FreeWrite: The Eagle Scout Award Goes To ....

kaerpediem (70)in #freewrite • 6 years ago

Eagle Scout

It was a coveted rank. It has history of over 100 years. And if carry that title, doors open up for you. But it is not easy to get. There are a series tasks and assignments to accomplish. You needed to take on the role of leader and teammate. You had projects that needed planning and executing. At the end, you will be reviewed before you are awarded the Eagle Scout badge.

Daniel's father was an Eagle South and so was his grandfather. So it was no surprise that Daniel signed up for the Scouts with the goal of being an Eagle Scout. He did everything by the book. If he had to jump, he'd ask how high and jump higher than expected. If they said swim, he'd dive and then clean up the beach after. He could feel it in his veins, he was destined.

The unwritten rule they had in the school, to encourage the scouts to be the best was to give one award a year. And Daniel's instinct told him that it was going to be him. He did feel a little guilty that he felt so sure about it, but based on all that he had done throughout his years as a scout, he knew it would be a unanimous vote.

As the days led up to the grand event, all the scouts went the extra mile. Helping teachers, helping students, helping parents, volunteering to lead assignments, to brainstorm on projects; it was like you just couldn't get rid of them. So when he had seen his Scouts Master and the Head Master carrying some books and walking towards the office, it was only natural he wanted to help.

He walked up to them briskly and before he greeting them, he waited for them to finish an intense conversation they were having. They didn't see him standing just a little off centre, behind them.

"You already know my choice, the best candidate without a doubt", said the Scouts Master.

"I understand. But Alex needs to be considered as well. He has been in a wheelchair the last last half year, he has his limitation but he has been working at it. Your candidate is certainly the most qualified, not-dependent-on-a-wheelchair candidate."

"I hear you sir. I really need to think about this."

Daniel stopped short. He couldn't believe they were considering Alex, the-world-owes-me pain-in-the-behind! He was involved in a freak accident. It was a hit and run, and now he had one leg in a cast. Alex had turned into an irritant. All his comments had snide remarks, and one would think he would give up on the Eagle Scout but noooooooo.

Daniel turned around quietly and walked away. He didn't tell anyone about the conversation especially his parents. HIs father would have been up in arms if he got wind of it. As the day neared, he started spending more time with Alex, because you keep the enemy close. And the next couple of weeks, he saw a side of Alex that surprised him. Alex wasn't the easiest person at first, but he realised all that bravado was to hide the anger and frustration of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Something Alex had almost no control of. And over time, Daniel realised that Alex was a friend for life.

Oh, and both Alex and Daniel wasn't awarded. It went to Yvonne Parker. There's always next year.

All images taken with my trusty iPhone 7 Plus, edited with my favourite apps Photofox & FontMania

Another day another prompt, another Free Write! It wasn't the usual, let's just hit the timer and regurgitate whatever's in your head. This one I had to do a little research to find what exactly was an Eagle Scout. And with a little more information, I hit the timer. Check out what Free Write is all about and what are the other stories that came out of this prompt at @mariannewest and @freewritehouse.