Chapter 252: midterm exam week II
Thursday
Thursday was the final day of written examinations.
Vivienne woke feeling the accumulated exhaustion of the entire week.
𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢
But there was something satisfying about knowing that after today, the written examinations would finally be finished.
She reached for her phone.
This time, her message was softer.
Good morning, Christopher. We’re almost at the finish line. I have Biology and Mathematics today. I hope you get a little time to breathe between your examinations. Take care of yourself, okay?
She sent it.
She smiled.
It wasn’t merely a good-luck message anymore.
She genuinely wanted him to take care of himself.
His reply came a few minutes later.
Good morning, Vivienne. Thank you. Good luck with Biology and Mathematics.
Then:
Take your time with Mathematics. And don’t overthink the Biology questions.
Vivienne smiled.
She typed:
I’ll remember that. Thank you for all the advice this week.
There was a brief pause.
Then:
You’re welcome. I know you’ve been working hard.
Vivienne stared at the message.
Something warm settled in her chest.
He knew.
He had noticed.
She smiled.
Then I’ll do my best today.
She put her phone away.
--
The last two written examinations passed.
When Vivienne finally stepped outside the examination hall, she stopped for a moment.
It was over.
Their first midterm examinations were finally finished.
Amelia stretched both arms above her head.
"Freedom!"
Claire laughed.
"Finally."
Eleanor smiled, adjusting the books in her arms.
"Until the results."
Amelia’s expression fell.
"Don’t ruin this moment."
Vivienne laughed.
After a week of examinations, even the thought of not having to review another Chapter that evening felt wonderful.
They were first-year students at Saint Albion, but they had all worked hard to get there.
None of them expected the examinations to be easy.
They simply wanted to know how well they had done.
For tonight, however, they were free.
--
Freedom.
That was the word Amelia had used when they finally left the examination hall.
Vivienne couldn’t disagree.
Their first midterm examinations were over.
At least, the written ones.
Tomorrow, they still had their practical examinations for their physical activity clubs.
For most of the students, that seemed considerably easier.
There were no essays to construct.
No formulas to memorize.
No Chapters to review.
Just demonstrate what they had learned.
Vivienne wasn’t convinced.
She had Equestrian Club.
And demonstrating anything while sitting on top of a horse sounded considerably more dangerous than answering a written examination.
She really has to break a leg.
Not literally, of course.
She had no desire to fall.
Or break a leg.
By the time she returned to her room that evening, however, she was too relieved to worry about it immediately.
She changed into something comfortable, had dinner, and finally sat down with her phone.
For the first time all week, she didn’t have to worry about studying.
She smiled.
Then opened Christopher’s inbox.
Good evening, Christopher. We finally finished the written examinations!
She sent it.
A few minutes later, his reply appeared.
Good evening, Vivienne. Congratulations. How did you find them?
She smiled.
I think they went well. I’m just happy they’re over.
Then she added:
Although I still have my practical tomorrow.
His reply came shortly afterward.
What practical do you have?
Vivienne hesitated.
She realized she had never actually told him.
Equestrian Club.
There was a brief pause.
You’re in the Equestrian Club?
She smiled.
Yes.
Then, after a moment:
I’m not particularly fond of horses, though.
She stared at the screen.
Perhaps she should explain.
Instead, she typed:
But I have a reason to tolerate them now.
She sent it.
--
Christopher read the message twice.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
He understood what she meant.
At least, he thought he did.
Polo.
His father.
Perhaps that was what she was referring to.
He wondered for a moment why she had joined the Equestrian Club in the first place.
Maybe one of her friends had encouraged her.
Maybe she had simply wanted to try something different.
Either way, it wasn’t important.
What caught his attention was the way she had phrased it.
A reason to tolerate them now.
He smiled to himself.
Then replied:
You don’t have to be fond of something you don’t particularly like. Tolerance is probably quite enough.
He paused.
Then added:
And I’m sure you’ll manage perfectly well without becoming an enthusiast.
Vivienne smiled.
He hadn’t misunderstood completely.
But somehow, the answer still made her happy.
She typed:
That’s reassuring. I’ll try not to embarrass myself tomorrow.
Christopher replied:
I’m sure you won’t.
--
Vivienne looked at their messages.
For once, there was no examination waiting for her in the morning that required her immediate attention.
She could actually talk to him.
She typed:
What are you doing tonight?
His reply came a little later.
I’m out with some friends.
Then:
Apparently, finishing the written examinations was considered sufficient reason for a celebration.
Vivienne smiled.
She could imagine it.
Fourth-year students.
Friends.
Probably somewhere noisy.
She wondered what they were doing.
But she didn’t want to keep him from them.
So she typed:
All right. I’ll leave you to it, then.
She paused.
Then added:
Don’t stay up too late, though. You still have your fencing practical tomorrow.
Christopher smiled when he read it.
He had almost forgotten that she knew about that.
All right. Thank you for the reminder.
A moment later:
Good night, Vivienne.
She smiled.
Good night, Christopher.
She placed her phone beside her.
Tomorrow, she would have to get on a horse.
Vivienne sighed.
Perhaps the written examinations really had been the easier part.
--
Friday
Friday morning came without the usual weight of another written examination.
Vivienne was grateful for that.
Until she remembered the horse.
She stared at the ceiling.
Maybe she had spoken too soon.
The practical examination suddenly seemed considerably more dangerous.
She got dressed, gathered her things, and checked her phone.
Before leaving, she sent Christopher a message.
Good morning, Christopher. No written examinations today! I hope your fencing practical goes well. Wish me luck with mine. I think I’ll need it.
She smiled and sent it.
Then she headed toward the Equestrian grounds.
She was going to survive this.
Preferably without breaking anything.
Anything at all.
--
Tbc