A Rift Between Us

Chapter 53 - Mounting Pressure

Alfie collapsed into his isolated seat shortly after the invigilator pointed towards it. The tips of his lashes were tickled by his lengthy hair. The nameplate in the top right corner of his table caught his eye, identical to those on every desk around him, each bearing a respective student's name. The English paper lay squarely in the centre, its fresh, crisp pages almost blinding as they reflected the harsh, overhead light. But his mind couldn't focus. His fists clenched under the table, knuckles turning white as a bubbling pool of rage swirled inside him. The sleeves of his blazer wrinkled with his body heat.

Don't think about her right now. The paper is here. That's what matters.

He rested his forehead in his palm. His eyes squeezed shut as his nostrils flared with each breath. He couldn't believe what had just happened. He had finally confronted her, the seemingly invincible Keiko. An unexpected bang echoed through the exam hall, the double doors swooshing open with a gust of cold air. An ocean of heads turned to the left as Keiko walked in. A rubbery thrum came from Alfie's hand as his forehead glided along his palm. His narrow eyes made direct contact with Keiko's, before returning his attention to his paper.

The themes are in my head. I can do this. I can remember them.

His chest tightened. The rage seemingly whirled itself into a tight ball. He recognised the familiar set of footsteps, causing his ears to perk up. Ms Camdyn strode to the boom stand at the hall's forefront, her chin lifted, eyes scanning the space with a steely gaze. She paused, lips parting slightly as she stood before the microphone.

"Year elevens, you've all been working towards this moment from the day you started at Sterling Heights Secondary School. The day you entered as year sevens was the beginning of a critical journey—a journey that would play a significant role in each of your futures. You've had ups and downs, lefts and rights. It's all led to the moment you find yourselves in today. Now, I am aware that some of you may have joined us after year seven. Nonetheless, everything I have said so far still applies. I encourage each of you to take your time during your final exams. Read carefully, do not rush, and have confidence. I'd like to wish all of you the very best on this paper, as well as all others that will follow. Thank you."

Alfie blinked as she walked away. She glanced back and pointed a remote high above. The countdown was underway. His shirt clung to his chest as it wicked up his excess sweat, his heart thundering against the back of his sternum. His eyes shot up to the bright, red numbers on the digital clock. Already almost fifty-eight minutes left. Time was slipping away faster than he could grasp. His arm trembled as it hovered over the paper.

You're going to fail. You know that right?

His hand jerked away from the paper as if it had been burned. He looked around him. Everyone had already begun.

You won't get into college, hehe.

He flipped his head back, eyes darting across the hall, wide and frantic, only to reveal nothing.

Give up, nerd.

His spine crinkled as he swivelled in his chair. She wasn't behind him. An invigilator circled his finger in the air, signalling to turn back around. He approached and leant down to whisper in his ear.

"No cheating," he whispered. A pungent aroma of partially digested cheese wafted from his mouth, making Alfie recoil. "Otherwise you'll fail instantly."

Alfie's shaky hand grabbed his pen, determination strengthening his resolve as he gently lifted the corner of the paper.