Free Lucy Zeezou's Goal by Liz Deep-Jones Page A

humiliation in front of the school … it can make life here so hard.’
    â€˜It was a disaster. How could she do that to me?’ I felt like pulling my hair out.
    â€˜Mrs Zambocelli thinks her introductions are in the best interest of the school and the students. She loves to brag about the number of influential families here, to make the school seem even more prestigious.’
    â€˜But doesn’t she realise the trouble it causes? I like to keep a low profile, because in Italy we have no privacy. Does she do this to everyone? I can’t –’
    I was interrupted by a yell. ‘Girls up the back … quiet! Pay attention. Bella Jones, you should know better. I will not tolerate any talking while I’m teaching my class and that also goes for our new student, Signorina Zoffi.’ The teacher peered at me over her gold-rimmed glasses.
    The rest of the class joined in with icy stares, and then the whispers and snide remarks erupted.
    â€˜Oooh, look who’s made friends, mini-pollie and mummy’s little model. What a pair of wannabes.’
    â€˜Jones and Zoffi, who would have thought they’d have anything in common?’
    We scowled back and quietly continued our chatonce they’d had enough and the teacher’s attention was elsewhere.
    â€˜Yeah, all the high-profile families get the same treatment, although I think she gave you some extra gloss. My mum’s the leader of a political party here, so I’ve also been embarrassed on that stage, but with less fanfare. Don’t worry, I know what you’re going through.’
    Now it made sense. ‘That’s why they called you mini-pollie?’ Bella nodded.
    â€˜Wow, that’s amazing. You must be so proud of her.’
    â€˜I am, but it’s hard. I’ve had the hangers-on who want to know me just because she’s a public figure, and others who just hate me because of their parents’ politics. I get teased and left out sometimes. Mostly I keep to myself; I prefer it that way.’
    â€˜I know just how you feel … but don’t most of these girls come from rich or famous families anyway?’
    â€˜Yes, but they’re very competitive,’ she explained. ‘Everyone at this school wants to be the best. They’re totally green with envy because you have a world-famous father. And being pretty doesn’t help. And the fact that your mum was a model and still looks gorgeous just brings out the worst in them.’
    â€˜I wish my mama would dress down and not be so obsessed with fashion. If only they knew what my life is really like. My parents have these big plans for me that have nothing to do with what I want. Mama is pushingme to follow in her footsteps on the catwalk … boring!’
    â€˜Are you kidding? You’re so lucky!’ Bella looked at me, wide-eyed.
    â€˜No, you don’t understand. I don’t like it, strutting along the catwalk and posing for the cameras. I just wish I could be anonymous until I make my own mark, but with my family it’s almost impossible. All I want to do is play football. That’s my dream!’
    â€˜Football? Oh no, sport is boring, give me the catwalk any day … I love fashion.’
    I hadn’t expected that response.
    Bella continued, ‘Why on earth do you want to play football and get sweaty and dirty? My brother is a football fanatic but I’d never go to his games … now that would be boring! Lucy, you need to get your head read.’
    â€˜Thanks a lot! But seriously, you’re the lucky one. I wish I had a brother who plays football. I’d train with him every day.’
    Bella stared in disbelief. ‘Really? You can have him. He’s a pain in the butt. He’s my twin but we don’t have anything in common and thankfully we don’t look alike. You’d probably like him – all he talks about is football.’
    He sounded great to me.
    â€˜But a girl who