"Beth, stop joking around and give me a hand will ya?" She just laughs at me. "What?" I ask, getting annoyed. "Sorry its just that accent. Can definitely tell you're Australian". She cracks up again. "Yeah well can definitely tell you're an ass. Honestly I don't know how Alison puts up with" I say, knowing mentioning Alison will get under her skin. She sticks her toung out at me. "Yeah well at least I can get a girlfriend". I slap her and try to move on. "Come on, this paper needs to be emailed to the head in the next twenry minutes if I even want a chance at graduating". Beth rolls her eyes and looks down at the screen. "That's a classic. Just compare the fingerprints on the arm to the ones on the pole. Simple". I look over the info again and type up the last bit of reasoning and email it off. "Thete, done. Thanks Beth". She smiles at me and then stands up and grabes her coat. "Hey, where are you going? Thought you where coming to see if I got through?" She tenses, but pretends nothing happened. "I got something to do. I'll see you and Art at the center in an hour. Don't be late". She smirks as she opens the door. "Like I'm going to be late" I answer, bringing my hand to my chest in mock hurt. "You're so much like Cosima" she says as she closes the door.
I wait to make sure she's gine before I grab my clone phone, but before I can type in the number I want it starts vibrating. I smile as I see Helana's name flash across the screen. I pick up. "What's up Helena?" I ask before she gets a chance to say anything. "Just making sure you are ready, sestra". I can hear her smile through the screen. "Ready as I'll ever be" I answer, hearing the nervousness in my own voice. "Do not be scared sestra. You are like me remember?" I can't help but smile. "Yeah I can't ever forget , can I?" "Absolutely not" she says, pride evident in her voice. "Anyway I better get going. I'll see you later". " Yes you will". With that I end the cal, grab my caiat, wallet and keys and walk out the door.
I meet Art on the corner near the center like we agreed. He must be able to sense hiw nervous I am because he tries to reassure me. "You'll do fine. If you pass this and your finale exame it'll be official. And me and Beth both know you will". "You got that right". I spin around and see Beth walking towards us. I go to hug her and see her eyes are glazed over red. "Are you ok? You don't look so good" I say worriedly. "I'm fine. Now hurry up or we won't find out how you did". She rushes us inside.
Everyone clusters into the hall as the head walks on stage. She takes the mic in her hands and looks out to her students. She smiles brightly . "Creep" Beth whispers. Art slaps her on the arm telling her to shut up. The head starts her speech and everybody in the room freezes . "It has been an hour to be able to be here today and present all the passing students with their awards. I know that every student her today has worked their hardest to make it here and to those who don't pass, don't give up. Try again until you succeed. Don't be dishardend if it takes you twenty tries to get it right. And to those who pass, I hope you try your hardest to finish the program". She finishes her speech and walks over to the table covered in certificates. "First up, Adrien Blackmore" she announces and the hall erupts with cheers. She hands him yhe award and moves on.
The head has almost finished handing out awards and I'm getting more and more nervous. I turn to Beth; "what if I don't pass?" "Means I fail as an office". I roll my eyes and Art turns to her . I'm sure that'sreal reassuring. Now quiet , it's the last awar". The head smiles at the crowd. "And last but not least... Indi White!" I squeal and Beth pushes me towards the stage. I walk on stage and collect my award.
"Hey I'll meet you guys out there, I just needa photo with the rest of the group". Beth nods as she says something into her phone and starts walking outside. Art gives me a nod and follow.
I finish up shaking hands and findBeth and Art outside. "Youdid great .New I was a good cop", Beth smirks and Art rolls his eyes. "Come on, lets go celebrate back at yours". I nod and start on my wasy home.
As I drive I look down at my certificate Beth, thankyoufor everything But then my mind drifts back to how glassy eyed Beth looked when she met us outside. She has been like that a lot lately and no matter how many times I badger her about it she insists she is fine. Do I believe her ? My ass I do. But she's tough. She'll put up with anything until she can't, but the 'until she can't' bit is what'sgot me worried. Anyway I'll just concentrate on the fact that if I get over 95% on my final exam I'll be an official cop. I'll be working on in the same department as Beth and Art. Thst is if I pass. But what's the worst that could happen?