toowrite.com story

The Perfect World

James strolled along the crowded corridor. He stood out. He was immaculately dressed, handsome with an athletic physique. Those that knew him liked him; James was on his way to the Head Boy presentation being easily favourite. He was the first VI rugby captain and captain for every other sporting team, and academically just as good with top grades in everything.

He ran his fingers through his soft shiny hair, running through his mind were thoughts of his speech when he became Head boy, he was confident. As he took his seat next to his best friends and mum Angela, he blocked out the thoughts of his absent father. Just then the sound of a small bell hit their ears, it was all starting… “We are all gathered here today…” proclaimed the plump headmaster. The speech had been read out before – part of the school tradition but nevertheless all listened. The speech gathered pace and reached the point everyone was waiting for. The Headmaster read out a list of names. “The new Head Boy is, James Gillham.” There was a brief pause, then applause.

James made his way to the front. The podium loomed ahead. He gladly accepted his badge and gave a very well prepared speech.

He went back to his seat amongst the still present applause. Then told by his clearly proud mum that they were off to a celebratory meal, the table was already booked. They left the hall and James was constantly being stopped and having his hand shaken. They finally reached the car and departed. Five minutes later they arrived at the restaurant, they were shown to a well tucked away table and given menus. “Oh, well done!” said Angela. “I am so glad you have continued the Gillham family tradition of becoming Head Boy”.

“So am I – quite an honour to follow in father’s footsteps.” A tear glistened in his eye. With that their meals arrived and good food was enjoyed by all.

After dinner they left the restaurant with the feeling of utmost joy. Angela had had a few drinks so the idea of driving was not the most sensible one. They agreed to wait for a taxi. “You really have done me and your father proud,” said Angela.

Five minutes, ten minutes, there was no taxi and darkness began to close around them. Angela was wearing her finest necklace and had a very expensive handbag. They waited and waited whilst it got darker and darker. Finally they saw something move in the distance. As soon as the poor light enabled them to see what was the oncoming movement they realized there was a gang of four or five hoodies and they were definitely moving in their direction. Angela’s heartbeat quickened and she became aware of her own fine jewellery and the presence of four tall men, faces hidden beneath their hoods.

James noticed everything. His heart skipped a beat. This could be his chance, an opportunity for real glory not just performing well on the rugby pitch, but honour in protecting his loving mother. The threatening men were now very close. James could now make out the whites of their eyes. The scars on their faces and the tired look as if they had done this before. Angela was seized around the waist. This was the time to act. James almost jumped into action before a cold icy grip stretched round his heart. He was not touched by any of the assailants but he could not move. He collapsed to the floor in shock. Angela gave out a ghostly scream that could be heard from a mile away. Three men came sprinting around the corner as the hoodies made off with Angela’s treasured possessions. James was still on the floor weeping with his head in his hands.

They arrived home and just as they stumbled through the door, Angela murmured, “If only your father was there, he would have known what to do.”