22Phillips called Jed into his office, to talk to him about his study-leave. “Starts on Monday, Meres. When is your first exam?”
“A couple of weeks, sir. History, I think.”
“You think? You need to check your time-table. How did the art go?”
“Not bad, I thi—” He grinned at Phillips' scowl. “Sorry – I mean it went well, sir.”
“Yes, so your teacher says…Grade One, CSE, she says. Definitely. That's a GCE pass, Meres. Just like you said.”
“Yes sir,” returned Jed, without a hint of arrogance, “Just like I said.”
“Well,” Phillips stood up, stretching out his hand. Jed stared down at it in horror, then took it and shook it. “I wish you well, Meres, I really do. A-levels, they won't be as easy, but at least you're heading in the right direction. You've been through a lot; you deserve every go
