First Challenge Results

I’m forced to confront a reality I did not think was possible.
I thought that because of Father’s tutors, I had the best chance at winning. I was convinced this would have been an easy victory.
And yet.

    “No, you’ve definitely lost, Miss Bedwyn.”
I stand beside John Smyth in the late afternoon hours at the faculty office of the business wing. In front of me is Amelia Finchely, one of the tutors teaching in this part of campus. I’m only able to look down in embarrassment and shame whilst my soon-to-be tutor continues to drive in the fact that I lost.
    “Granted, both of you scored almost perfect results. John got a 99% while you got a 98%. That’s an achievement you both should be proud of.”
She gives a good look at the both of us, trying to decipher our feelings on the matter. Obviously, I can’t hide my frustrations. John isn’t looking too happy either. Although I haven't seen him smile yet. He might just not be a happy person.
Natasha lets out an exaggerated sigh before she continues.

    “That’s what I would say normally, but it’s clear to me that this was not a fair test, was it Miss Bedwyn?”.
    “No, it was fair.”
I’m not lying. I might have studied this test specifically beforehand, but it was my accumulated knowledge of accounting that allowed me to believe in my ability to get a perfect score.
    “You know you messed up with one simple mistake. If you didn’t make that one careless mistake, then you would have come out on top. What did they tell you about double checking your answers if you have the time? You did finish the paper in under an hour.”
She’s right. I could have aced this exam. However-
    “As for you John, I assume you made that very specific blunder on purpose?”
    “Yes. I did.”
I immediately shot my head towards his. That expression of his does not change. His fists move slightly to this information.

What do you mean that he did that intentionally?
    “Come on kid, did you have to go that far?”
    “Yes. You know my stance on challenges, Miss Finchley.”
    “And you know my stance on that Miss part. God…”
So, if I'm correct, John knew exactly what to get wrong to get the perfect score of 99%. He could have gotten a perfect score and bet me that way. But he didn’t. He even gave me a chance at beating him, a slim chance, all because he knew I wouldn't take it.
Just who is he?

    “Right. Let me get this out of the way since you’re new here, Miss Bedwyn.”
Amelia Finchley turns to me and begins to lecture me a little.
    “John is famous for having the best results in everything you throw at him.”
I nod along.
    “That means someone has to check the things he competes in.”
That’s true. Someone in the end does have to check, some official 3rd party, which in this case can be the tutors.
    “Also, keep in mind that we’re usually busy with our own work. This is a university after all. So please, keep these spontaneous challenges to a minimum. All the hours of correcting do add up.”
There was a look of dread on her face as she finished that sentence. I can only imagine how many people challenged him to a challenge, only to end up like myself.

    “That look on your face tells me that you will not acknowledge my warning.”
    “What? Well… I wouldn’t-”
    “Just tell me ahead of time. Let me schedule it. That would be more than enough.”
She sighed and leaned back into her chair. Her happy and cheery attitude that she showed up on stage is long gone. It probably left alongside her sigh.
    “Let me be clear, Miss Bedwyn. I, and the other lecturers on this campus, do not mind you doing these challenges. As an educator I want to support your attempts at bettering yourself through such competitions.”

She looked to my left, which caused me to turn my head. John was no longer there. It seems that he has already left without us noticing.
    “Keeping that in mind, I’d also want you to be wary of needlessly challenging someone you cannot beat.”
    “Ahaha… I know.”
She means George. That person is a mystery in general. Why would he tell me to keep in line? Does he really want to keep his second place position that badly? It sure didn’t look like he was the most pleased with his ranking on stage.

    “Now then. Since you got me in the talkative mood, how about I discuss something else with you? A potential issue in our classroom, if you will.”
Amelia refocused onto me as she asked this question. She gave me another quick scan, probably to check on any bodily reactions to her sudden probing. Of course, it would take a lot more than such a simple question to get a reaction out of me, thanks to Father and his strictness.
    “You don’t like accounting, do you?”

…
Excuse me?
Time stops. My heart stops. Everything stops.
Does she seriously mean that?

    “From this test of yours, I’ve determined that this is a profession that is forced upon you. Your score alone told me this, but the ways you answered the questions also clued me in on this.”
Did she really gather that conclusion from just one exam paper? This fact alone sends a small shiver down my spine. She’s sharp.
    “I do not understand what you mean-”
She halted my stream of words with her stop shaped hand, then waved the exam papers she corrected, handing me John’s copy. I obediently took the paper and began looking through it. However…
    “I do not see any different.”
“The handwriting of the workings. That’s what sold it. One looks more determined than the other.”
She can tell from the handwriting alone???
I can only look at this monster of an educator in shock. Amelia Finchley stared back at me while maintaining that grave seriousness in her looks. You might be able to joke that she just made this claim up, if she wasn’t so deathly accurate.

…
I'm left with two choices. I could tell her how I feel, or I could maintain the public view of myself and my views.
I glance around the room to see if there’s anyone that’ll overhear us. No one is around, but this doesn’t mean that the room might be bugged. Actually, that doesn’t even matter. Amelia could just use this information as rumors if she pleased.

She breaks the silence of the room first.

    “I understand that you may have circumstances that don’t allow you to be fully open with me. I guarantee that this room is safe, but you have no way of knowing that for sure. So what I ask of you right now is your all, regardless of what path you're forced on or want to pursue. Trust can come later.”
Her harsh expression turned to one of softness. It’s a complete reversal of the mood. Even the air feels lighter now. I can breath again.
    “For now, you should know that you and John are presenting yourselves in the same way. The both of you want to look talented, above the crowd. I can help you with that if you need it. I also want to help the two of you pursue your passions, not just your assigned roles.”

“Attention all students and staff. The building will be closing in thirty minutes. Please vacate the premises by 18:00. Thank you.”

    “Is it really that time?”
Amelia stood up from her chair and stretched. All of the seriousness previously shown has evaporated into the air. She turned to her desk and handed me a sealed envelope.
    “It’s a letter I plan on sending to the board containing plans for change in this university. Considering your work ethic and mindset, I want you to read over it and take note of any thoughts you may have. This is my informal way of inviting you into this project of mine.”
    “Okay…? Thank you, Amelia.”

    “Don’t thank me yet. It’ll be a battle. I have other students in on this too. I’ll be gathering yous soon to discuss this matter, so give this a read sooner than later. Thank you.”
I took the envelope and stored it neatly in my backpack, in-between the sheets of the exam papers, and left for the exit. However, Amelia's final words stopped me from leaving.
    “Right, I almost forgot. It’s early, but I welcome you into my class. You should see Jacob Evans and Franklin Blake too. They’re good friends of mine, and they’d drop anything in order to help you with your true goals. They're much more irresponsible than me.”
That’s a bit odd, considering how reserved Jacob came off. I'll have to see if she’s right.
    “...thank you.”
I tried to make that last thanks one sound like it came from the heart. I hope the message reached her.

After closing the door, I stood surprised over how empty the hallways were. I would have sworn that someone had been standing outside, waiting. Maybe that was just my paranoia.
    “I do feel lighter after leaving…”
Which is odd. I haven’t said anything of importance.

Amelia Finchely seems to be an ally, thanks to this letter she gave me. Since my Father is a part of the board, I get to see what’s in it first and plan around it. She indirectly gave me a massive aid for breaking free from him. If her actions continue, then I may be able to trust her fully.

While the sun is still up, I make way to the university car-park. James has his car parked there. I have an exam paper and letter to review. I cannot make another mistake like that again.