The solemn graduation rites had ended, and the Grade 9 students had walked the aisle in their tailored blazers, placed their hands upon the Academy crest, and recited the ancient vow of loyalty and honor.
Candles had been snuffed, the choir's hymn dissolved into silence, and the headmaster's benediction hung in the grand hall like a soft cloud.
Now, the air shifted. Parents leaned forward, students fidgeted in their seats, and a ripple of energy passed through the rows. The moment everyone had been waiting for: the Prize and Recognition Ceremony.
Names were called and awards presented, starting from a low as Kindergarten, till junior prep.
The first certificates went to a scattering of students.... commendations for diligence, improvement, or particular contributions to the life of the school. Gentle applause filled the air from parents, students and teachers alike.
Then it got to Grade Seven...
"Best Performing Student in Mathematics, Grade Seven… Ellis Jonathan."
Soft claps rang out like before, but there was something different this time... As heads turned searching for boy.
Ellis Jonathan, a student from an ordinary home, who made history by becoming the first child to make it to Wexford by scholarship. An impressive feat to say the least.
The boy everyone already whispered about... the twelve-year-old wonder, stood and walked with practiced composure to the stage.
His steps were measured, his blazer neat, his light blonde hair that framed a face that still carried baby features, catching the light of the chandeliers.
Soft claps rose around the hall. Some were warm and admiring, others, of which his classmates happened to be a majority of, coming slow and reluctant.
Grade 9s and teachers watched with amused detachment, accompanied by intrigue, while younger students leaned forward in awe. Parents craning their necks for a better look at the prodigy.
Ellis accepted the award with a faint smile, perfect and polite. But in his eyes there was no surprise, nor excitement, only a glimmer of cold satisfaction.
It didn't stop there.
"Best Performing Student in Science, Grade Seven… Ellis Jonathan."
"Best Performing Student in Literature, Grade Seven… Ellis Jonathan."
"Best Performing Student in History, Grade Seven… Ellis Jonathan."
Each time, the hall reacted with sharper surprise. A murmur swept through the crowd, teachers trading glances, some lips curling in approval, others in disbelief, and many more tightening with professional envy.
Parents whispered to one another. Students shifted between admiration and indifference, some clapping more stiffly with each repetition.
And then, finally.
"For Overall Academic Excellence in Grade Seven… Ellis Jonathan."
This time the applause broke louder, though still tempered by undercurrents of disbelief. His arms full of certificates, Ellis stood before the crowd, with a gentle and courteous smile as the light of the camera captured his little frame.
When the turn came for the promotion ritual, Ellis stepped forward again, this time with his classmates for Grade Seven.
The ritual was simple but steeped in tradition: the headmaster tapped his shoulder with the Academy staff, intoning, "From the Lower Halls, rise now into the Upper Grade. May you carry wisdom with humility, and strength with honor."
A new pin was fastened to his lapel, shining silver, edged in green for the Junior prep.
Ellis bowed once more, and the hall clapped softly as the ritual closed.
The ceremony wound down. Awards for arts, athletics, leadership, and character were presented to other students, drawing bursts of applause, laughter, even tears from proud parents. But through it all, Ellis remained a quiet axis around which whispers still turned, as none were able to replicate his brilliance.
At last, the final traditions were observed: the choir sang the school hymn again, the graduating Grade 9s were escorted out with lanterns, and the headmaster declared the gathering closed.
As the crowd began to disperse, Ellis' eyes found a familiar figure near the back rows... a man in a dark suit, tall and watchful.
Like Ellis, his father had a head of light blonde hair. He had been there all along, silent among the sea of parents. Ellis' lips curved, the faintest smile touching his face for real this time.
He didn't linger for the after-ceremony chatter, the photographs, or the mingling.
With his stack of awards clutched neatly at his side, Ellis slipped from the hall, weaving through clusters of students and parents until he reached his father, giving him a tight hug, which the man received with a smile.
"Missed you too little man" Jonathan chuckled as they withdrew from the hug.
"Home?" He raised a brow, a smirk spotting his face.
"Yeah" Ellis voiced with an exaggerated sigh, I can't wait to leave here.
Jonathan raised a brow at his remark, but didn't question it, pulling his boy along as they left the school compound under the approaching twilight, to the train station.
"John couldn't come?" Ellis asked as soon as they settled into their seats in the train, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible, but Jonathan could hear the undertone of disappointment and sadness in his tone.
The man chuckled, then replied smugly "John would be going to space today".
Ellis eyes shot wide with surprise and excitement.
"Really?!"
"Yeah. I should facetime him" Jonathan replied, pulling his phone out of his inner pocket, and calling a number.
"Hey Dad" a voice came from the other side, as the screen showed the face of a younger Jonathan, with same hair color.
"John!" Ellis called in excitement.
"Hey little man. Wassup"
"Cool. So you going to space today?"
"You didn't even ask about my well being" John snickered. "Yeah I am. Incase you see a shooting star in the sky tonight, you know it's this big man" he continued smugly, giving Ellis a playful wink.
Jonathan watched from the side as his sons caught up after several months, as John was a college student and working as an intern, Ellis was a boarding student in Wexford.
The creases of stress on his face smoothened up, and his shoulders relaxed.
************
Good enough first chapter?
No action, yes. I know... But not to worry, I plan on bringing in lots of action, together with all the exciting packages the book would come with. But first, I have to make the book quite realistic yunno, so you can relate to the characters, and enjoy them.
Fear not, I won't fail you, and you guys better not fail me either! Send dem power stones alright? Good! good, this Emperor is pleased.