M A T I L D A
THE NEXT FEW WEEKS following Hamish and Jodie's wedding went by within the blink of an eye and before we know it, it's time for our final exams. I have been studying beyond tomorrow. When I'm not training or at school, I am cooped up in my room doing numerous practice questions and going through notes. School has never come easy to me, so every last minute that I can spend studying, is crucially essential.
Although I already know that I want to take my surfing professional and make a career out of it, I know that the chances of succeeding my dream is limited and because of that reason, I aim to do well in my exams for back up. My mother has always believed in an education and hopes for me to get a degree up my belt, so if I don't win the spot on the World Tour, I suppose that's where my life will go until I can find another way to reach my goal.
My exams consist of mathematics, biology and English. My grades over the year have been shockingly decent due to the motivation of the World Tour at the back of my head. The lead up to exam week is incredibly stressful, not only am I spending my time studying, but I am also doing extra training sessions for the final surf off next week. The amount of pressure that is placed on my shoulders at the moment is ridiculous. All my spare time is spent preparing for exams, and because of that, I hardly spend any time with Justin and my friends.
Exams come and go, and soon enough, I'm walking out of my final exam feeling as free as the wind. The exams weren't as difficult as I anticipated, although, I'm unsure whether that was due to the immense studying I did in preparation. I make my way back into the house and flop back onto the couch in utter joy at the thought of never having to spend another day at school. Some people may miss it, but I can't think of anything more refreshing.
"Hey girl," Milly says, entering the room and lying next to me. "I feel like I haven't see you in years."
"I've been in hibernation," I laugh, referring to all the time I've been cooped up in my room studying.
"Yeah you little nerd," she replies.
"I'm just preparing for my future," I tell her. "Assuming something goes awfully wrong and I don't win the spot on World Tour."
"Sweetheart," she says. "I'm going to whip your arse."
"You're dreaming, you have nothing on me," I say.
"It's true," a voice pipes up from the doorway. "Tilds is going to kill your sorry arse," Justin jokes and I grin in satisfaction.
"Remind me why I don't have a boyfriend to fight my battles," she groans and I laugh.
"I've got your back babe!" Kai calls out from the kitchen.
"Thanks honey," Milly yells back.
"Would you guys stop yelling, it's so annoying," Blair complains, walking down the stairs with his arm wrapped around Vicky's shoulders.
"No," Milly and Kai yell instantaneously and in perfect sync.
I'm seriously going to miss these guys. Over the past year this group of amazing teenagers have gone from my competition, to a bunch of strangers and quickly turned into some of the best people I have ever met. I still can't wrap my head around how fast the past eleven months have flown by. In just one short week, I'll either be packing my bags ready to fly to the first destination on the World Tour, or I'll be packing my bags to go back home for University.
"I'm seriously going to miss you guys," I say, as everyone makes themselves comfortable in the lounge room.
"Nope," Milly pipes up. "We still have a week together and I won't be hearing anyone talking about us all leaving, am I clear?"
