Final Story: Goodbye, 'A' High School

Chapter 3

3 May 2022

Recess. While most of the class are outside, enjoying the warmth of the summer sun and the uncharacteristically fresh air, Thành and the gang are just lazing about inside. No one feels like moving a single muscle. It is too hot, after all, and they are all hungry enough to eat a horse.

"Hey..." Nam groans while his face is still on his desk. "Which school are you guys gonna join for the next academic year?"

"'CVA' Specialised High School..."

"Same."

"Me too."

"I'm deciding between 'LTV' and 'CVA', but since you all are joining 'CVA', I guess I'll also put that school in the transfer form. Glad that none of us is going to 'H-A', that place's real trouble, I heard."

"Yeah," Vân responds lethargically. "That school only cares about grades, achievements and reputation. They don't give a shit about students, most of whom are pretty elitist anyway."

"Now, now," Thành calms them down. "There's no need for name-calling. Don't waste your energy like that. By the way, you two have appalling grades. Will you be okay?"

"Ugh... Please don't remind me... I don't wanna study! Why do we have to do this for twelve years plus four more years, anyway?"

"Don't ask questions that no one wants to answer. Shall we hold a study session in the library after school today? Exams are in two more weeks, dude, you'd better get a grip and buckle up!"

"Boo, you're no fun."

"Thành is right, you know. If you don't study harder, 'CVA' isn't going to accept you. I need help with Mathematics and Physics, is that fine with you, Thành?" Xuân asks.

He simply nods in response. The heat has sapped the remaining vim out of him, as he leans back in his chair like a tired office worker working overtime. To the students of class 11A9, the subsequent lessons passed by excruciatingly slowly because there is no air conditioning in the classroom. At times like this, people wonder what the funds are being used for when 'A' High School has always been touted as a "rich school for the rich".

Fortunately, the temperature in the late afternoon decreased to a more tolerable level. The four students quickly leave the sweltering hot classroom for the library, where they could study in peace. As soon as the door of the entrance opens, cold air blows outside, onto their tired faces.

"This is heaven," Nam exclaims.

"Hear, hear," Vân nods.

"Though, everyone had the same idea as us. Look how crowded it is."

"Damn, we need to find a table," Thành enters the athenaeum and looks around, followed by his friends.

It took them about five minutes to finally settle down in an inconspicuous corner of the place. The student librarian is present at the reception desk, looking uninterested in doing his job. The other visitors are diligently doing their own tasks, from reading their notebooks to searching for study guides and doing homework.

"Let's get down to business. Xuân, you need help with Maths and Physics, right?"

"Yup. And I'll help these two with Literature since it's my strong point."

"Thanks for the help, you really saved me there."

Unsurprisingly, the study session went about as well as either Thành or Xuân had expected. The other two were constantly goofing off, forcing Thành to be stricter. Under duress from both sides, the two finally finish their homework on time.