After Stephen came back it was Vincent's turn to learn his results. Jayden was expecting this to happen because he saw Stephen and Vincent driving close to each other. What he did not expect was that there were 3 other drivers besides them who were called in earlier than him.
This was beyond his expectation. One of these drivers was Octavia. She was the 3rd fastest. Jayden was only the 6th fastest.
When Jayden was called he was not happy, even though he passed the exam this was not an expected result.
He went into the room following Luke and Melvin.
"You had quite an eventful day today Jayden," Luke said.
"Let's start with your first session. We understand that since this was the first time you drove a real kart you tried to figure out the limits and how to best drive but you went a bit too far. It's fine trying to reach your limits but you can't forget that you are not alone on the track. Driving like that makes it impossible for other drivers to drive in a normal way because they would have to be wary of you all the time! If your performance was only at this level we would have advised you to give up on karting"
Jayden hung his head in shame. He was so preoccupied with finding his limits that although he wasn't purposely driving in other people's way he now understood that it would still be very distracting for other drivers.
"Don't worry too much about it" Melvin said. "You gave us a pleasant surprise in the second session. You should know that you were the most consistent of any driver out there."After saying this he handed Jayden a print-out with his times for the second session.
Jayden looked it over and a smile slowly appeared on his face.
His times started out with a 43.1 increased to a 44.3 and then dropped back to a 42.9. This was over a total of 18 laps. He managed to keep the time difference between each lap under 2 tenths.
"Your laps were the most consistent of everyone out there and your driving style was really smooth. This kind of driving style is good for racing! It's easy on the machinery and tires. If you can polish it and develop it fully you might get really far racing!" This wasn't just empty praise from Luke. He really was impressed by Jaydens consistency.
"On to the last session. You can compare this to a qualifying session in a normal racing series. Your results here are not bad but your inexperience shows. You managed to get a 42.4 as your fastest lap. Compared to the fastest lap of Stephen you're still a bit short. His was a 41.9. I wouldn't worry too much though if I was you. We noticed that at the end of the session you were trying to keep up with Stephen and Vincent by trying to copy their style! As a driver its important to know how to get the best out of your machinery but this is not something you can do instantly. It takes a lot of practice. Thus our advise to you is to get as much time in this kind of kart as possible!" Luke concluded
After this Jayden left the room and the next driver was called in. while walking over to his father he thought about what Instructor Luke said.
"Practice as much as possible hmm?. I'll just ask dad to see what's possible" Jayden thought
Dad saw Jayden walking his way with a slight frown on his face. "Did he not pass?" he thought.
"Well don't keep me hanging!" he said when Jayden reached him. "Did you pass?"
Jayden nodded. A slight smile appearing on his young face. "My results were good enough. I managed the sixth fastest lap time and was the most consistent out of all drivers today" he said.
Dads face lit up. You could easily see how happy and proud he was by the smile that appeared on his face.
"Well done Jayden! Really well-done I'm proud of you!"He said and pulled Jayden into a big hug.
"I have to call your mom and tell her the news. She'll be ecstatic" he said smiling.
While dad called mom Jayden just looked at him. He was walking around having a very animated conversation with his wife.
Jayden looked around and saw Octavia and Vincent talking to each other. She noticed his gazed and waved at him to come over. Not having anything to do at the moment he walked up to them.
"Hi Jayden," Octavia said. "This is Vincent. He is the one that posted the second fastest time today."
Vincent looked at Jayden with a disdained filled look. He was just about to speak when Octavia pinched him.
"OUCH! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!" he yelled.
She ignored him and spoke to Jayden again. "Don't mind him, he has a nasty attitude but he's not that bad once you get to know him. His dad is in the same racing championship is my father so we have known each other for a few years now."
Vincent gave Octavia an angry look before focused his attention back on Jayden. "I don't usually pay attention to people slower than me but you really know how to stand in the limelight huh?! You were all over the place in the first session! Do you know how scary it was driving with you on the same track?!"
Jayden looked a bit guilty. He really should have paid better attention to his surroundings at the time.
"No use dwelling on something that already happened. Are you going to race this season? Vincent and I are planning to join the race next in a few weeks.
"I don't think I will be able to join. I will have to talk with my parents first" Jayden said. He wasn't planning on talking about his situation with them.
"Just leave him, Octavia! His parents probably can't afford it. Did you not see that they had to rent every part of his gear?" Vincent said.
Jayden did not like having someone speak about his parents this way. He wanted to retort but managed to calm himself down. After taking a deep breath he said goodbye to Octavia, Ignored Vincent and went back to his father.
"Why would you say that?!!"Octavia asked Vincent angrily. "We won't be seeing him again anyway so why should it matter?" he replied.
She had nothing left to say so she also left leaving Vincent standing alone with a frown on his face.
Jayden's father had just finished talking to his mother and looked like he could barely contain his joy.
"Why are you so happy dad?" Jayden asked
"Your mom just told me that my brother, your uncle just called. He will be coming back from England next week!" Dad said obviously happy with this news.
"Uncle Anthony?" Jayden asked. He did not know this uncle of him very well since he left for England 5 years ago and he hadn't seen him since.
"Yes, Anthony is coming back. I bet he'll be shocked seeing how much you have all grown up!"
Dad really was happy. His brother was only 2 years younger than him so they have always been each others best friend growing up. When Anthony left for England 5 years ago dad did not show it but he really missed him.
"Shouldn't you give the racing gear back now? I see other children in their casual clothes already!" Dad said while gesturing at the other kids. "When you're changed well go home. Mom prepared dinner early today because she thought you might be hungry."
"Oke dad, I will" Jayden sprinted to the dressing rooms. He was indeed very hungry.
After changing back into his own clothes he handed his racing gear over to Xander.
Just as he was about to run back to his father Xander asked him to wait for a second.
He went into the instructor's office and came back with a pamphlet. "This will help you study for the written exam. It covers everything from the rules to proper racing etiquette. Your skill is outstanding for a newbie but you still have places to improve. " Xander handed him the pamphlet and went back to helping the other drivers. "Thank you!"Jayden said to his retreating back. Xander just put his arm up and waved without turning around.
He watched Xander walk away for a bit then went to his father. Dad was already standing by the car now.
"Ready to go Jayden?" he asked! "Sure dad lets go!"Jayden replied.
They got in the car and then drove towards home. Both Jayden and dad were quiet on the way back. Dad because he was thinking about his brother returning and Jayden because he was sorting out his feelings.
Out of the bleu dad said something that would instantly ease his mind.
"I don't know what has been bothering you but you should know that I'm proud of you. You went out there without any prior experience of the track or the kart and you posted the sixth fastest time! Furthermore, you were the most consistent driver out there today! It's easy to see that you have the talent. Don't worry about not being the fastest today! I'll figure out a way to get you more time in the same type of kart. Next time you'll be able to show them your true skill!"
Jayden made a sound that could have been a chuckle or a sniffle. His parents could always see when something was bothering him and today was no exception. He fought back the tears and nodded strongly.
He knew that no matter what, he could always count on his parents to help him feel like he could accomplish anything.