people and what are ways to teach them not to body shame. Firstly we simply have talking to them, explain to them what body shaming and body image is. Give them ways to fight off negative comments and stand up for others. Moderate their social media and try to get them interested in good role models. Help them teach their friends how to love and except themselves. Finally let them be their selves, wear what they want, like different things. Don't force them to conform to the trends and what's in style or what fits their body shape. 

To conclude body shaming can lead to so many negative paths so it's up to us to break the social structures set in and love ourselves.

A letter from the frontline

Dear Martha

I'm writing to you to let you know the war is going quite well, they expect it to be over by Christmas which is a relief. I might make it back in time for the birth of the baby. The lads are excited by the news of the end to this violence, all of the trenches buzzed with the sound of hope after they told us. An old officer by the name Calvin even got us all singing an old song. I can't for the life of me remember the name of it but our hearts where full of cheer after that. I can't wait to hold you in my arms again my love, I missed you before I had even left you.

I know your concern for my return grows everyday and the worry our child will grow up without a father consumes you but I will make it back for both of you. Your letters give me the strength to fight dear, but the more bleak they get the harder it is for me to be so hopeful. Please keep your spirits up as without your letters I fear my will to live will fade. It's so awful here and I need your words to keep me going. My darling don't worry so much. If your letters of love continue my fight to survive will.

Regarding your query from your previous letter, my trench foot has started to clear. The oils and socks have helped so very much, I feel such sorrow for the boys who don't have someone as caring as you at home. Looking out for them from so far away. Loving them from such a distance. 

Hopefully I won't have to live like this for much longer. 

Whilst I am trying to keep both of our spirits up I do have some dreadful news my love. Whilst you may already know what I am going to say as I'm not sure when this letter may get to you, and you know news like this spreads around the village quickly. But I must tell you as its tearing my brain apart. Our friend John Paisley passed last night, we where attacked by the Germans on Monday. They threw mustard gas into the trenches, John was hit by it first. He didn't get his mask on in time. Most of his body was covered in blisters and sores, he couldn't stop screaming and coughing when he woke up. I Believe the pain must of been unimaginable. He just wasn't strong enough, the pain was too much for him. He died in his sleep, the officers told us this morning. Don't worry about me though I was fine. I managed to get far away from the gas although I do have a slight cough. I ask you to keep his wife, Mary company, try to console her. Her sorrow will be heavy and she will need a kind hearted friend like you my love. 

Your forever on my mind, I love you unconditionally. Please send love to my parents and sister. Also send my regards to Johns wife, he was a great man and a brave solider. This will all be over soon my dear. We will soon be together again. 

From your husband 

Thomas 

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