ALIVE - The Story of a Never-Could-Be

Chapter III: [The Betrayal]

"I don't know. To be honest, he looks like a smart guy. It would be difficult to show others his true colors."

"I didn't say that he isn't smart. He is, and far more experienced than me. But why should he cheat like that!?" asked Dery rhetorically.

"Don't you think you are asking the wrong questions?"

"What do you mean Joy?"

"I mean? Why would the jury give him the win and the ticket to the Nationals? If you were better wouldn't it be logical for them to give the win to the better student so that he can represent our school in the best way possible?"

"Yeah, I thought of that.. but, honestly, who cares about fame these days?" said Dery kind of disappointed.

"Maybe you are right." said Joy with the same look on her face.

"I hope I am not." finished Dery. "Anyway, it's time to move, fourth class starts soon."

"What subject?"

"History, with your Headteacher, Mrs. Cleopatra."

"Boy, you have better studied well. She wasn't in the best of moods today."

"I guess I'll keep that in mind. Bye!" said both of them and left in different directions.

Dery returned to his classroom and sat in his desk doing a revision of the History lesson. Next to him, while Teresa was getting her own book out of her bag, she pulled out some other books by mistake which fell down on the floor.

"Oh, let me help you" said Dery and started collecting some of the books.

However he took his time when he picked up a very 'unorthodox' book for somebody to bring at school. In the cover of the book was written "The Bible".

"Th-thanks!" said Teresa and grabbed the book from Dery's hands. Then, she continued staring at him in a weird manner, but soon the teacher entered the class and that stare was immediately interrupted.

All the noise, all the talk that was going on just moments before, stopped as soon as the teacher appeared. It was as if that teacher's sole presence could magically shut everyone down.

"Everyone, close your books! On the board... Afellay, Burton" A deafening silence had overwhelmed the class waiting for the last name. "...and Carter!"

A sight of relief was heard by everyone but the three unlucky students who were standing at the board.

"Afellay, read your homework please."

"I-I haven't done it Mrs." said Olly Afellay.

"FOUR! (Fail) you may sit down."

"Kevin!? It's your turn."

"Madam, I am sorry but I was sick yesterday and I haven't prepared the homework for today." said Kevin as quickly as he could. He knew what was coming.

The teacher slapped her desk.

"What have I told you!? Haven't I told you from the first day of the school that if you have any reason to not have studied, you should tell me before I call you to THE BOARD!?"

"Yes, mada-."

"YES WHAT!?" she shouted and sat down. "Sit down.."

Kevin ran to his desk. Now there was only one remaining in the board.

"Dery, continue please. Have you done your homework?" asked the teacher tired from the two previous students.

"Yes, madam!" said Dery and began to read loudly. The homework was to write an essay regarding Enlightenment and how their thoughts would make the society progress. It was a really spicy topic, especially for Dery who didn't really believe in any religions.