The buzz of the alarm woke her, she slapped out in reflex to shut it off, and then lay there trying to doze for a few more minutes. She hates mornings, if morning could be chopped from her life completely she'd be overjoyed.
She can hear her mother singing downstairs, as she prepares breakfast. She rolled over and tryed to burrow into her pillow, groaning, knowing that shortly the call to get up was coming.
Sure enough, she hears the sound of her fathers shoes on the wooden floors, as he moves down the hallway. She listens, as he opens doors to her siblings bedrooms, one by one and calls them to wake up.
"Brian time to come downstairs" his voice is deep but soothing, the kind of voice that has the power to make you feel safe.
"Jake, wake up, you have ten minutes" he calls to her second oldest brother. He skips her sister's room and walks to the bathroom.
"Chelsea, honey your pretty enough, come on time for breakfast, get out of there," he states loudly at the door. Then he comes down the hallway to her room. He pauses at her door, seemingly reluctant to call for her but, he finely does.
"Natalie, time to get up, you don't want to be late" he says. "It's your last day, today you get your results."
Natalie sat up, yes it was the last day. Yesterday had been a nightmare of tests at school. For a minute her shoulders slump, she was thinking about the past week, she hadn't done well. It was to late now, whats done is done, no point crying about it. She had tryed her best, if that wasn't good enough, then so be it.
She hears her father, as he continues along the hallway and downstairs. Followed shortly, by the steps of her brothers and then finally, the door to the bathroom opens and her sister follows them. Natalie jumped out of bed, grabbed her uniform and rushed to the bathroom.
Ten minutes later she is ready and goes downstairs to breakfast, late as usual. Her mother looks up, smiling as she see's her youngest daughter make her way to the table. Her smile slipping a little, as she wonders, just how well Natalie, had done in her tests this week.
It had been the topic of discussion, between her husband and herself, over what they would do if Natalie hadn't passed her exams. This had not been necessary with their three older children. Brian the eldest, was set to follow in his mother's footsteps, with a masters degree in robotics.
Jake was a wiz at mathematics, which automatically included him into navigation, a very important skill, in the space force. Chelsea, brilliant at medical research, currently sorting no less then eight different job offers.
Natalie was different, she had shown no early aptitude. She glanced at her daughter again, mentally sighed. If she didn't pass her exams, she wouldn't be placed as a young adult. She would be required to continue for another three years of schooling. To see if she was just a late bloomer.
Still classed as a child, unable to leave her home or get work, until she proved she was capable. Which in turn, would stop both her parents. From returning to their respective fields of interest, as they would be required to continue parenting her.
She wasn't sure if she preferred that, over the other option. Which could be, that Natalie just didn't have the abilities, the rest of the family enjoyed. She looked to her husband, to fine him looking at their youngest as well, she knew he was just as worried.
"Natalie do you think you passed at least?" Chelsea asked. She was always one to just come right out and say things. Everyone paused to look at Chelsea, then shift their gaze to Natalie, very interested in the response.Put on the spot by her sister Natalie debated if she should just shrug or tell them the truth.
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"I don't think I passed ," she mumbled. "The questions were so hard, I did the best I could."
"I'm sure you did honey," her father said quietly. "But let's not decide about that, until you actually have your results. It might not be as bad as you think."
Natalie kept her head down and continued to peck at her food, she wasn't hungry. She hadn't been hungry all this week, her stomach to tensed up with hidden stress, to eat. She didn't see her family looking at each other, as they silently decided to let the topic drop, all of them were worried.
Jake quickly changed the subject to the latest reality show on VR, knowing that his little sister would perk up immediately on that.
"Brian did you hear about the new game that's coming in VR? It's said to be the best of the genre." Jake was rewarded by his sister lifting her head up and showing interest.
"Yes I have," Brain answered. "It's looking good, a complete fantasy setting, and you can be whatever you wish in the game."
"I heard it's also possible to make a living in that game," Chelsea added. " one of my friends said he is going to play it and earn money to at least pay for his sub in the game,"
Natalie listen with rapt attention, to her sister and brothers, as they continue to discuss the merits of the new game. Her parents smiled, pleased at the silent support, the older children were showing to the youngest.
All of them knew of Natalie's fascination with VR. The rest of breakfast went by, Natalie even managed to relax enough, to eat a few slices of bacon and drink a little juice. For a little while, she felt safe, a few minutes of reprieve, from the demands outside the house.
It was soon time to leave for her school. Her mother and father hug her. They tell her that no matter what the results are, they will work it out. Her siblings laugh and rough house around, telling her, she will be ok, no matter what the board tells her.
Natalie can tell they don't believe their own words. That makes her confidence drop further, as she walks out the door, trying to keep a bright smile on her face for them.
The walk to her school takes five minutes, she stopped outside the gates. Looking at the big building, it seemed to loom on the recreation block it was built on. Made from red bricks, with a formal stately garden, that seemed to be trying to soften the impact of the building, but instead leaves it feeling imposing and cold. As if no attempt had been made, to make it friendly or even inviting.
You went there to learn and be placed, on your own merits. Parents are not advised, throughout your whole shooling. They must wait until your fourteenth birthday, to see how well you have done.
Today was Natalie's birthday, now she would see the results of her hard work. With a sigh, she walked up to the door and enters. Heading to her classroom. Ignoring all the whispers from the younger children, who are still working for the day, they will be in her shoes. Following the other children her age, all silent, as they move to the classroom to learn their fates.
Natalie sat down to wait for her turn. The first to arrive, had all ready been taken into the exam alcoves. Soon her name was called, she took a deep breath, then moved to the alcove assigned to her. Sitting in there were three teachers with a small tablet each.
"Sit down please, Natalie," spoke old Mr Mackenzie. "This won't take too long."
Natalie sat and looked at the three, they were all teachers she knew, all of them had taught her over the years. Mr Mackenzie, was mainly maths, but with a smattering of practical knowledge. Like how to find work and keeping a healthy job environment.
Mr Jarrad, was english, geography, basic science, he taught the core foundations. While, Mrs Erfurt, taught home economics. How to care for yourself and others. The general basics, for a healthy individual, in society. As well as the responsibilities of an adult.
"Natalie, you are 14 today," stated Mrs Erfurt. "You have finished your exams, today we have the results. I won't drag this out girl, you have passed, barely but it's a pass."
Natalie straighten in surprise, looking at the three before her. She was uncertain still, why were they looking at her, as if something disturbing was still their lot to say?
"Yes a pass," Mr Mackenzie said. "But only an a average grade, this means you are not eligible for advancement any further, but you have gained the right to young adult stasis."
"You have earned enough to get yourself a basic job and an apartment of your own once you turn 18," said Mr Jarred. "You have been denied all other rights, until you have been approved at your next evaluation at 18,"
"Yes, remember there are options, in every job, to advance in your chosen work," Mrs Erfurt said. "So work hard, you will be evaluated on your diligence in your new job."
"That is all you may leave." Mr Mackenzie said.
Natalie stared for a second, then got up and left as quickly as she could, her mind revolving around the fact she was free. She left the school building, feeling joy for the first time in weeks, she had passed. Smiling she ran all the way home.