Page 248 of Edge of Eternity (The Century 3)

"But you don't even belong to the school orchestra."

"They don't use any instruments invented in the last hundred years."

"And all the better for it."

Dave was finding it harder and harder to keep his temper. "I play the electric guitar quite well."

"I don't call that a musical instrument."

Against his better judgment, Dave allowed his voice to rise in a challenge. "What is it, then?"

Furbelow's chin lifted and he looked superior. "More a sort of nigger noisemaker."

For a moment, Dave was silenced. Then he lost his cool. "This is just willful ignorance!" he said.

"Don't you dare speak to me like that."

"Not only are you ignorant, you're a racist!"

Furbelow stood up. "Get out this instant."

"You think it's all right for you to come out with your crude prejudices, just because you're the burned-out head of a school for rich kids!"

"Be silent!"

"Never," said Dave, and he left the room.

In the corridor outside the head's study, it occurred to him that he could not now go to class.

A moment later he realized he could not stay in the school.

He had not planned this, but in a moment of madness he had, in fact, left school.

So be it, he thought; and he left the building.

He went to a cafe nearby and ordered egg and chips. He had burned his boats. After he had called the head ignorant and burned-out and a racist they would not have him back, no matter what. He felt scared as well as liberated.

But he did not regret what he had done. He had a chance of becoming a pop star--and the school had wanted him to let it slip by!

Ironically, he was at a loss to know what to do with his newfound freedom. He wandered around the streets for a couple of hours, then returned to the school gates to wait for Linda Robertson.

He walked her home after school. Naturally the whole class had noticed his absence, but the teachers had said nothing. When Dave told her what had happened, she was awestruck. "So you're going to Birmingham anyway?"

"You bet."

"You'll have to leave school."

"I've left."

"What will you do?"

"If the record is a hit, I'll be able to afford to get a flat with Walli."

"Wow. And if it's not?"

"Then I'm in trouble."

She invited him in. Her parents were out, so they went to her bedroom, as they had done before. They kissed, and she let him feel her breasts; but he could tell she was troubled. "What's the matter?" he said.

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