It’s Thursday morning and I’m walking down the corridor towards my history class and it feels like everyone is looking at me, like they knew what happened at chess club last night. I can’t stop smiling as they pass by. I feel like poking myself in my chest and declaring loudly so everyone can hear, Yes, it’s me, the school chess champion, the dopey kid from 7H, the kid who can’t concentrate for longer than a flea, the kid who beat the chess club captain Rich in sixteen moves.

Granddad was pleased when I told him last night. He didn’t whoop or do a jig around the sitting room, but he did smile and give me another hug. He told me he was proud of me, but most importantly I should be proud of myself. Mum and Dad were pleased too. Mum said the usual thing about me finally doing something, but at least she promised to take me to Nando’s at the weekend, because I’m the school chess champion, yes I am. And I’m smiling at Mr Keytes, as he walks down the corridor towards me.

‘Well done for last night, Felix,’ he says. ‘I had no idea you’d taken to the game so quickly. It took me two years before I won my first tournament and Richard tells me you used the Sicilian Defence in a couple of games. This is a very technical move.’

‘Is it?’ I ask proudly.

‘Yes. And I’ve never seen you so focused.’

‘Were you there?’

‘See.’ Mr Keytes smiles. ‘You were concentrating so hard that you never saw me come in.’

‘So this isn’t a dream? I really did win.’

‘No.’ Mr Keytes laughs. ‘If this were a dream, do you think I’d still be stuck in school teaching history?’

‘Suppose not.’ I smile.

‘Anyway.’ Mr Keytes rubs his hands together frantically. ‘How about the Inter-Schools Championship. Are you up for it?’

‘The what?’

‘The Inter-Schools Championship. I wanted to tell you last night, but you were in such a daze. It’s always the first Monday in May. That’s why we have our championship the week before. You’re the obvious person to go.’

‘But what about Rich?’

‘He’ll be going too – it’s a team event as well as individual.’ Mr Keytes looks at his watch. ‘Listen, the bell’s about to go,’ he says, moving off. ‘Have a think. Talk to Rebecca or Rich – they’ll tell you all about it. But it’s your chance to represent the school.’ He walks away towards the staffroom then turns round. ‘And, Felix!’ He holds up his thumbs. ‘Well done. Really well done!’

My smile feels as wide as a gate. I never thought I’d be the school chess champion, let alone get selected by a teacher for a real-life tournament. He wants me, Felix Schopp, to represent the school!

I start walking again.