Chapter 9 – The Final Exam

The week passed and everyone was back in class. As usual, after classes are over, Tails goes to the Royal Cat Academy every afternoon to see Blaze, and they would go to unwind from all the hard work. However, as the time went on and the schoolwork was getting demanding, the harder it is Tails to spend time with Blaze. He was determined to do his very best so that he can be ready for the real college work, but he didn't want to neglect his friend.

Eventually, with only two more weeks left before his return to Australia, it was time to prepare for the exams. With everyone busy studying, Tails felt like he had no other choice but to tell the news to Blaze. It was a very cold winter afternoon. Tails visited the Royal Cat Academy to see Blaze as usual, and they both went out to the local café. There, they drank some hot coffee, an appropriate drink at this time of year.

"So Tails, what is it that you want to talk to me about?" asked Blaze as she sipped on her coffee.

"Well, Blaze, I am afraid that we won't be able to hang out for the week," said Tails solemnly. "We have exams on the following, and after our meeting up today, I have to study very hard."

"I understand," said Blaze. "I have to prepare my students for the end of semester examinations myself."

"I guess we'll be keeping very busy in the meantime," said Tails. "I wish we could have spent more time together beforehand."

"Don't say that, Tails," said Blaze earnestly. "We have spent as much time as we could, it was great while it lasted, and I'll never forget the wonderful times we had together these few weeks."

"You're right, Blaze," said Tails with sudden optimism. "It doesn't matter if we have spent a long time together or not, as long as we have enjoyed each other's company."

"Indeed," said Blaze, as she placed her hand on Tails's and smiled while blushing at the same time. Tails smiled back and blushed heavily. "I know you're going to do well on the exam, Tails. I believe it," she said after a long silence.

"I am positive that I will too," said Tails.

Later, Blaze brought Tails back to the Kensington Hotel. They were both sad that this would probably be the last time they will see each other. Before Tails went into his apartment, Blaze hugged him and kissed him tenderly on the forehead. "Good luck on your exam, Tails," she purred. "Study hard and you'll ace it for sure."

"Thank you, Blaze," whispered Tails. "And good luck with preparing your students for their end-of-semester finals."

With one more hug and kiss for luck, the two parted ways. Tails was now determined to do his best on the final exam.

Throughout the week, Tails visited the local library to borrow books on computers and computing software. With the help of Alex, Tails concentrated very hard on his work. At times he would think about Blaze, but he reminds himself that he must focus if he wants to get the highest mark possible. Nevertheless, Tails finds his studies very intriguing. He even enjoys practicing his spreadsheets, compiling and analysing data, and using many other software utilities.

After a long week of studying, the day of the exam has come. While Tails queued in with the rest of his fellow students, Alex dropped by to give Tails his regards.

"Feeling nervous, Tails?" he asked.

"A little bit," replied Tails. "But I feel like I'm going to go through this exam with no problem."

"I'm sure you will," smiled Alex. "Remember everything you have learned."

"I've been paying attention to all the lectures I attended despite the countless afternoons I spent with Blaze," said Tails.

"Very good," said Alex. "Anyway, I must be off for my own exam as well. I'll see you after the exams."

Alex hurried off down the hall, and Tails's Information Technology instructor arrived to allow the class to proceed into the room. Everyone sat at their computers, and after they logged into the exam, it was time for it to commence.

"Take your time, the exam lasts for only two hours," said the instructor. "If you have finished answering the questions before the time is up, you are free to exit the classroom if you wish, but quietly."

Tails assessed each question thoroughly and did his best to remember everything he have learned from the start and all the books he have studied during the week before. He found himself going through the exam without any difficulty, they were all multiple choice questions based on general knowledge about computer systems, software programs, and even the practice of safe work procedures.

At last, and in only less than an hour, Tails has completed answering the questions. He submitted his answers, and quietly made his way out of the classroom like some of the other students who have already finished the exam before him.

Tails sighed in relief. He couldn't believe that it was finally over, but it will take a week for him to receive the results. He was sure that he is going to get a high, if not perfect, score.

Later, he relaxed at the couch, weary but feeling content that he has completed his exam. As he watched television, Alex entered the apartment.

"Hey Alex," said Tails.

"Hi Tails," replied Alex. "So how did the exam go?"

"I think it went well," Tails answered modestly. "Not too hard, but it was definitely a challenge."

"Same here for me," said Alex. "It will take until next week for the results to come, and only then will we find out if we did it or not."

While the week passed, Tails and Alex would go out sightseeing on certain days, while most of the days they would visit shopping malls, have lunch, and occasionally check out the blockbuster movies at the cinemas.

Tails liked hanging out with his roommate, but he misses the times he spent with Blaze. He is still aware that Blaze needs to focus on her dragon training as the finals were approaching.

One evening, Tails was watching television as usual when the telephone rang. He got up, answered the phone and cleared his throat. "Hello?"

"Hi Tails, it's me, Blaze."

"Oh, hey Blaze," said Tails. "I had a feeling you would call one day."

"I haven't forgotten," replied Blaze. "You were always at the back of my mind, and I promised to call you around this time."

"Aw, thanks Blaze," smiled Tails. "That was very kind of you."

Blaze giggled. "So, how did the exam go?" she asked.

"I think it turned out fine," said Tails. "I am sure I would get a high mark."

"I'm sure so too," said Blaze. "You are a very smart fox after all."

Tails smiled at the compliment. "Well, it was nothing," he said.

"What have you been up to after the exams?" asked Blaze.

"Nothing much, just been checking out the city with Alex," replied Tails.

"That's good to hear," said Blaze. "As for me, I've been so busy with my dragon training."

"I can imagine," said Tails understandingly.

"It is not that easy, you know," continued Blaze. "When I first started dragon training, I had to research on them, their powers, and abilities. It is also required to learn their Dragonese language, which is pretty tricky at first, but you get the hang of it in time."

"Wow, sounds like you have accomplished much," said Tails.

"I still have a lot to learn," said Blaze. "I need to get the job done right so that I would have a chance for my vacation."

"Good luck with that, Blaze," said Tails.

"Thanks, Tails," said Blaze. "Speaking of which, how would you like to come to the graduation finals?"

"That would be wonderful," smiled Tails.

"It will be nice of you to come," said Blaze. "Anyway, you have a lovely evening, and I'll be looking forward to seeing you again soon before your return to Australia. I have missed the days we spent together."

"Me too, Blaze," said Tails. "You have a lovely evening yourself, and keep up the good work at the academy. I can hardly wait to see what you have taught your dragons."

"You're going to love it for sure," said Blaze. "Good night, Tails, and talk to you again some other time. Bye for now."