The Test

Jessica paces back and forth at 7:56 am. “Where is he?” She scours the parking lot; mostly everyone is already inside. She rubs her face, continuing to pace. 7:57 am. “This is terrible.”

Tires screech as a dilapidated sedan pulls into one of the last parking spots. Tony gets out and starts sprinting.

“Faster!” Jessica screams.

Tony becomes determined and quickens his pace. He reaches the front door at 7:59. They run into the school, down the hall, and into their homeroom as the bell rings. Out of breath, they take their seats.

“Just in the nick of time,” Mr. Vellum comments.

“Sorry Sir,” Jessica apologizes.

“Technically you are on time, so no detention. In the future take punctuality more serious,” he continues, “if you are ten minutes early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are ten minutes late.”

“Yes Mr. Vellum,” they answer in unison.

“Let’s get started,” Mr. Vellum begins. “We are going to review subjects that will be on the test, so pay attention. This is your last week to prepare as it is this Friday. I’m sure you’re ready to get out of high school, one way or another.”

During class Jessica listens adamantly while Tony tries to get her attention. She gives him a firm look then goes back to taking notes.

After class Mr. Vellum approaches Tony. “You need this more than she does. It would benefit you to take this seriously.”

“I take it seriously, Sir,” Tony responds.

“I don’t believe you,” Mr. Vellum tells Tony matter of fact. “I’ve seen this before. You won’t take it seriously until it’s too late.”

“I take this seriously, Sir,” Tony insists.

“For your sake I hope you’re right; dismissed.”

Jessica is waiting in the hallway.

“What did he say?” Jessica asks.

“He said I should take the test more seriously.”

“It is the most important part of our lives.”

“I’m just not worried; I’ll pass,” Tony says confidently.

“People who say that don’t pass,” Jessica says as tears roll down her cheek. “I want to grow old with you.”

Tony embraces her, “everything will be fine.”

Jessica looks up at him, “let’s study now?”

Tony rolls his eyes, “okay.”

During study period Jessica is serious while Tony’s mind drifts. She crams in as much information as she can, hoping for the best. They are early to their next class, but again Tony is inattentive.

After class Jessica berates him, “why are you not paying attention? Do you want to fail?”

“Of course not,” Tony asserts.

“Then pay attention to the reviews!” Jessica shouts.

“It’s hard to pay attention, it’s boring.”

“Being with is me boring?”

Tony pulls her in close, “not at all.”

Jessica stares in his eyes, “pay attention now so we can spend more time together later.”

“I’ll try.”

The week goes by fast. Tony is on time both Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday morning, Jessica again finds herself pacing while staring at her watch. 7:52 am.

“Ugh!” she screams.

Tony pulls in quickly, gets out running, and makes it to Jessica by 7:54 am.

“Seriously? The day before the test?”

“Sorry.”

The two quickly run to class, Mr. Vellum giving them both a stern look but saying nothing.

“Last day,” Mr. Vellum announces. “Let’s start early.”

Tony pays more attention today than ever before, taking notes and asking questions. The bell rings: Mr. Vellum puts up his hands to stop the students.

“It was an honor to have you in my class. I hope I taught you enough to pass the test. I wish everyone the best. Get a good night’s rest. Class dismissed.”

Students leave while Jessica turns to Tony with a smile.

“Thanks for taking this seriously.”

“I’m kind of nervous,” Tony confesses.

“You’ll do great,” Jessica tells him, “let’s go study.”

“Yeah,” Tony agrees.

Tony is receptive this time and Jessica is pleased. They study at Tony’s house late into the night.

“I’m exhausted.” Jessica admits, “we need rest to do our best.”

“Not sure I’m gunna sleep.”

“Lay down at least.”

Tony shrugs, Jessica leans in and kisses him.

“You did great today. You’ll do great tomorrow.”

Tony smiles as Jessica walks to the door then turns around, “be early tomorrow?”

“Of course,” Tony blows Jessica a kiss.

Jessica pulls in at 7:34 am, surprised to see Tony already there. She parks next to him, Tony greeting her at her door.

“Impressive,” Jessica tells him.

“For you,” Tony hands Jessica a small box.

Jessica opens the box, gasping at the heart shaped locket.

Tony puts the necklace on her, “so you know you have my heart.”

“I love you,” Jessica blushes. “Let’s go pass the test!”

They take their seats in class; an unfamiliar woman sits at the desk.

The woman stands as the bell rings, “I am Ms. Esther, the state moderator for the test. You will first be separated into groups.”

Another woman appears at the door.

“This is Ms. Allison. When I call your name, line up at the front.” Ms. Esther begins calling names, “Ms. Shields.”

A girl walks to the front of the room and stands at the door.

Ms. Esther continues, “Ms. Emery. Ms. Wal-kin-put?”

Two girls stand and get in line.

Ms. Esther continues, “Ms. Hawkins, Ms. Weaver, Ms. Rivers.”

Jessica looks at Tony upon hearing her name. They stare at each other as Jessica gets in line.

“Follow me,” instructs Ms. Allison.

Jessica walks out the door, smiling sadly as Tony blows her a kiss.

“Next group,” Ms. Esther shouts, “same thing, Mr. Richard will be here momentarily.”

Tony listens for his name. Jessica walks down the hall worrying about Tony.

At the end of the day Jessica’s group sits in silence, waiting in a room.

Ms. Allison appears at the door, “Teresa Shields?”

A girl stands.

“Follow me.”

They leave the room, the other girls remaining quiet. Fifteen minutes later Ms. Allison returns.

“Jessica Rivers?”

Jessica’s heart drops into her stomach as she stands and walks over.

“Follow me,” Ms. Allison directs.

Jessica is led to a conference room. A single chair sits in front of a long table with several people on the other side, Ms. Esther in the center. One wall is metal with a thick door in the middle. Jessica stares in disbelief, having heard stories about this, but never actually seeing it.

“Have a seat,” Ms. Esther instructs.

Jessica sits down, then notices another table behind them with empty boxes on one side and full boxes on the other.

“Jessica Rivers,” Ms. Esther begins, “we are here today to review your test scores, and all scores are final. Do you understand?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“You did well on your aptitude and IQ portions, and okay on the knowledge portion.”

Jessica tries to keep a straight face but is relieved to hear good news.

“Unfortunately,” Ms. Esther continues, “your physical portion was mediocre.”

Jessica’s heart drops further, now residing in her feet.

“Your final tally is 90%,” Ms. Esther states.

Jessica gives herself a quick clap then quickly straightens out.

“Happiness is allowed,” Ms. Esther concedes, “90% is an A minus. Step forward and collect your letter at the end of the table. This will allow you admission into any A minus university or entry level at any A minus job.”

“Thank you so much!” Jessica enthusiastically responses.

“You know Jessica,” Ms. Esther tells her, “I was an A minus in high school and now I’m in an A plus job. Keep pushing yourself. You will do good things for the state.”

“Thank you, Ma’am, I will do my best.”

Ms. Esther nods in approval, “dismissed.”

Jessica looks over to see Ms. Allison motioning to her and Jessica hurries out of the room.

“Good job passing the test,” Ms. Allison congratulates. “Exit down this hallway.”

“Thank you. Yes Ma’am.”

Upon getting outside, Jessica jumps in the air, squealing with excitement. Tony’s car still next to hers, she gets in her car, turns on music, and waits.

Tony sits quietly in his group. Mr. Richard appears at the door, and everyone looks over.

“Mr. Walker?”

A boy stands and walks to the door.

“Follow me,” Mr. Richard instructs.

They disappear down the hall, Tony listening to their fading footsteps. 20 minutes later, Mr. Richard is back and calls another child. Mr. Richard comes back two more times, until it is just Tony and one other boy left. They look at each other nervously, but never speak. Mr. Richard returns.

“Mr. Jones?”

The other boy gets up, solemnly looking at Tony, and leaves with Mr. Richard. Tony sits alone, starting to sweat from fear. His stomach turns and he dry heaves. After a seeming eternity, Mr. Richard comes back.

“Mr. Pendleton?”

Tony stands up and walks over.

“Follow me.”

Mr. Richard leads Tony to the conference room. The metal wall immediately catches and holds his attention.

“Mr. Anthony Pendleton?” Ms. Esther asks.

“Yes Ma’am,” Tony answers.

“Have a seat.”

Tony sits up straight with his hands placed firmly on his thighs.

“Mr. Pendleton, we are here today to review your test scores, and all scores are final. Do you understand?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Physical portion good; knowledge is mediocre.”

Tony sits still, hoping mediocre is passing.

Ms. Esther continues, “aptitude portion was poor and the IQ portion was less than poor. Your final tally is 59%.”

Tony’s heart sinks, “What?”

“Final score is 59%, failing to meet the minimum requirement of 60%,” Ms. Esther explains. “Mr. Richard is handing you an empty box where you will empty the contents of your pockets.”

“Only by one point? There has to be a mistake!” Tony pleads, “recount it, I know I passed!”

Ms. Esther stands up, “Mr. Pendleton, this is no time for a scene. Scores are final, failing is failing. Put your things in the box for your next of kin.

Tony cries as he puts his belongings into the box.

“Stop crying,” Mr. Richard tells Tony as he takes his box.

Tony tries to stifle his tears. Mr. Jacob turns the metal wheel on the door to opens it. The smell of death fills the room.

Mr. Jacob gestures to Tony, “In you go.”

Tony starts walking over.

“Good,” Ms. Esther encourages, “always better to go with dignity.”

Tony stops halfway and turns to speak but is interrupted by Ms. Esther.

“Don’t make this more difficult for your family. Do you want them to join you?”

Tony thinks about his parents and brother. They still have a chance, so he continues his slow procession. Looking in the door, there are bits of charred bone on the floor. He cannot help himself and begins gagging.

Mr. Jacob pushes him in, “puke in there, easier to clean up.”

The horror takes over; Tony throws up and soils himself.

“Don’t worry, it’s quick, be over before you know it,” Mr. Jacob advises.

He closes the door and turns the screeching wheel, locking it. Tony yells and beats on the glass window but is ignored.

“Locked up,” Mr. Jacob announces.

“Go ahead Mr. Richard,” Ms. Esther commands.

Tony continues to beat desperately on the window. Mr. Richard pulls a lever and the metal box instantly turns into a blazing inferno. Tony and the fire scream out as loud as they can. Tony stops yelling as his body is quickly reduced to ash. After twenty seconds Ms. Esther motions to turn it off.

Mr. Jacob peers in the window, “empty.”

“Very good,” Ms. Esther comments. “Mr. Richard, get the next student.”

Jessica wakes up disoriented; she looks at her watch. 6:57 pm. Tony’s sedan is still next to her. Jessica cries as she gets out of her car. She runs up to the front door and bangs on it in vain, screaming at the top of her lungs. She walks back to Tony’s car, lays on the hood, and continues crying while clutching the locket. Rain starts to fall; she staggers to her car and drives off.