Breaking Free by Pauline Wilson

Author:Pauline Wilson [Pauline Wilson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boughyards Press
Published: 2023-09-24T00:00:00+00:00

Annie had eventually decided not to report Sheila to the matron after talking to Helena.

“Annie you must reconsider,” advised Helena. “Do you really want to make an enemy of Sheila?”

“So you think I should just let her get away with it?” said Annie indignantly.

“Actually, yes, that is exactly what I think. You mustn’t get offside with Sheila. Don’t forget that you need to appear to be calm and a model inmate if you ever want to leave this place.”

So Annie had taken the advice of her older friend and had not reported Sheila.

But it was not long before Annie realised it was rather too late, and that she had already made an enemy of Sheila Murphy. Any chance she got, Sheila would berate and harass her. She would continually find fault with everything that Annie did. Annie became angry and lost patience with this constant harassment. She decided she had to do something.

She asked one of the attendants if she could speak to Matron Lansdowne.

“Well, I don’t think it is likely that she will have time for a private audience,” said the attendant, the sarcasm evident in her voice.

“Can you please ask her?” said Annie, trying to be patient.

The attendant walked away without answering Annie, but sometime later she returned and told Annie that the matron could see her now.

“Come quickly, Matron Lansdowne does not have all day.”

Annie hurried after the attendant and soon found herself facing the matron who was seated behind her desk with her head down, writing. As Annie entered the room, she looked up.

“What is it, Annie?” she asked.

“Matron, I need to talk to you about one of the attendants, Sheila Murphy. She has been very cruel to my friend Mabel. And since I asked her to stop hurting Mabel, she has been harassing me and finding fault with everything I do.”

The matron frowned. Her stern look caused Annie to wonder whether she had done the right thing by coming to make her complaint. It was quite obvious that the matron was not used to the women complaining about their treatment.

“Annie, you need to understand that life in here is not easy for the attendants either. You cannot just tell tales every time you feel a little uncomfortable. The attendants are here to help you. If you do something wrong, they must caution you.”

Annie thought for a moment. Should she continue or should she just leave well enough alone? She felt she had to say more.

“But it was more than that, Matron. She pulled Mabel’s hair and put her arm around her neck. Mabel was in tears and struggling to breathe. She is a tough girl who has lived on the street. She is not easily upset, but she was very distressed.”

“As I said, discipline is important in here, Annie. Sometimes the attendants will need to use some force to ensure you all remain safe. You may go now.”

Annie frowned. She could not believe that the matron had dismissed her complaint so easily. She was angry

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