AN: Okay. I'm kind of in two minds about posting this, seeing as I have done very little writing on my other pieces recently. Unfortunately, I seem to have writers block as far as they are both concerned. Actually, I haven't been writing at all this summer, so I'm just glad I've managed to write this.

I just want to explain the title. I got the idea for the story from the Channel 4 show 'That'll Teach 'em', about a 1950s boarding school. The six inch rule was that you had to keep six inches between opposite sexes at all times.

Anyways, hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think.

Eleri

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It's not a crime to feel scared, or alone. No one said it was against the rules to cry yourself to sleep. No, not against the rules. But it's still taken into account. They say it doesn't matter, but it does. So you have to be strong. You have to believe in yourself, above all else. You have to try. And trying is never easy.

I should be used to this by now, used to the going away. But I'm not. It isn't that I'm homesick. I'm not. I have never spent more than six weeks at home in one stretch, not since I was 11. But I miss seeing them. The twins.I want to see them get bigger. My parents are only doing what is best for me, I know that. But still.

The one good thing is that I'll be seeing my friends again. That's the main thing I look forwards to. Well, the only one. How can I look forwards to itchy clothes, hard beds, disgusting foods and Matron. I'm just interested in seeing what contraband they've smuggled in this year!.

I need to stop. The train is arriving at the station, and I can see Mr Gaul waiting on the platform. Just my luck!

Hetty