Heir Born

5 | Summer

Whenever Chaucer House hosts their many elite events, that is always the work of fellow senior, Emily Van Loren and her team – the Fundraising Committee. There is always a special donor recipient honoured at each event.

This semester, it's the Soccer and Music teams' moment to shine. Why? Because we made it through to the finals of the Chaucer championships against Ashbury College – a feat which has not been accomplished since a decade ago. Well, the soccer part, anyways.

My Music team and I have been coming just short of the championships since I was in year one at Chaucer House. There's nothing more brutal than getting knocked out just before a championship, and you're forced to play for third place.

This year, seeing as I'm taking charge of the team, I intend to bring home that cup. I've been practicing my piano every single day, three times a day. Not just in the music studio here at school, but in the evenings at home too. It's been tough with school, homework, assignments, college applications and all that, but I can't afford to come in second in my final year. Just not an option.

As for the Soccer team, Chaucer's pride and joy, they made semi-finals the last year, when Nate took over as captain of the team. He wasn't even a senior yet and he was made captain. Freaking overachiever. Okay. So I'm a tad bitter that Nate and his boys get to be the ones everyone gloats about, while me and my team of talented and passionate musical geniuses fly under the radar.

This is why we have to win. Because they'll be forced to gloat about us too.

"Plans are underway for the Ball, Dr Reynolds." Emily brings my focus back to the impromptu meeting with our principal.

The Chaucer House Masquerade Ball, the most talked about and anticipated event on the Fall semester social calendar among Chaucer's elite. Everyone's eyes will be on it, and that includes Chaucer House's Board of Trustees, and its many donors.

Emily sits across from Reynolds, and I just watch from the seat next to her. I don't really know why I had to come and witness this, but Emily is five seconds from unraveling.

"Dr Reynolds, with all due respect, I think I shouldn't be in this meeting." I say softly.

Emily sneaks a glance at me. Yep. She agrees.

"I think Miss Van Loren is quite capable of—." Reynolds cuts me off. He's not even looking at me.

"Miss Van Loren. I need you to assist Miss Lennox here with the Chaucer House Annual Piano Recital that is coming up."

Right. The Piano Recital. I could let Reynolds know that I actually already finished planning it last semester already, but I don't really want to get involved in this back and forth between them. Besides, Reynolds will find something else for me to do, and I won't have time to focus on my college applications, or prep for the championship.

"But I have my hands full. The Masquerade Ball for the Championship is going to be quite a heavy workload, sir." Oh, no. Emily's voice is getting a little raised. That's how I know she wants to scream.

"I am well aware of that. Which is why you will only be assisting. Please make sure you give Miss Lennox all the paperwork from last year's recital."

"I'm happy with that." I offer, trying to save Emily the fight. I'm done with the planning. She doesn't need to get involved. Everyone wins.

"Right. Next, is the Masquerade." Reynolds looks at the memo in front of him. "Miss Lennox will be joining your planning committee for the semester."

I gasp. Emily's eyes are about to pop out.

What?

"Dr Reynolds, I really think it is highly inappropriate for non-members of the committee to suddenly be a part of such a huge event on the annual calendar."