Chapter 7: Deserted

I start to head to the drainpipe when the front door opens and I see my uncle standing there. 'Oh shit.'

"Hello Kale. I've been waiting for you. Now get in here before your aunt wakes up."

I quickly go in. When my uncle shuts the door I prepare for his anger. Yet it doesn't happen, Uncle Tyler just looks at me in disappointment clearly etch in his face.

"Just go to bed and try not to disturb your aunt. We'll talk about this tomorrow."

Uncle Tyler locks the door and heads up to bed, I have no choice but to follow him and head to my room.

Throwing myself on the bed and try to get some sleep, it's a big day tomorrow....

Well, this is it the exam day. Woken up early to apologize to my uncle but he'd left on an errand. Thankfully Aunt Elena seems blissfully unaware of the late night return.

In the Examination Room, I sink into the wooden chair. The test paper is lying in front of my desk. There are twenty questions between me and my future. The school has a partnership with three different universities and each one has its own test requirements.

Williamson University, a private, expensive university with better programmes and more teachers and resources, also ten times more expensive but offers scholarships to students who scored 90% or more. Greater Washington Institute of Technology often shortened to Washington Tech when speaking, it was the best public option and a lot more affordable, accepted students who scored 60% or more. Finally there was the University of New Patersson, UNJP for short. A public University that had the most inclusive and easiest entrance requirements.

The examiner glances around the hall taking in all the students, I can feel his eyes bore into me. It is only for a moment but felt longer. He spoke clearly and firmly, never raising his tone once yet his voice still carried itself round the room.

"I hope everyone studied hard for this test, I expect you all to try your best. Okay you have one hour, begin!"

Instantly the silence was shattered by the frenzied tapping of pencils on paper. It distracts me but quickly I turn to focus on the test. I go through the questions as best as I can. Knowing some of the answers, while guessing others. Some of the later questions give more trouble than I would've liked. I manage to finish just about on time. After the exam I find myself outside getting some fresh air. Looking about Sarah leaning against the wall. She waves me over.

"I just wanted to thank you for your help. I really think that went well. It was nice spending time together like we used to." says Sarah

I'm about to reply when I catch a glimpse of Uncle Tyler waiting in his car.

"Sorry, my uncle is waiting. Can we try again some other time?" I say

Grabbing my bag you run over to his car and climb into the passenger seat.

"So how did it go?" he asks smiling.

"I did my best, that's all I can hope for," I reply with a shrug.

"We'll be proud of you whatever happens, your parents would be too." say Uncle Tyler

"I know Uncle. Thanks." I say

it's been over a week before the results came out so I find ways to pass the time. Two weeks later Aunt Elena passes me an envelope. "Good luck," she says with a smile. Opening the letter. Unsurprisingly, the score is 79%. Looks like I'll be heading to college in UNJP.

"Oh Kale I'm sure you tried your best," my aunt says patting my back.

"I'm sure you can still do great things in New Patersson."