The Truth Untold

Determination Part 2

Hurriedly dressing, Chiara ensured that all her required stationeries were intact.
"Oh no!" She gasped "My shoes!"
Running quickly to the side of the house,  Chiara was greeted with the sight of one shoe.
"The dog must have taken the other." she cried.
"I do not have time to search."
Rushing into the house, she shamefully donned an old pair of slippers.
The clock read 8.30 a.m.

Determined to do the exam, Chiara darted from the house and headed for the lonely, bushy track which led to the river.
Upon arriving, she took off her slippers, for fear of skidding.
Moving stealthily down the steep, muddy embankment, which led to the depths of the river, Chiara prayed that she would be given a chance.

Thankfully, the downpour had subsided.
Chiara splashed through the water, gently washing the mud from her sore feet and sludged to the other side.

The Sawmill came into view.
Chiara took a deep breath and began to run. Rumpled skirt and blouse!
Muddy feet! Still on she ran!
After 15 minutes she exclaimed " There it is!"
With relief, she raced onto the compound where the examination was kept.

Breathing rapidly, Chiara began to look around. Silence filled the void within her soul as she wondered where to go.

"Chiara!" someone called
Looking up, she saw one of her teachers rapidly beckoning to her.

Chiara took the stairs two at a time.
The look on Mr. John's face as he viewed her from head to toe, would forever be etched in her memory.

"I am sorry Sir." she gasped
" I know that I am very late, but, may I please do the exam?" Chiara pleaded. Her eyes pooling with tears.
"You can't Chiara. It is against the rules. You are too late!" Mr John berated.

Chiara begged and begged as her tears flowed.
"I can do it Sir! Please give me a chance."
She cried.
As the tears flowed down the child's cheeks, Mr. John's heart melted.
"Hold on here. Let me see what I can do!" he said
With that, he entered the classroom.
Peeking through the window, Chiara saw him gesticulating angrily.
At that point, Chiara thought that it was all over for her.
Her chances of ever leaving "The House of Horrors" were slipping through her fingers.

She closed her eyes and prayed.

"Chiara, let us go inside." she heard.
Opening her eyes, she saw Sir John.
There was an envelope in his hand.

Chiara was led to an empty room
A woman, who seemed to be, displeased, sat primly at a table.
She glanced at Chiara reprovingly.
Chiara ignored her and proceeded courageously to an assigned seat.

The envelope was opened by the unsmiling lady.
Receiving the envelope Chiara said "Thank you Miss."
The lady just watched Chiara from head to toe, turned up her nose and ambled to her table.

Glancing at the questions, Chiara smiled.
Fighting her way to catch up, writing frantically whilst maintaining a cool composure, Chiara's brains ticked away like the hands of time.

Chancing a glance to the front of the classroom, She realised that Sir was standing there, staring at her thoughtfully.
Chiara smiled.
Sir returned her smile and showed her a Thumbs Up, as "Little Girl Wonder." used her pen, to pave her way to success and freedom.