‘So, Richard,’ says Mr Mclugash. ‘Would you like to tell us all what happened?’

Rich smiles, then pulls out some notes from his blazer pocket, like he’s a politician about to give a speech.

‘So,’ he reads. ‘I’m the captain of the school chess team and yesterday we went to Cheltenham Sports Centre for the Inter-Schools Championship. In the first round we played Foxley High and I won my match and we beat them three–one. In the next round we played Huntsville Grammar. It was a close match, but I won my game and we beat them three–two. In the next round we played . . .’

‘Me. Me. Me!’ Jake hisses in my ear. ‘We played too!’

‘I know,’ I say under my breath. ‘Or at least I did.’ I turn and look at Jake. ‘Hey, what are you doing up here anyway?’

‘Don’t know.’ Jake smirks. ‘Just am!’

I shake my head slowly. Rebecca smiles as she does the same. We all smile. They are my equal best friends and it’s brilliant that we are all on the stage together.

‘So we didn’t win the tournament,’ Rich continues, ‘but we played really well. I drew my match in the last round so we ended as the runners-up.’

‘Well.’ Mr Mclugash takes a step forward. ‘I think it was a wonderful effort, so let’s give them another round of applause.’ He claps his hands. Rich walks in front of us and starts to lead us off the stage.

‘One moment!’ says Mr Mclugash.

Rich stops walking and I bump into the back of Rebecca.

‘We’re not finished yet.’ Mr Mclugash beckons us back. ‘We’ve got another announcement, haven’t we, Mr Keytes?’

We all edge back onto the stage.

Mr Keytes steps forward. ‘Yes,’ he says. ‘We’ve got some good news, because even though Southwick High didn’t win, one of our team did do rather well.’

Rich straightens his tie.

‘Brilliant,’ says Jake. ‘He gets the credit for everything.’

‘I know,’ I whisper.

‘Yes, Felix . . . Come over here.’ Mr Mclugash holds up his arm.

What? Me!

I must be hearing it wrong, but then I see the whole school are staring at me.

It can’t be me. I feel like I want to slip through the trapdoor and disappear under the stage.

‘Don’t be shy, Felix. Come here.’ Mr Mclugash beckons me.

My heart beats double fast and my face feels like it’s going to catch fire.

He’s only ever spoken to me when I’ve been in trouble.

Go on! Rebecca mouths.

‘Go on, you idiot!’ Jake pushes me in the back.

I take one step, then another. What have I done? I keep walking, but my feet are numb and the stage is a blur.

Mr Mclugash shakes my hand, then turns me to face the school.