Westminster Academy (Part One)

thirty-three

"Focus on the lesson and behave. Be my good girl, okay?"

I suppressed an eye roll. "Yes, sir."

Considering how last time had gone, I was grateful that Henry was willing to take me to class again. Still, my motivation was much lower after having had that experience.

It was great to be able to listen to the lectures. But without taking notes, and without the opportunity to participate and prove that I was smart, it wouldn't get me anywhere either. The teachers didn't even recognise me, unless I disturbed their lesson. The hope I had felt was almost completely gone, and I only accompanied Henry again because I didn't know what else to do.

I was a bit nervous, because today's class was a lesson in Politics. I'd get to watch Mr. Salzman in action, and I hadn't seen him after rejecting his offer a few days ago.

When Henry and I entered the room, he looked up and immediately caught my gaze. I saw a brief second of surprise in his eyes, then he gave me a polite nod.

"Miss Evans. How pleasing to see you again."

I wasn't sure whether to stop at his desk or follow Henry, so I just forced myself to a quick smile and gave him a quiet "Hello, sir."

Henry glanced at me and at Mr. Salzman, but he didn't say anything.

Kneeling down evoked a new wave of anger inside of me. All I could do was remember why I was doing this. But not even that was a very good reason.

The resignation is strong today.

"Alright, let's get started" Mr. Salzman announced. I looked up and watched him, standing in front of the class in his suit, much more authoritative than smart but mean Mr. Abbott.

"I know we are currently discussing complicated geopolitical matters, but I would like to revisit the different political systems today. I know you are already very familiar with that, but it's a subject that most definitely will be part of your exams. And it can't hurt to get back to basics now and then."

With the last sentence, Mr. Salzman's blue eyes suddenly turned to me. It was a look that was too long to be a meaningless glance, but too short to attract any attention.

My eyes widened when I realised that he had changed his plan for this lesson spontaneously - for me. He knew I had no real chance to understand the more complicated topics, so he had decided to talk about something that would be understandable for me too.

Or am I crazy? Maybe it's not about me?

I straightened my back and decided to take as much from this lesson as I could. I listened to Mr. Salzman's explanations and to the guys he forced to contribute. Most of them sounded like they were truly not interested in the subject, but a few seemed to be decent students.

"Now that we've established that there are complex structures to all forms of governance, can anyone tell me why our ancestors chose to fight for democracy in our country? Why did they want it badly enough to risk their lives? Yes, Mr. Craven?"

I loved listening to Henry's answers, they were always eloquent and convincing. This lesson had been much better than yesterday's, I found myself totally immersed in the subject, regardless of the fact that I wasn't allowed to sit on a chair.

"They wanted to make their own rules, express their own opinions and put an end to years of exploitation of the upper classes. They wanted justice, equality."

"And do you think they achieved that?" Mr. Salzman asked.

"Not one hundred percent sir, there is always room for improvement. But we fundamentally have a political system that is based on sharing the power in a much fairer way" Henry replied confidently.