Standing in the Hall of Fame

Disclaimer: The characters and credit for the original stories belong to Anthony Horowitz.

All the glancing and whispering was making me antsy.

I wouldn't have given it a second thought if it had been directed to me in this environment, I was beyond used to it by now from my peers– but no. Something, or someone, else was the subject of the crowd's curiosity. Despite my attempts at sitting straighter and craning my neck and ears, I couldn't work out what all the fuss was about.

Anyway, that was dying down now as the ceremony was starting. I had timed my arrival perfectly and slipped, largely unnoticed, into the back, only receiving a few sympathetic looks from parents and teachers which I ignored.

As Mr Bray opened the night, I scanned the room once more. There were cameras. Not just the hand-held Nikons or Canons brought by proud parents or adoring older siblings. These were proper Sony HSC-300s, used for broadcasting. Three were positioned around the auditorium, all facing the stage. Usually, a small video camera was used by the school to capture events such as this one. Something big was happening. I just wished I knew what.

Ever since the 'accident' I hadn't been taking surprises very well and my heartrate was already increasing. The official looking security around the room did nothing to alleviate my nerves. I was wanted to believe they were MI6– since they had promised me protection in my presently 'vulnerable state'– but one could never be too careful.

I took some deep breaths and focused on the new speaker. It was Mrs Collins, the physical education coordinator. She was presenting the sports awards. Marcus, of course was Sports Boy and Lucille was Sports Girl.

Next was a musical number. I grit my teeth at the irony. It was a short skit-cross-dance to Hall of Fame. I'd be in the Brookland Hall of Fame alright. Forever my memory would be etched in the minds of my peers as the kid who lost his way after the death of his uncle.

So much potential, they would say, he could have done great things.

Finally, the 'anthem' was done. Academic awards were being announced and I couldn't help but wish that it was my name being called, even if it was for French which I had been fluent in since I could ride a bike without training wheels. I pushed away the regret. Today was about my friends, not me.

After that, the other awards were given out. To keep myself from wallowing in self-pity I memorised the awards and their recipients. The Student Encourager award, as selected by their peers, was Macy Brenton. I nodded approvingly. She'd always stood up for those being bullied, like me. Marcus, Riley, Oliva and Carol got Duke of Edinburgh awards. Tom, who had directed the musical number, got the Rising Star award for his contribution to the arts.

Ignoring the looks from those around me, I made sure to cheer extra loud for him to make up for the absence of his parents. I could hear and see Jerry and Steph cheering him on too.

Seven awards later, it was time for the main event. Mr Bray once again stood at the podium.

'And now is time to celebrate all our students graduating tonight. Miss Bedfordshire is going to help me hand out our graduation certificates.'

One by one my peers were called to the stage. They would shake Mr Bray's hand and smile for the photographer. I couldn't stop the tears of resentment from pooling. If it wasn't for MI6 I'd be up there too, on my way to university. And Jack… she wouldn't be in a hospital bed. She'd be here, supporting me, cheering me on. Instead, I'm stuck being babysat by a secret agent.

I started to move but said secret agent, Ben, touched my arm.

'You can do this. Do it for James and Tom.'

I stifled a scoff. My whole life has been in service of others– since I was 14– but I stayed nonetheless.

'Now, before I present to you the graduating class of 2022, I believe we have one last award to give out.'

I frowned, though I'd zoned out several times, something that was thankfully becoming less and less frequent since therapy started, I was sure all the customary awards had been presented. Here came the surprise. The purpose for the earlier mutterings and the state-of-the-art cameras.

'This highly esteemed, and new award, the nature of which I am still in the dark about–' Mr Bray smiled but my heart was racing. What if this was all a ploy? What if they were SCORPIA or something worse? I wouldn't be able to protect anyone, though I could give myself up '–Will be presented by Mrs Jones.'

I'm sure my heart skipped a beat.

This had to be another Mrs Jones. Right? Yes. Yes. I told myself firmly, taking a few deep breaths and focusing again on stage, only to have my breathing quicken again.

It was Mrs Jones.

'I'd like to pass on my congratulations to each student here for completing your schooling. You have all done incredibly well and you and your families should be very proud.' She took a deep breath and continued, 'I, however, am truly sorry,' her eyes found mine, 'that not all of the students of this cohort have been granted the ability to succeed during their high school years. I am painfully aware that someone is missing from this band of students.'

I was sure I could hear the whisperings of my peers even here, from the back of the auditorium. They knew she was talking about me, and the sideways glances from the families and staff around me told me they knew it too.

'Someone who deserves more than anyone to have the fresh start that finishing school brings.'

There was a snigger from the stage.

'I'll say!' That got a few laughs from around the room.

It had been unclear to me who said it but Mrs Jones seemed to know and she stared down Cooper Bailey, one of my more persistent tormentors.

'This man, for he stopped being a boy years ago, epitomises the award I have the honour, and duty to present. That is because it was created especially for him.'

I could feel the curiosity in the room. After all, as far as these people knew, I was just an exceptionally troubled and unfortunate kid.

'I know that with the previous awards that have been presented, the characteristics of the person were described before the individual was named, however, I am under the assumption that most of you know who I am talking about already and for those who don't, I want to make sure he gets the recognition he deserves.'

There was a pause. I could feel everyone's eyes on me.

'Alex Rider,' Mrs Jones said softly, 'would you please make your way to the stage.'

If had been able I would have bolted from the room but instead I found the stage getting closer as Ben led me to the front.

If I had seen the ramp from the back of the room I may have guessed something like this would happen, no one else required one, though I would have assumed it would be for a more negative reception and planned by my peers. Now I realise why Ben had been so content to let me slip in the back at the last possible minute. He was in on this.

Before I knew it, I was on the stage. I couldn't see the audience, the lights were too bright for that, I had no idea how Mrs Jones had singled me out before, but I could feel their gazes boring into me, as well as those of my classmates.

Mrs Jones was no longer facing the crowd but looking intently at me.

'We are sorry Alex, for what we put you through.' I could feel the confusion in the air but forced myself to focus on Mrs Jones.

'Sorry isn't going to cut it,' said Tom in a firm– almost rehearsed– voice, coming to stand beside me.

'I know,' she said looking to me, 'And while this award will never amend what we have done and allowed to happen to you I hope that you would be able to, not forgive us, but understand how much you've done for this nation, and the world. For all of us,' she said, her voice breaking uncharacteristically.

'But this bit of paper is not the only thing we are giving you. As I speak, Smithers is transferring a large sum into your account. It includes the payment you should have received for your service plus a bonus to show our appreciation.'

I was stunned. They were paying me? Although it was probably a scabby amount. Mrs Jones must have sensed my apprehension because she gestured to my phone.

'You can have a look.'

Hesitantly, as I unlocked my phone a notification from my bank– a real bank mind you– flashed on my screen. My usually blank face registered shock. This couldn't be right. I looked up at the Head of MI6. She nodded, smiling.

'It was the least we could do. We are also setting up a life-long fund to pay for all expenses for your physical therapy and any other treatment or medication.' I knew that was the politic way of saying "psychiatric and psychological therapy".

'It was your life that you gave us, after all.'

'More like took!' Tom hissed.

Mrs Jones nodded, but the quirk in her eyebrow suggested my best mate was straying from a script.

'Yes, Mr Harris,' she paused for a moment before turning to address the year level.

'I am aware of the rumours about Alex and I want to put an end to them. He is not some low life-'

'Don't. It doesn't matter what they think,' I said firmly.

She looked at me sternly.

'Yes, it does. We created this false image and allowed it to fester, now it's time to set things straight. Alex Rider, you are the bravest man I have ever met. You have confronted your past and your future too many times. You have suffered at the hands of us who have abused our authority yet come through only more determined to make the world a better place.'

Someone else walked onto stage. It was Smithers.

'You are always the most intelligent person in the room, though this lot probably wouldn't agree because they just see your absences and poor grades, which were our fault.'

K-Unit came on stage.

'You're the toughest Cub out there,' Snake and Eagle said in unison and I couldn't help but let out a wet chuckle.

'You've pulled off some spectacular stunts,' Wolf smiled.

'You always put others first,' it was Sabina talking now.

'You would dive into a freezing lake to save anyone's life,' Edward said with a quirked smile.

'And you always do what's best for everyone else, even if it means putting your life on the line,' Kyra said.

Tom crouched in front of me. 'If it wasn't for that blasted sniper,' there were some gasps, 'You'd be out there right now doing the work, even though you hate it, just so we,' he gestured to the rest of my squad, 'Would live another day.'

Now Ben stepped forward, 'But now it's time to let us take care of you kid.'

I wiped my face and let out a soggy laugh.

'I'm not a kid.'

My friends' faces dropped.

'We know,' they said.

A man hesitantly came over and it took me a moment to realise that it was the Prime Minister, likely the reason for the security detail and all the mutterings before the assembly.

'Mr Rider, I want to personally thank you for your service to this country and world, though it should never have happened.' He sent a discrete glare to Mrs Jones. 'As a small token of gratitude, England and several other countries have agreed to fully fund your future study and allow you entry into any degree– or degrees– you would like.'

I fought back the tears and could only nod, however his next words broke me, 'I am truly sorry for all you have lost. For your father, mother, uncle and for your present condition and Jack's.'

I was then engulfed by the people who truly knew me, had seen me angry, lost and broken and loved me anyway. I let myself cry, unashamed and not caring what everyone on stage and in the room thought of me because I finally had a fresh start ahead of me.

Then Mrs Jones' muffled voice came through the swarm of bodies around me.

'People of the world.'

I realised what was going on. As much as I hated to, I had to stop this. I pushed everyone away.

'Wait!'

Everyone looked at me as I wheeled myself forward.

'If you do this, I won't be of any use to you anymore.'

Mrs Jones smiled.

'Exactly. It is time for the world to know what you've done for them; and for you to be free.'