Imagine There's No Heaven

‘You knew it last night, you know it now,’ Yasmin assured. She felt so safe with Guy’s arm around her shoulder. He’d managed to relax and enjoy his time with her recently; he’d even let her help him with his studies.

  ‘Damn, I’m actually worried about this,’ Guy laughed as they headed down the school corridor to the exam hall.

  ‘Good,’ Yasmin acknowledged. ‘It’s about time you took work seriously.’ She laughed and patted him on the tummy, which had grown a little podgier of late, though he was still one of the fittest boys in school.

  Guy felt through his things: pencil, rubber, pen, extra ink cartridges. ‘Have I got everything I need?’

  ‘Oh my goodness, yes, will you stop worrying?’

  ‘When’s your next one?’

  ‘In about an hour: History; it’s my last.’

  ‘Good subject,’ Guy smiled. ‘Think I might do history at university.’

  ‘Just you make sure you pass this exam, Mr,’ Yasmin jested. ‘I’ll see you at three, okay?’

  ‘Sure.’ He kissed her on the lips. Finally things were going his way. ‘You know what? I’m going to pass this.’

  ‘I know.’ Yasmin looked at her watch. ‘I’ve got to get a move on. I’ll see you later.’

  The students were all in varying moods as Guy strolled down the hallway. Some were excited, some nervous, some barely even awake. He looked out the window. Naz was sat on a rock in the garden, smoking a cigarette. Guy remembered the fight. Part of him hated Naz, but another part forgave and another part still even felt sorry for him; he had his own battle going on and he had to find his way just as Guy had. He wasn’t sure whether he should knock him out or help him out and so just walked on by.

  A long queue of students stood waiting outside the school hall. A teacher came out and opened the door. They filed in. Guy gulped. You’ve got this, he told himself as he entered the exam.