Cadet [Wattys 2016]

Goodbyes Aren't That Hard

Friday Night, 5:00. Location: About to board an airplane to Sci-Tech

I'm bursting with excitement. Less than twelve hours ago, I was sitting at a desk passing AP Biology in 8th Grade. Now, I'm heading off to a SHIELD Academy to study some of my favorite things in the world with top scientists!! I think I'm going to bruise from how many times I've checked whether or not I'm dreaming.

The airplane is a private plane, belonging to Eye-Patch, who's name I've come to learn is Fury, aka the Director. He's coming to personally explain the situation to an Agent Weaver, who's apparently head of Sci-Tech.

Lounging in the comfy seats, I pull out my laptop, which was returned to me, and run through some review before I take my LA and History exams. It doesn't take long, and I open the tests. One thing you should know. Tests are never as hard as you think. I pass those exams with flying colors.

Okay, seriously, when am I going to wake up? This is way too good to be true. I run through the day, trying to figure out when I fell asleep.

After I left Principal Kiel's office, I was told to gather my things from school, and come to the track. SHIELD had already grabbed my things from the orphanage I lived. The first thing I did was go back to math class to grab my backpack.

I sauntered into math class, excited as a kid at Christmas, but trying to keep up my cool impression. "I'll take my phone back." I said, walking over to my desk and grabbing my backpack. Ms. Sinclair handed it over after seeing the "Principal's Note."

"Where you going?" A kid asked. I smiled at them as I walked out, and said jokingly over my shoulder, "Somewhere far from you losers." I heard laughter as I headed to Mr. Brody's class to collect my laptop. Same reaction.

I figured I should say goodbye to the coaches in person. They'd be glad to get rid of me, and the feeling is mutual. "See ya!" I exclaimed as I slipped into the locker room to grab my bag.

"And just where do you think you're going?" One coach asked. "Oh, somewhere, I'm not entirely sure. But anywhere's sooo much better than here." I grinned, showing them the note. There was nothing they could do about it.

Band was the only hard one, and it wasn't that hard. I was still going to have my instrument. And Eye Patch had promised I'd still be able to play.

The band directors had looked surprised when I walked in. "Rose? Why are you out of class?" Mrs. Faircloud had asked. "I'm leaving. I'm just here to say good bye and get my saxophone." I had replied.

"Do you know where you're going?" Mr. Trey had asked. I shook my head. "Landed a rare opportunity." I hadn't been allowed to say any specifics. The band directors had nodded sadly, and I grabbed my saxophone.

"Rose?" Mrs. Faircloud had said as I walked out. I remembered pausing. "Keep playing. You'll go far. Never forget the music." She had said. And with that, I had left my mark on this school. It was time to find another one.