Check Mate

Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

“Cambridge I’m going to need to have a word with you.” Dean Lewin said as I approached the exit he was standing at. My brows rose as if in wonder but having already been warned I knew what he would say and the direction I would have to take if I wanted to this to have a decent enough outcome. “Kindly inform Sister Morgan of your intended absence at this morning’s Mass then report to my office.” That was all he said before walking off but not before I saw the conviction in his eyes. In his mind, I was already guilty and though students were given the chance to plead their case before the Dean, I knew he’d already gone as far as choosing my punishment.

I watched him walk away, not at all thrilled by the idea of having to find and explain to Sister Morgan the circumstances that would prevent me from attending Mass. Yelling was the least of my worries when it came to her.

“Hey, um, excuse me.” A voice just behind me. I’d have ignored it were it not for the fact it was one I didn’t recognize. I turned to find the fresh meat tugging at the sleeve of his blazer as if it’d been gnawing at his wrist. I gave him an expectant look, waiting for him to realize he’d caught my attention for whatever reason it was he’d wanted. Within the minute his eyes jerked back to mine, a warm brown seemingly trying to melt the ice in my own blue. My expression became almost impatient as he stood there, before he finally continued. “I was wondering if you could take me to the Chapel. Heard that’s where everyone’s going.”

Definitely not English. American maybe?

I fiddled around with the idea, letting it roll back and forth in my mind while I decided what to make of it. “If everyone’s heading there one might think all you have to do is follow the crowd. You don’t need an escort.”

What I said caught him off guard. It was evident in the way he blinked. Had it not occurred to him that with so many people headed in the same direction he need only walk until they all stopped? “Ah, right, yeah. Sorry for bothering you, I guess.” He responded after what seemed like another eternity of staring. His shoulders rose in a half shrugging gestured and he moved to side step me but I anticipated him and blocked his path.

“I didn’t say you were bothering me. Just curious…you’re curious.”

“I….uh….don’t think I’m following. I’m curious?”

I gave a firm nod. “Curious. Interesting, but curious. Haven’t you got a dictionary on you?” I watched his brows raise as he waited for me to explain but I simply nodded toward the hallway and began walking. “If you expect to stay here, you’ll need a proper understanding. They say we all speak English but how true is it really?” He jogged forward until he’d fallen in step with me, obviously willing for the company on the walk over to the Chapel but it didn’t take a genius to know he wasn’t following the line of conversation; pity. “I’m Ellie, Year 11.”

“Ethan. I think I’m in that year too. I dunno. Wasn’t really paying attention. Kinda lost all hope after hearing the ‘excellent track record’ this school’s got.” I watched the corner of his lips tug up until they resembled a smirk as he quoted what could only have been Sister Morgan’s words but there was something else to the smirk. Regret? He didn’t want to be here. “Wish my Dad had thought twice before dropping me in this hell hole—are we allowed to say that?”

I rolled my eyes, trying not to be amused. She’d gotten to him, whatever she said, it had convinced him that he was now walking on holy ground.

“I’ve heard a lot worse around these halls but if you’re that worried about keeping in favour with the Sisters and the Dean I doubt I’m the kind of company you’re looking for.” And vice versa. I didn’t have the time or the tolerance for brown nosers. Megan was enough. I saw her at least twice a day. There was only so much I could subject myself to.