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locker_monsterTitle: The Wright Choice (1/1)
Rating: G
Word Count: 2,107
Characters: Ian, Barbara
Timeline: Set pre-Class.
Summary: Coal Hill School is now Coal Hill Academy and the new building on school grounds needs a name. Ian asks for a suggestion. He gets a response from an unexpected source.
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the BBC.
A/N: Entry for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
who_contest's "Vacancy" challenge. When I saw these pictures online, I had the idea to write a fic around them. There is a great likelihood that Class will contradict what I've written here, but that's okay.
The new building looked out of place. Even though it was only half done, it was still far too modern compared to the older and more weathered structures around it. Too much glass and steel and absolutely no brickwork. For some, the aesthetics, the character, of Coal Hill School was now forever ruined.
Ian was never one to worry about aesthetics. He cared more about what would be going on inside of the new building. School programs that they couldn't afford before were now an attainable dream and all thanks to an unexpected donation. The sudden influx of money had even raised the status of Coal Hill. No longer were they a simple comprehensive. Oh no, they were an academy now.
Coal Hill Academy. The name still sounded odd to Ian, but it was certainly a sign of great things to come.
"Ian! I'm glad I caught you before you left."
Ian turned his attention away from the half completed building to greet the man hurrying towards him. "Nigel. I was just checking on the progress of our newest addition."
Nigel Armitage, headmaster of Coal Hill, broke out into a small smile. "I'm told it's right on schedule. It should be ready for the fall term."
On schedule. Two words Ian was always glad to hear. When he agreed to become the chair of the school governors, he never would have guessed that he would come to love schedules and timetables. "So what can I help you with, Nigel?"
"It's about the new building, actually. I'm being hounded for a name for it. The construction company wants to put up signage soon."
A name for a building. How extravagant. "All right, I'll bring up the matter at the next governors meeting."
"I was also hoping that you could contact our sponsor. It'd be wrong of us not to ask for his opinion."
"Yes, we can't forget about our sponsor." The mysterious man with the mysterious donation and the mysterious phone number that always went to voicemail. There were times Ian half believed that the man didn't exist. "I'll leave him a message while I'm on my way back to Cambridge."
"Thank you, Ian." Armitage's gaze briefly drifted over to the new building. "More money, more headaches, eh?"
Ian chuckled softly. "They're good headaches most of the time."
The two hour plus train commute between London and Cambridge was a good time to settle down with a book, but Ian took out his mobile instead. He wanted to phone Coal Hill's sponsor before he forgot about Nigel's request.
As always, the moment Ian finished entering the phone number, the line immediately switched over to voicemail. It wasn't necessarily odd, but he missed listening to the phone ring. It usually gave him a chance to think about what he wanted to say.
"Hello, this is Ian Chesterton, from the Coal Hill governing board." He paused and decided to get straight to the point. "The new building going up on school grounds is nearing completion and I'm told that it requires a name. As the building wouldn't exist without your generous donation, it'd be wonderful if you could offer a suggestion. I can be reached at my usual numbers. Thank you for your time."
He ended the call and let out a ragged breath. It was hardly an eloquent speech, but it got the point across. Now to see if he would get a phone call in return.
It was mid-evening by the time Ian got home and he craved a good cup of tea before he tackled any more of his responsibilities. He made a beeline for the kitchen, loosening his tie as he went. He supposed he could have called in from home for the governors meetings, and saved himself a lengthy train trip every month, but that seemed so impersonal.
The kitchen was quiet, as was the rest of the house, but that was typical of a Wednesday evening. Ian wouldn't see Barbara until after her last lecture of the day at the university. Filling the kettle with water, he placed it on the stove and turned on the heating element to let it boil. He grabbed a mug from the cupboard and went to the fridge to get the milk, but he paused when he noticed the note stuck to the front of the fridge with a magnet.
It was from Barbara. This envelope was dropped off a few hours ago. The man said it wasn't urgent. I'll see you at supper. Love, Barbara.
Another magnet pinned a plain white envelope to the fridge just below the note and Ian tugged it free. It was just his name written on the front of the envelope. There was no return address or a cancelled stamp. It must have been hand delivered from the sound of things, but who would go to the trouble of dropping off a letter in person?
Ian tore into the envelope and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Neat cursive writing filled the page. Perhaps it was a note from the university. There were some professors who were still preferred the written word over the telephone or email.
It wasn't a note from the university. In fact, it was something else entirely. Ian read the letter over twice more just to be certain. It was only when the kettle began to whistle that he was snapped from his confused thoughts.
He absently filled his mug with hot water but didn't bother to reach for a tea bag.
"Well, this explains a few things," he muttered to himself. At least now he had the response he had been seeking.
Ian stopped the car in front of Coal Hill, noting the new sign out front announcing the site as Coal Hill Academy. A lot of work had been done over the past two months. Nearly everything was ready for the start of term, which was a few weeks away.
"I can't remember the last time I was here," said Barbara. She stared out the front windscreen, taking in the school's new layout. The new building was visible behind the original brick structures, its many windows reflecting the sun's rays.
"I can't remember, either," admitted Ian. They attended so many functions for the university and the school governors that the memories blurred together.
"Is that why we're here? For old time's sake?" Barbara shot him a sideways glance.
She had asked questions like this for the entire drive down from Cambridge. Ian had remained steadfast in his silence, knowing he would ruin the surprise if he said anything. "You'll see," was all he offered before stepping out of the car.
Barbara, with the patience of a saint, also got out of the car and she fell into step next to him. Ian chose a route that took them through the school grounds, affording Barbara a chance to see some of the old buildings where they had taught their classes. "It feels like it hasn't changed at all," she said, a small smile on her lips.
Ian supposed it hadn't, in a way. Yes, there was a new coat of paint on the walls inside and miles of cabling to support the network traffic for all of the computers and LED bulbs instead of fluorescent lights, and, of course, the name change, but the spirit of the school was still the same. Students still came here to learn and succeed and the teachers were still eager to impart their knowledge. No amount of money could change that.
They finally came upon the new building, though Ian's chosen route had guided them to a rear entrance rather than the main doors. He pushed it open and gestured for Barbara to enter ahead of him. She gave him another inquiring look. He just smiled back.
Their footsteps echoed down the empty corridors. Everything was so pristine and it was slightly eerie. Ian was more accustomed to lived-in spaces that bore their many years of service with pride. Well, it wouldn't be long before students left their mark on these walls, both literally and figuratively.
As they neared the foyer, he finally spoke up. "This is what I wanted to show you. We had a meeting to name this building. There were a few suggestions, but there was only one that everyone agreed upon."
The large foyer had an airy atrium and wide windows to let natural light stream in. Coal Hill's crest proudly adorned one wall, but it was the large sign near the doors to which Ian pointed. For a moment, Barbara simply stared, though her expression was unusually neutral. As she slowly approached the sign, as if getting closer would change what she was seeing, a look of confusion finally claimed her.
In bold letters, the sign stated that this was The Barbara Wright Building.
Seconds ticked by, but Barbara remained silent. Ian had expected her to be surprised, perhaps even angry, but it wasn't like her to not say something. "I suppose, in hindsight, I should have said something sooner." He walked over to her, feeling like he was a young boy again and he had just been caught in a very big lie.
Barbara looked over at him. She wasn't stunned or angry. If anything, she seemed overwhelmed. "I'm flattered, Ian, but-"
Ian grabbed her hand, giving it a tight squeeze. "There's something you should read. It might help." Letting go of her hand, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. The many creases it sported hinted that it had been read and re-folded many times. "Do you remember this? It's the letter that was hand delivered to the house two months ago."
Barbara took the letter from him and flipped it open so she could read the contents. Ian had read it so many times that every line was etched in his memory.
Chesterton,
Why do you need to name a building? They just stand there and keep the rain out. You wouldn't name your umbrella. But if I leave the decision up to you, you're bound to name it after a pointless politician, so here's my suggestion and the superior choice:
Barbara Wright (though I suppose she goes by Barbara Chesterton these days).
I know she's going to protest, but don't let that stop you. She's more than worthy of this distinction. When my granddaughter was attending your school, Barbara was the only one who noticed her, the only one to have the thought that this girl was capable of doing more. She sees the potential in everyone and brings it out of them. I think that's the best quality that someone can have.
If you want to honour the school's past, and look to the future, then this is how. Coal Hill will always have excellent teachers, but Barbara is the epitome.
And if Barbara still protests, show her this letter. You've done extraordinary things, Barbara. You may not seek the accolades, but you deserve them.
The letter wasn't signed, but it didn't need a signature.
Barbara, the quick reader that she was, didn't take long to read the letter, but it seemed that she needed a moment to absorb the words on the page. She drifted away from Ian, turning her attention back to the sign that bore her name.
"He came to door," she said softly, after a half of minute of silence.
"Hmm?"
"He handed me the letter. He looked so different." The words were more for Barbara than Ian. She shook her head before turning back to face him. "I'm still not sure how I feel about this, but I've always trusted your judgement. And his," she added, waving the letter. "But the next time you want to name something after someone, you should consult them." Despite her stern tone of voice, a smile lurked within the depths of Barbara's eyes.
"Is this a bad time to mention that we need you to pose for a bronze bust?" Barbara glared so hard at him, Ian had to burst out laughing. "I'm sorry. It's a joke. This is going to cost me a dinner at your favourite restaurant, isn't it?"
"Several dinners," corrected Barbara.
"It seems only fair." Ian held out his hand to Barbara and she grabbed it without hesitation. "He's right, you know. You do bring out the best in people."
"It's what everyone does at this school. You'll see it when the new class starts in the fall."
Hand in hand, they walked out of The Barbara Wright Building.
Further A/N: I thought it odd that Class renamed Coal Hill School to Coal Hill Academy, so I decided to do some research to see if it was common to change the status of a school. And you know what? It's actually fairly common. A comprehensive like Coal Hill can elevate its status to an academy through a monetary donation from a sponsor. So I suddenly had the notion that the Doctor, having somehow found the bank account where his UNIT pay was being deposited and not wanting this money at all, decided to donate the funds to Coal Hill. I think in one of the set pictures you can see that the sponsor is actually EverUpwardReach Ltd., so it's probably not the Doctor in the actual show, but hey, maybe he set up a shell company or something.
Rating: G
Word Count: 2,107
Characters: Ian, Barbara
Timeline: Set pre-Class.
Summary: Coal Hill School is now Coal Hill Academy and the new building on school grounds needs a name. Ian asks for a suggestion. He gets a response from an unexpected source.
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the BBC.
A/N: Entry for
who_contest's "Vacancy" challenge. When I saw these pictures online, I had the idea to write a fic around them. There is a great likelihood that Class will contradict what I've written here, but that's okay.The new building looked out of place. Even though it was only half done, it was still far too modern compared to the older and more weathered structures around it. Too much glass and steel and absolutely no brickwork. For some, the aesthetics, the character, of Coal Hill School was now forever ruined.
Ian was never one to worry about aesthetics. He cared more about what would be going on inside of the new building. School programs that they couldn't afford before were now an attainable dream and all thanks to an unexpected donation. The sudden influx of money had even raised the status of Coal Hill. No longer were they a simple comprehensive. Oh no, they were an academy now.
Coal Hill Academy. The name still sounded odd to Ian, but it was certainly a sign of great things to come.
"Ian! I'm glad I caught you before you left."
Ian turned his attention away from the half completed building to greet the man hurrying towards him. "Nigel. I was just checking on the progress of our newest addition."
Nigel Armitage, headmaster of Coal Hill, broke out into a small smile. "I'm told it's right on schedule. It should be ready for the fall term."
On schedule. Two words Ian was always glad to hear. When he agreed to become the chair of the school governors, he never would have guessed that he would come to love schedules and timetables. "So what can I help you with, Nigel?"
"It's about the new building, actually. I'm being hounded for a name for it. The construction company wants to put up signage soon."
A name for a building. How extravagant. "All right, I'll bring up the matter at the next governors meeting."
"I was also hoping that you could contact our sponsor. It'd be wrong of us not to ask for his opinion."
"Yes, we can't forget about our sponsor." The mysterious man with the mysterious donation and the mysterious phone number that always went to voicemail. There were times Ian half believed that the man didn't exist. "I'll leave him a message while I'm on my way back to Cambridge."
"Thank you, Ian." Armitage's gaze briefly drifted over to the new building. "More money, more headaches, eh?"
Ian chuckled softly. "They're good headaches most of the time."
* * *
The two hour plus train commute between London and Cambridge was a good time to settle down with a book, but Ian took out his mobile instead. He wanted to phone Coal Hill's sponsor before he forgot about Nigel's request.
As always, the moment Ian finished entering the phone number, the line immediately switched over to voicemail. It wasn't necessarily odd, but he missed listening to the phone ring. It usually gave him a chance to think about what he wanted to say.
"Hello, this is Ian Chesterton, from the Coal Hill governing board." He paused and decided to get straight to the point. "The new building going up on school grounds is nearing completion and I'm told that it requires a name. As the building wouldn't exist without your generous donation, it'd be wonderful if you could offer a suggestion. I can be reached at my usual numbers. Thank you for your time."
He ended the call and let out a ragged breath. It was hardly an eloquent speech, but it got the point across. Now to see if he would get a phone call in return.
* * *
It was mid-evening by the time Ian got home and he craved a good cup of tea before he tackled any more of his responsibilities. He made a beeline for the kitchen, loosening his tie as he went. He supposed he could have called in from home for the governors meetings, and saved himself a lengthy train trip every month, but that seemed so impersonal.
The kitchen was quiet, as was the rest of the house, but that was typical of a Wednesday evening. Ian wouldn't see Barbara until after her last lecture of the day at the university. Filling the kettle with water, he placed it on the stove and turned on the heating element to let it boil. He grabbed a mug from the cupboard and went to the fridge to get the milk, but he paused when he noticed the note stuck to the front of the fridge with a magnet.
It was from Barbara. This envelope was dropped off a few hours ago. The man said it wasn't urgent. I'll see you at supper. Love, Barbara.
Another magnet pinned a plain white envelope to the fridge just below the note and Ian tugged it free. It was just his name written on the front of the envelope. There was no return address or a cancelled stamp. It must have been hand delivered from the sound of things, but who would go to the trouble of dropping off a letter in person?
Ian tore into the envelope and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Neat cursive writing filled the page. Perhaps it was a note from the university. There were some professors who were still preferred the written word over the telephone or email.
It wasn't a note from the university. In fact, it was something else entirely. Ian read the letter over twice more just to be certain. It was only when the kettle began to whistle that he was snapped from his confused thoughts.
He absently filled his mug with hot water but didn't bother to reach for a tea bag.
"Well, this explains a few things," he muttered to himself. At least now he had the response he had been seeking.
* * *
Ian stopped the car in front of Coal Hill, noting the new sign out front announcing the site as Coal Hill Academy. A lot of work had been done over the past two months. Nearly everything was ready for the start of term, which was a few weeks away.
"I can't remember the last time I was here," said Barbara. She stared out the front windscreen, taking in the school's new layout. The new building was visible behind the original brick structures, its many windows reflecting the sun's rays.
"I can't remember, either," admitted Ian. They attended so many functions for the university and the school governors that the memories blurred together.
"Is that why we're here? For old time's sake?" Barbara shot him a sideways glance.
She had asked questions like this for the entire drive down from Cambridge. Ian had remained steadfast in his silence, knowing he would ruin the surprise if he said anything. "You'll see," was all he offered before stepping out of the car.
Barbara, with the patience of a saint, also got out of the car and she fell into step next to him. Ian chose a route that took them through the school grounds, affording Barbara a chance to see some of the old buildings where they had taught their classes. "It feels like it hasn't changed at all," she said, a small smile on her lips.
Ian supposed it hadn't, in a way. Yes, there was a new coat of paint on the walls inside and miles of cabling to support the network traffic for all of the computers and LED bulbs instead of fluorescent lights, and, of course, the name change, but the spirit of the school was still the same. Students still came here to learn and succeed and the teachers were still eager to impart their knowledge. No amount of money could change that.
They finally came upon the new building, though Ian's chosen route had guided them to a rear entrance rather than the main doors. He pushed it open and gestured for Barbara to enter ahead of him. She gave him another inquiring look. He just smiled back.
Their footsteps echoed down the empty corridors. Everything was so pristine and it was slightly eerie. Ian was more accustomed to lived-in spaces that bore their many years of service with pride. Well, it wouldn't be long before students left their mark on these walls, both literally and figuratively.
As they neared the foyer, he finally spoke up. "This is what I wanted to show you. We had a meeting to name this building. There were a few suggestions, but there was only one that everyone agreed upon."
The large foyer had an airy atrium and wide windows to let natural light stream in. Coal Hill's crest proudly adorned one wall, but it was the large sign near the doors to which Ian pointed. For a moment, Barbara simply stared, though her expression was unusually neutral. As she slowly approached the sign, as if getting closer would change what she was seeing, a look of confusion finally claimed her.
In bold letters, the sign stated that this was The Barbara Wright Building.
Seconds ticked by, but Barbara remained silent. Ian had expected her to be surprised, perhaps even angry, but it wasn't like her to not say something. "I suppose, in hindsight, I should have said something sooner." He walked over to her, feeling like he was a young boy again and he had just been caught in a very big lie.
Barbara looked over at him. She wasn't stunned or angry. If anything, she seemed overwhelmed. "I'm flattered, Ian, but-"
Ian grabbed her hand, giving it a tight squeeze. "There's something you should read. It might help." Letting go of her hand, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. The many creases it sported hinted that it had been read and re-folded many times. "Do you remember this? It's the letter that was hand delivered to the house two months ago."
Barbara took the letter from him and flipped it open so she could read the contents. Ian had read it so many times that every line was etched in his memory.
Chesterton,
Why do you need to name a building? They just stand there and keep the rain out. You wouldn't name your umbrella. But if I leave the decision up to you, you're bound to name it after a pointless politician, so here's my suggestion and the superior choice:
Barbara Wright (though I suppose she goes by Barbara Chesterton these days).
I know she's going to protest, but don't let that stop you. She's more than worthy of this distinction. When my granddaughter was attending your school, Barbara was the only one who noticed her, the only one to have the thought that this girl was capable of doing more. She sees the potential in everyone and brings it out of them. I think that's the best quality that someone can have.
If you want to honour the school's past, and look to the future, then this is how. Coal Hill will always have excellent teachers, but Barbara is the epitome.
And if Barbara still protests, show her this letter. You've done extraordinary things, Barbara. You may not seek the accolades, but you deserve them.
The letter wasn't signed, but it didn't need a signature.
Barbara, the quick reader that she was, didn't take long to read the letter, but it seemed that she needed a moment to absorb the words on the page. She drifted away from Ian, turning her attention back to the sign that bore her name.
"He came to door," she said softly, after a half of minute of silence.
"Hmm?"
"He handed me the letter. He looked so different." The words were more for Barbara than Ian. She shook her head before turning back to face him. "I'm still not sure how I feel about this, but I've always trusted your judgement. And his," she added, waving the letter. "But the next time you want to name something after someone, you should consult them." Despite her stern tone of voice, a smile lurked within the depths of Barbara's eyes.
"Is this a bad time to mention that we need you to pose for a bronze bust?" Barbara glared so hard at him, Ian had to burst out laughing. "I'm sorry. It's a joke. This is going to cost me a dinner at your favourite restaurant, isn't it?"
"Several dinners," corrected Barbara.
"It seems only fair." Ian held out his hand to Barbara and she grabbed it without hesitation. "He's right, you know. You do bring out the best in people."
"It's what everyone does at this school. You'll see it when the new class starts in the fall."
Hand in hand, they walked out of The Barbara Wright Building.
Further A/N: I thought it odd that Class renamed Coal Hill School to Coal Hill Academy, so I decided to do some research to see if it was common to change the status of a school. And you know what? It's actually fairly common. A comprehensive like Coal Hill can elevate its status to an academy through a monetary donation from a sponsor. So I suddenly had the notion that the Doctor, having somehow found the bank account where his UNIT pay was being deposited and not wanting this money at all, decided to donate the funds to Coal Hill. I think in one of the set pictures you can see that the sponsor is actually EverUpwardReach Ltd., so it's probably not the Doctor in the actual show, but hey, maybe he set up a shell company or something.
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![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2016-07-02 04:34 pm (UTC)*HUGS*
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Date: 2016-07-02 11:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-07-03 01:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-07-04 01:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-07-04 01:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-07-04 01:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-07-04 11:26 pm (UTC)I do love seeing people write for them both.
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Date: 2016-07-05 06:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-07-06 03:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-07-06 03:50 am (UTC)no subject
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Date: 2016-07-30 04:33 pm (UTC)And thanks for the info on British schools. I appreciate that.
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Date: 2016-07-30 05:10 pm (UTC)