Crossing Hearts- A Maidstone Love Story

Chapter 28

The last day of mocks had finally arrived. After three weeks of relentless studying and exams, Jasper and his friends were beyond ready for it all to be over. They'd slogged through their two biology papers, two physics papers, one chemistry paper, two English language, two English literature, two Religious Studies, and three maths exams. It felt like they'd been sitting in exam rooms for a lifetime.

As Kirsty pulled up to the school gates, Jasper and Casper climbed out of the car. The winter chill was still clinging to the air, but there was an undeniable feeling of relief now that the last day was here.

"You boys are almost done," Kirsty said with a smile. "Just one more, right?"

"Yeah, just Chemistry Paper 2," Casper replied, adjusting his bag over his shoulder.

Jasper, still on his crutches, gave his mum a grateful nod. "Thanks for the lift, Mum. See you later."

"Good luck!" Kirsty called after them before pulling away.

At the school gates, the familiar faces of their friends greeted them. Dylan, Tyler, Myles, Alessia, Emily, and Katie were waiting, all chatting about the final exam with a sense of anticipation.

"Morning, cripple," Dylan greeted Jasper with a smirk, nudging him playfully. "How's the leg?"

"Better than how I feel about this chemistry exam," Jasper muttered, rolling his eyes.

Tyler chuckled. "I feel you, man. It's like my brain's given up after three weeks."

Myles nodded in agreement. "Same. At this point, I'm just ready for it to be over."

Alessia walked over to Jasper, giving him a warm smile. "You're almost there. Just one more to go, and then we're free."

"Yeah, until results day," Katie added, wrinkling her nose.

They all groaned in unison, the looming spectre of results day hanging over them. But that was a problem for the future. Today, they had one last hurdle to overcome.

"Alright, let's do this," Emily said with determination, leading the way toward the changing rooms where they'd drop off their bags before heading to the exam hall.

The changing rooms were a hive of nervous energy as everyone chattered about last-minute revision and worries about the exam. Mrs. Carter was, as always, standing by with her clipboard, ready to check everyone in.

"Good morning, Year 10," she called, gathering their attention. "This is it. Your last exam. I know you've all been working very hard these past few weeks, so just give it your best today, and then you can relax."

The group exchanged relieved looks, and Mrs. Carter started calling out the register. When she got to Jasper, she gave him a nod.

"Jasper, you'll be in the separate room again today," she said. "I'll take you there once everyone's checked in."

Once the register was done, Mrs. Carter led Jasper down the now-familiar corridor to his private exam room. It was quiet, the only sound being the soft click of Mrs. Carter's shoes on the floor. When they arrived, she gave him her usual briefing on the exam rules.

"Same as always, Jasper," she said kindly. "No talking, no phones. You have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the exam. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Jasper replied with a half-smile.

Mrs. Carter gave him an encouraging nod. "You can begin at 9 a.m. Good luck."

Jasper settled into his chair, taking a deep breath as he opened his exam paper. The chemistry questions stared back at him, a mixture of reactions, equations, and theories that he'd spent weeks cramming into his brain. As he began writing, he found himself slipping into the familiar rhythm of exam-taking, focusing on each question one by one.