~Path to Glory~

3

In the bustling hallway of high school, Alvaro and Jake met at their lockers, the morning rush a lively backdrop. Alvaro searched through his books, glancing at his phone.

“How did your test go?” he asked, frowning.

Jake leaned against his lockers, casually looking through his notes. “I feel like I don’t remember half the things we studied. Did you even look at the timeline? Or am I some idiot who didn’t study for this?”

“Yeah, but it’s all fucked up,” Alvaro admitted.

Jake laughed. “Just remember: It’s more than just the obvious. Think about the economic and social factors, too.”

They walked to class together, discussing their study strategies. “I wish we could just write about our favorite moments in history,” Alvaro joked.

“Okay?  Like when the Romans tried to invade Britain and failed miserably,” Jake laughed.

As they took their seats in history class, the tension in the air was palpable. Alvaro whispered, “Let’s just get through this. We can do this!”

Jake nodded, their shared nervousness turning into determination. They both knew they would support each other no matter the outcome.

“I’ll get my ass kicked, I tell you,” Alvaro whispered to his friend.

“You can do this,” he said, returning to the test.

_________________________________________________

Alvaro and Jake sat down on the bench, sharing their impressions of the history test.

“So, Alvaro? How were your impressions of the test?” Antek asked, breaking the silence.

Alvaro, slightly nervous, shrugged.  "I think I didn't do too badly. A few questions surprised me, but the rest I had under control. And you?"

Jake sighed, looking into the distance. "Honestly? I was hoping for a better result. I had a lot of trouble with the Reformation. I didn't remember all those dates."

Alvaro nodded in understanding. "Yeah, it was hard. I tried to remember what the teacher said in class. But I also missed a few things. What are your scores?"

"75" Jake said, sighing. "A little low, but at least I didn't fail."

"And I have 85. I was happy because before I wasn't sure if I had prepared well for all this" Alvaro looked at his friend, trying to comfort him.

"Congratulations, Dude! Maybe we could review the material together before the next test?" Jake suggested with hope in his voice.

Alvaro smiled.  -"Sure, that's a good idea. It's always easier when you share knowledge. We can meet during the weekend and go through all the difficult topics."

"Agreed! I think we can prepare better together." - Jake felt relief slowly come over him.

The boys decided that they would not only go through the story, but also spend time talking about other passions that they had in common. They both knew that friendship, like science, thrives in a nice atmosphere and mutual support.

But something else was also blooming between them, something that was not allowed for their families. Same-sex love. Once Alvaro's aunt was thrown off a cliff with her fiancée for such love.

Alvaro, on the other hand, wanted to be a knight, and Jake was the future king. So they were both forbidden to meet.