The wishing notebook (1st draft)

Chapter 4

"This is an announcement for all third year students." The principal's voice boomed through the large speakers in the canteen. "You're required to go on a learning journey to the History museum next Monday. Please collect your forms and get your parents to sign them."

"A learning journey to the History museum?" Amber choked on her ice lemon tea. "Since when have they wanted us to go there?"

"Since when the principal announced it." I replied, sipping on my mushroom soup.

"Isn't that obvious?" Amber retorted. "Wait." She looked at me. " You're not surprised. Did you know about it?"

I nodded. "Yeah, Ms Jenny told me."

"How did she know?"

"Maybe one of the teachers told her about it." I replied, chewing on my garlic bread.

"I guess that's something for you to look forward to." Amber replied, pointing at my mushroom soup. "Is this sufficient? We have 4 classes before school ends."

"I don't feel hungry after what happened earlier." I mumbled, sensing the fear that loomed over me like a dark cloud. Amber squeezed my hand tightly. "Don't worry Isla. I'm sure you'll improve. Maybe you can review your paper and learn from your mistakes."

"May I review my paper with you after the museum trip?"

"Sure." Amber said. "We can study at the cafe if you like."

"Thanks, Amber, you're the best friend I could ever ask for."

"No problem!" Amber beamed.

"What?" Mom shrieked. "I have to sign this form even though you failed that test?"

I nodded. "The school said it's mandatory."

"That's ridiculous!" Mom was seething with rage as she paced around the room. "They never did that before."

"Well, things can change." I said.

"I hope that includes your performance at school." Mom said, scrawling her signature onto the form before handing it to me. "I'm disappointed with your results. Joseph never had such atrocious grades. Let this be a wake-up call for your next examination."

"Yes." I got up from the sofa and went up to my room, gritting my teeth. My hands gripped the form tightly, forming ugly creases on it.

Monday came sooner than I expected. Everyone stood before the National Museum, whose gigantic structure shielded us from the sun's glaring light. The museum stretched across the large patch of land that it stood on and its outer walls were carved with intricate designs from the Renaissance Era. The upper parts of the building were supported by tall sturdy columns, which were stacked with capitals that were engraved in a scroll design. Two large medieval wooden doors stood firmly shut in the middle section of the building. It felt as though they were trying to guard a secret against us.

My heart thumped impatiently as I stood under the sweltering heat with the other students, sensing the uncomfortable sensation of sweat trickling down my body. When were the doors going to open?

As if they heard my question, the doors gave a huge creak, revealing a tall woman who walked out of the entrance and waved at us. She was dressed in a crisp white shirt and a black skirt and her long, blonde hair was tied into a sleek ponytail which billowed in the air as she walked towards us. "Hello everyone! My name is Annie. It's nice to meet you and I'll be giving you a tour!" She then proceeded to lead us into the museum.

My jaw dropped open when I entered the museum. The room was so wide that space seemed to lose all dimensions, if not for the artefacts and entrances scattered at various sections. Unable to contain my excitement, I broke out of the group and walked towards a large porcelain vase. Looking closely at it, I noticed that there were intricate designs of Greek soldiers clad in helmets and armour as they braced themselves for a fight.