Promises Series

Promise of Love - Kill Your Heroes

The title of this chapter is "Kill Your Heroes" by Awolnation.

"Stop worrying," Sherlock said. "You'll do well."

"How do you know?"

Sherlock sighed. He and Julia were in the lobby of Edgewood Institute, a moderately prestigious sixth form and secondary school that was a mere twenty-two minute cab ride from Baker Street.

It wasn't a particularly large school, at least not as large as the boarding school Sherlock had attended. It was three stories tall, but it was thin, with two rows of classrooms on each floor. The cafeteria took up half the ground floor. Next to the school was the gym, and behind that was the track and rugby field. Edgewood was home of the two best football teams in London.

There were nine periods a day, each exactly forty-two minutes long, and school was dismissed at exactly two forty-five.

Sherlock had done quite a bit of research on Edgewood Institute.

"Mycroft got you the best tutor in London," he replied. "He doesn't keep Anthea around for nothing. You'll do well on the tests. It's only placement."

"But what if I'm placed in classes with thirteen-year-olds?"

"Then you're placed in a classroom with thirteen-year-olds."

"Sherlock," Julia whined.

"You will do fantastically on these tests, Julia," Sherlock replied. "And it doesn't matter to me if you're placed below your age. The fact that you are here at all is something to celebrate."

"Going to school isn't an accomplishment."

"No, my letting you go to school is an accomplishment."

"What do you mean?"

"I'd be perfectly content to have you at the flat all day. However, that isn't really an intelligent choice."

"That would be fine with me," Julia replied, frowning.

Sherlock scoffed. "You say that now. Ten years from now, however..."

Julia nodded. "Fine. I get it."

"You'll enjoy it."

"I feel like I'll be really stressed all the time."

"You might be, but you don't have to be."

"Sherlock, what if I'm placed in low classes?"

"Ms. Holmes, if you'll follow me, please," a receptionist said, straightening his glasses. "I'm- uh, do you need a minute?"

"No," Sherlock said. He turned to Julia again. "It won't matter to me what classes you're placed in. Do your best. I'll be here when you're done."

"Okay, Julia replied. "Thanks, Sherlock."

Julia followed the receptionist down the hall and into an office. The man walked back alone and caught Sherlock as he turned to leave.

"Er, Mr. Holmes?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"Dr. Newberry would like to speak with you. Finalizations and things."

Sherlock closed his eyes. "Yes, of course. Lead the way."

The receptionist smiled. "Hopefully it'll be doable without Mrs. Holmes here to put her word in, yeah?" he joked, nervously running a hand through his ash-brown hair.

"Dr. Watson and I share the same concerns when it comes to my daughter."

The younger man blushed. "You're not married, then?"