"Shoot Harriet!" Kate yelled from the other end of the field, and Harriet threw the ball into the opposition's goal as the full-time bell rang out. Another game done and dusted. We were now in the Semi Finals of the under-eighteen lacrosse tournament. However, my excitement was about to be shattered as Mrs Kingsley approached me after I came out of the change rooms.
"Charlie, I was wondering if I could have a word with you in my office." She said, and I nervously followed her in silence. I really hoped I wasn't in trouble.
"Now, Charlie, there isn't really an easy way of saying this, but I'm sure you're aware of the fact that you're school isn't the most affluent establishment." She began and I nodded slowly. "Well, I received an email from the head mistress this morning and they've decided to close the school." She said and my eyes widened in shock.
"So, that's it. It just closed?" I said, trying to comprehend what she was saying.
"Yes, that is correct." She answered. "Unfortunately, this also means that they are no longer able to fund your stay with us, and they only enough money left to get you through the next two weeks."
"So, I have to…leave?" I asked.
"Unless the money becomes available, then sadly that is what must happen." She said. "Believe me Charlie I wish I could help."
"So, there's nothing I can do?" I asked hopelessly.
"Well, I'm….actually, I might have an idea, but I'll have to check it over first." She said thoughtfully. "I'll let you know the outcome this afternoon, but finger's crossed."
"Well, I hope that what ever your idea is works." I said. "And, thank you." I finished before leaving her office and as I passed the front steps of the school, I sat down on the cold stone and rested my face in my hands.
I couldn't leave now. I didn't want to leave now. Not now. What about my friends? Lacrosse? Freddy? Exams? I realised that I would've had to deal with this in five weeks time anyway, but I hadn't realised how quickly the past seven weeks had flown by. And now I'd have to go home, leaving so much incomplete and, thinking about what could've been.
I was so busy thinking about my woes, that I didn't notice Freddy walking up the turning circle.
"You know you'll catch a cold if you sit out here." He said, walking up to me.
"I know." I replied glumly.
"What's the matter?" he asked, sitting down next me.
"I have to leave in two weeks." I replied.
"What? I thought you were staying till the end of the term." He said, surprised.
"I was. Until my school back home closed because of money, and now there's only enough left to pay for two more weeks." I summed up. "And I have no idea what to do, because I don't want to leave and where do I go once I get home?" I sighed and buried my face back in my hands.
I felt Freddy gingerly put his arm around my shoulder, as if worried I wouldn't like it, but at that point I didn't care, I welcomed the comfort.
"You'll work something out." He said, reassuringly.
"I wish I had your confidence." I said into my hands.
"Something will turn up. And if it doesn't, I'll think of something." He said and I heard the smile in his voice.
"Thanks." I replied and managed a small smile.
That afternoon I was back in Mrs Kingsley's office to see if her idea had worked.
"Charlie, I've done some research and emailed the school board and they would be prepared to offer you a scholarship, to finish your senior school education with Abbey Mount." She said.
"So, I'd not just stay till the rest of the term, but until I graduate?" I asked.
"Yes, that is the idea." She replied.
"Wow. That's…amazing. Thank you." I said.
"Well, you won't get it for nothing. Most of the scholarships here are academic, so you'd need to do very well in one of your end of term exams." She said and then brought up a document on her computer. "I had a look over your past marks and geography seems to be your best subject. So, I'd aim for a scholarship for geography."
"What mark would I have to get?" I asked.
"It would have to be a high distinction, so anywhere between ninety and one hundred per cent." She replied. "Don't look so mortified, I have every faith that you can do it.""Thank you, Mrs Kingsley." I said, before leaving her office.
On my way back up to my dorm I passed Harriet in the hallway, with Charlotte and Jane trailing behind her.
"I heard you'll sadly be leaving us soon." Harriet said as she walked past me, but ignored her. "You can go back to Boganville where you belong."
"You seem pretty eager for me to leave." I replied, stopping and turning around to face her.
"You're powers of observation are exemplary." She scoffed, rolling her eyes.
"Well, in that case you won't be happy to hear that I intend on staying at Abbey Mount until I graduate." I said matter of factly. "I intend to apply for a Geography Scholariship."
"And you really think you'll get it?" she asked scornfully.
"Actually, yes. I will, because I have this wonderful thing called a brain. Something which you seem to be lacking in." I replied smoothly as I turned away from her and continued on to my dorm. After explaining the plan with my friends, I settled down to begin what was going to be one of many long days of studying Coastal Management and the four spheres.