The Dream Parade (Part One) - [On Hold]

Chapter 2: Gone

The educator's eyes were scanning the class room. I glanced back at her. Time was almost up and my contribution to the group assignment was already complete. I could see from the team progress bars that only Calvin was still working on his part of the calculations. My body was tense. 14 minutes left to complete the assignment. 14 minutes to determine if our group would pass or fail. I needed a pass. I had been part of a failing team the month before when we had worked on a water project. A pass in Automated Manufacturing of Wearables could balance things out if we passed. Calvin needed to hurry up. I wished there was a way to tell how he was getting on. He was supposed to be a Math Wiz. All he had to do was correctly calculate the amount of cloth and other raw materials needed to complete the manufacturing brief. Design, quality control, and distribution according to demand had already been covered by Becca, Gordon, and myself.

"10 minutes remaining." the educator reminded those still swiping around on their Q-Pads.

I shot a glance at Calvin who seemed no closer to completing his calculations. His red cheeks seemed to hint at intense concentration. I wished the app hadn't shut off the live chat for those of us who had completed their work on the assignment. This way, I had no means of urging him to hurry up. My eyes fixed on Calvin. He didn't look up once. I increased the intensity of my stare, willing him to complete and hoping that his figures would add up in the end.

"5 minutes remaining."

My body was covered in tiny beads of sweat. I could feel damp spreading in my armpits. This assignment was part of a series that would be determining the group configuration for the Midterm Exams. I couldn't chance ending up in a weak group.

"Please make preparations to complete your efforts on the assignment."

The familiar reminder nearly made my heart stop. I exchanged a worried look with Gordon who was also visibly agitated by now.

"The assignment is complete. Access to the assignment on the app has now ceased. You now have viewing rights only. Please refrain from speaking until you have left the room. Thank you for your participation. The results will be transmitted to your IBs by 16:00 today."

Calvin was still not looking up. I knew instinctively that he had screwed us. Gordon looked ready to burst. Becca's sombre stare was firmly directed into the distance ahead. Becca and I walked closely behind Calvin as we shuffled into the school yard.

"Hey, Calvin! What's going on with you?" I almost shouted.

Calvin didn't even turn around as he mumbled 'nothing' in an indifferent tone of voice. I grabbed his shoulder, trying to get him to turn around.

"Hey, I'm talking to you! The least you can do is look at me."

"Leave him alone!"

Becca's voice cut like a knife.

"He's got no parents. He's got it hard enough. Don't your parents teach you how to be considerate? Kindness and compassion are the staples on which New World is built. Don't you listen to the Broadcast? Do you understand nothing?"

Taken aback by Becca's outrage, I wasn't sure what so say at all.

"I know. I just wanted to talk to Calvin, Ok? It's not like him to fail in Maths. Something's going on."

"So? We all have bad days. We shouldn't focus on the weaknesses of others but on their strengths."

I wondered if Becca had memorised all of the Broadcast key phrases. Uncertain if I should be impressed or annoyed with her officious attack, I decided to go for an apology to stay on the safe side.