Life of Problems

chapter 51

Come on! You are going to faint any moment, said Joe to Nick. We were all sitting in a big hall.

Nick was way too nervous to come here alone and requested us to come with him. The result of that competition was about to be declared.

I am not nervous, said Nick in a trembling voice.

Yeah ,l can see that, said Joe sarcastically.

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for coming here. As you all know why are we

here for, so without any delay l will call Mr. Penn on stage to say something, said a lady on stage.

Mr. Penn stood up from the first row and went to the stage. He had long hazy hairs and his

clothes were chosen carelessly.

That's important for an artist ,l thought.

Hello everyone. Thank you all for supporting me in my work, said Mr. Penn in his deep voice. Many of you would ask why did l arrange a competition like this. As art schools are becoming more and more expensive, many of us interested in arts can't effort them. Also, parents don't approve this type of school generally as they are counted time pass for many. So, l have organised this event and is really pleased that you all responded. I didn't expect this much response for the first time. I think I will arrange more competitions like this in future after seeing your love for arts. So, this is the time to choose the five. Ms. Cornwell ,the talented business woman and founder of this competition idea, is going to announce it. So , please Ms. A delicate looking middle aged lady stood up from the first row and joined Mr. Penn on the stage.

So, she said seeing the card the host has given her, the first one is Mark Roger.

A boy stood up from the middle of the hall and everyone clapped.

Please, come to the stage Mr. Roger, said the host. The boy joined them on the stage.
And then, she said again, it's Bard Filter. Another boy stood up and in continuous clap joined on

the stage.

The third one is Joana Manapany ,a girl did the same this time.Cristina Fray, another girl joined them on stage.

And now, Ms. Cornwell said smiling, we will call our last winner. And please come to the stage Paul Thornley. This time the clap was even louder as the last boy completed the row of five.

And with this, said the host this time, our announcement ends. The winners will be given next

instructions from Mr. Penn about their classes. Those of you who tried but couldn't make it, don't give up. Better luck next time. And with a final clap the event ended and people stood up to leave.

*

Nick? said Joe hesitantly. Are you angry at me?

We were on a bus, heading towards our school. I was about to call taxi when Jwel said we should take a bus instead.

Of course not, said Nick forcing a smile in his sad face. I am still happy that l tried. I just need to improve myself and try again. I am not even slightly angry at you cause this one was the best advice you ever gave me. I enjoyed the competition.

Aren't you sad? asked Kathy.

Nick sighed. Well,to be honest I am. But l will be alright soon.

That's good for you, said Jwel encouragingly. I will help you to explain uncle,if you want.No, that's not needed. Dad will be fine about this.

Great dad though, said Kathy smiling slightly. I envy you for your parents.

Nick smiled. Right,l have so many supporting people around me and that's the best thing l have.

It's 8 already, said Jiya suddenly starting at her watch. We can't enter from the front gate. ( Our school had rule that no student can enter or exit school boundary after 6:30 pm and no student can enter or exit hostel after 9:30 pm.)

It's 8 already? Nick frowned. How do we enter then?Jiya hesitated for a moment. She took of her glasses,cleaned it and wore it again. Well... there's

another way.

Where, Jwel asked.

Through the forest, said Jiya. There's a place where boundary wall is broken by root of a massive tree.

But, through the forest? At night?l asked unsure. Forest isn't the place l am fond of.There aren't any dangerous animal at the forest, said Joe reassuring me. They won't keep a

dangerous forest open for students,will they?

The forest was the whole thing here, said Jiya. They cleared some place and made the school. To keep it natural and giving the students some close to nature feelings, the founder of our school Mr and Mrs Goodman decided to keep the rest of forest just like before. And yes, it's a harmless

forest they picked.

How do you know these? asked Nick surprised.There's a book in our library about history of our school, written by a teacher here, said Jiya.

Oh, said he.

And snakes?l asked.

It's way too cold for them to come out, said Jiya calmly.

How do you know about that way? asked Jwel. We all went to that forest so many times but never found that. No students did l guess.

You don't know even one tenth of the forest that she does and l don't think any other student does as well, said Joe lightly. They didn't even find her tent in all these years cause they only stay at the edge of it,never enters the deep of that forest. I suspect she even had used that way before,had you dear?

Jiya? We all stared surprised. Why did you go out of school at night?l asked.

I used it when l needed , said Jiya annoyedly.

But why?cried Kathy. If you were caught...

I wasn't, said Jiya dismissively. So let's not talk about that. And for your kind information, you guys are gonna do the same thing soon,so no need to act like that.

We all sighed. Right she is though.