More Than A Game

Chapter 4

Standing near the entrance of the head master's office, my heart rapidly raced as I forced my head around what could occur within the next few hours. I could feel my palms starting to sweat when the man towards the back of the room gestured for me to come in. Walking in, I glanced around all corners of the room staring at the almost bare room. Certificates hung crookedly against the walls and the aroma of the room smelt of cheap aftershave.

"Good morning Miss Richwald. I'm pleased that you were able to make it this fine morning." His loud yet freakishly deep voice boomed throughout the fairly large room.

The rooms' only source of light came from the string of lights which hang up above our heads. I forced myself to face the mysterious yet stern looking man who began to lean back on one of those cheap office chairs. The man who as his nametag stated was Scott Grasswood. His dark black suit reminded me of one of those womanizers that would cause severeal of the ladies around the campus to become flustered within seconds. The moment the corners of his mouth turned up into one of those smug grins, I could feel my throat becoming dry with disgust.

"Mr Grasswood, as much as you think the company is wonderful, I only come today to see what the fuss was all about when the school decided to suspend me from attending some of my classes." I snapped.

Scott's unpleasent smug transformed into a frown of sorrow as he rested his hand onto the table, crossing the two together. He straightened his postion in his chair. I quickly glanced over his shoulder at the time; it was only 10:35 am. I had only been in the office for five minutes, yet felt as if it had been over a lifetime of feeling uncomfertable.

"Well, I guess it looks like the girl I first met meet a few years ago has seemed to somehow change. I think this might be another sign we at Bridgetone University, have uncovered from you Carmen."

I paused before trying to find the words to say, I sat feeling horrified at what was just said. My mind flickered back to the time when I was only seventeen and was still a teenager waiting to explore what was waiting for me in the life after high school. I was in a meeting with Scott and my mother about being accepted into one of the top universities in the world. After being notifiyed that I was able to attend the university to help me achieve my dream of becoming a writer, I was beaming with joy. The day might have seemed perfect but little did I know back then, it was the day before the brutal attack on Brayden.

"Changed? Mr Grasswood, isn't change good for all us? You've changed aswell, haven't you?" My tone changed from anger to anxiousness.

"Carmen" He sighed before continuing peacefully. "As you may already know, Bridgetone University is a place where all students here can follow their passions and share what really makes them well, them. Since meeting you that first time, you were a very bright young girl with very high standards. Just recently, we've noticed that those high standards are slowly decreasing."

"My standards are dropping? But... why hasn't anyone told me this before? and how was suspending my classes doing me any good?"

"We at this campus, belivie that the first time we noticed this, it was little thing; you know we all have our issues and problems and what not. But from that first time until now, we haven't seen much improvement. We only suspended your classes to work out whats the best way to fix the situation. So we thought the best resoultion was in fact to cancel your course and find another universtiy for..."

"So you're just going to get rid of me because I don't achieve your stupid expectations on how bright I'm suppose to be?"

"Stop raising your tone young lady, I'm sick of your attitude. Maybe I should have kicked you out and found another university to cater for your bratlike attiude but instead I was silly enough to give you another chance. Take it or leave, this was just a warning. Please, just leave my damn office Carmen, your classes continue as normal starting from tomorrow."

I raised myself from the chair and turned on my heel as I placed my hand in my jacket pocket, tightly grasping it in my hands. I aggressively tore the paper to a million tiny pieces of papers, throwing them onto the ground, marching towards the exit of the building. My mouth became drier as the seconds passed by. I was fustrated, why wasn't I told about my so called standards decreasing?

Walking along the rough pavement, I could help but wonder if I should let someone know. Maybe not Brayden or mum but someone else. I groaned. I was wasting time hoping that someone would fight my problems for me. I suddenly became distracted by a vibration coming from my back pocket which I eventually realised was my phone.

"Hi Brayden."

"Hey sis. I didn't catch you at a bad time did I?"

"Nah. I just finished my meeting with the university's headmaster."

"How did it go? You're not in trouble are you?"

"Me? No, classes were cancelled because of some little mix up with the schedule. It's all fixed now." I felt horrible for lying to Brayden but I knew it wasn't the right time to be distracting him.

"so how are you? what are you up to Brayden?"

"Just brushing up on some Football, nothing really exciting." I could hear his innocent laugh from the otherside of the phone.

"Don't be silly, it's pretty entertaining watching you train." I gave a fake giggle. "Hey, I'll let you get back to your training. Just wanted to tell you that you're amazing Brayden."

"Um Carmen, as much as that statement is true, I've never heard you say that before? Are you alright? You coming down with some sort of fever?"

"You joker, of course I'm fine. I'll see you when I get home. Bye."

I hung up the phone and began to admire my lockscreen of the picture with Chad and myself. I admit that was an amazing experience but I couldn't help think back our awkward encounter. I didn't know what was more awkward though; our hands touching or the way I reacted afterwards.

Sighing, I continued to make my way along the concreted footpath. My mind rambled with heavy thoughts about the argument with Mr Grasswood, the little white lie I said to Brayden and especially of Chad. I turned the corner, making my way towards home. Hopefully I could find another way to get my head around things.