From The Ashes We Rise

Chp 2: Sudden And Unfortunate

Soon enough, our Maths teacher, Ms Evans, came in with a stack of papers.

"Good afternoon class. I'm sure you are excited about your test results," she announced. The class groaned except for me and Sammi.

"So the people who got an A in this test is Sammi and Keith. The rest of you I'm afraid, got at least a B or a C," she continued.

I was dumbfounded. I didn't get an A? Surely there was something wrong. I let it slide until Ms Evans passed me my paper.

"I'm sorry, Ashley," she whispered to me. I cringed slightly but not enough for her to notice.

I glanced at Sammi. She glanced back and gave me a sorrowful look. She mouthed an "I'm sorry" before facing the front.

Shit, my parents were gonna kill me. It's no use hiding it. They knew I was getting my test results that day.

All I could do was pray they don't take away my music and gaming privileges.

After Maths class, I met up with Sammi. "What happened Ash? You always get an A for a test. Except for French."

"I know. I thought I could ace this test. I study hard for every test dammit. Why didn't I get an A?!" I was overreacting again. Sammi wrapped her arm around my shoulder and tried cheering me up.

"Don't worry dude. This test is just a gauge of where we stand. Don't be too hard on yourself."

"I guess so."

"Your parents will understand. Best they'd do is take away your gaming privileges."

"Guess you're right...thanks Sammi."

"Anytime Ash."

~After school~

"MUM! DAD! I'm home!" I called out. My mum was in the kitchen as usual while my dad was watching TV like he always did.

"You don't have to yell you know," groaned my dad. He basically looked like an older version of me, just with silvery grey hair instead of black. My mum, on the other hand, had brown hair.

"Oh, you're home. So, how's the test result?" asked mum as she finished preparing lunch.

"Pretty disappointing..."

"Why's that honey?"

"I...got a B."

Both my parents gasped. From the looks on their faces, I could tell they weren't used to this. Before they started asking me any more questions, I bolted up to my room.

I let out a huge groan before flopping on my bed. I stared at my poster of Panic! At The Disco near my bed and sighed. I'm gonna get a hell of a punishment soon.

After a while, my parents came up to my room. I sprang up on my bed and crossed my legs. My dad was holding the newspaper he was reading. This was bad.

"Son, we are disappointed in you," my dad started. "You were always scoring well. What happened?"

"I don't know, dad. I studied for that test. I was expecting an A as much as you. I've never had any issues. Nothing. I swear it's not my music, please don't take that away from me."

My mum, who was still standing behind my dad, finally spoke.

"Sorry Ashley, but you have left us no choice. If you can't get a good grade, then we'll have to take away your gaming computer. We'll leave your laptop for any of your future projects-"

"Wait, wait, wait... no gaming?"

"Yes, Ash," my dad replied, "and we have to limit your music time to at least 2 hours a day."