Chapter 7: Creativity
930 Words
Hearing Kourtney's composed response, Old Mr. Elijah felt a pang of bitterness in his heart. He longed to say something, yet found himself at a loss for words. His granddaughter's understanding demeanor seemed far beyond her years—a quality he couldn't reconcile with her tender age.
Surely, Kourtney had endured far more than her fair share of trials in the past to possess such composure. Unlike other girls her age, who coveted fine clothes, jewelry, and the trappings of a privileged upbringing, Kourtney seemed to desire nothing at all. It was this lack of desire that unnerved him. She kept her true thoughts concealed, making it impossible for him to discern her intentions.
A sense of apprehension crept over him as he realized that his granddaughter, once so close, was slipping further and further from his grasp.
Cassie, sensing his distress, tenderly squeezed Kourtney's hand. "Kourtney, Professor Smith will be arriving shortly. He's specifically here to meet Bella. Later, you'll have the chance to meet him alongside Bella."
"No need," Kourtney interjected, her disdain for her stepmother palpable.
Cassie's expression wavered between shock and resignation at Kourtney's blunt refusal.
Johnny interjected, his tone incredulous. "What's with the attitude? Cassie's your mother, and she's only trying to extend some kindness by arranging this meeting with the professor. How could meeting the professor possibly harm you?"
Cassie rushed to Johnny's defense. "It's alright. Kourtney just needs some time to warm up to me. She'll come around eventually. I'm eager to care for her and show her love. Let's give her some space; after all, she's still just a child."
"She's on the brink of adulthood, though. It's time she started acting like one. With so many esteemed guests present today, she should at least uphold the family's dignity," Old Mr. Elijah countered.
"Let's not dwell on this any longer. You need to have a proper conversation with your daughter. Constant criticism won't do any good," Cassie gently admonished, skillfully defusing Johnny's anger.
A week later, the Greg incident had blown over. Johnny had instructed the PR department to downplay the incident's impact. The savvy individuals present that day understood that there was little to gain from antagonizing such a powerful family. Thus, everyone opted to sweep the unpleasantness under the rug, pretending it never happened.
Who doesn't rely on a bit of acting to navigate life's complexities?
Coincidentally, the following day saw entertainment headlines dominated by the tumultuous saga of a famous singer and her ex-husband. The Elijah family affair faded into obscurity within a week, forgotten amid the tabloid frenzy.
Later that evening, Professor Smith made his much-anticipated arrival.
Old Mr. Elijah was elated, knowing the professor was a rare guest indeed. Unaccustomed to social gatherings, Professor Smith rarely ventured outside his academic realm. His unexpected warmth toward the family left everyone pleasantly surprised.
Professor Smith, a faculty member at Yale University, held immense sway. Securing admission for the family's children at Yale, with Professor Smith as their mentor, was the epitome of aristocratic aspirations. After all, connections at such prestigious institutions were invaluable. Naturally, being chosen by Professor Smith was a mark of distinction reserved for the brightest minds.
Bella greeted the professor cordially, introducing herself in great detail. Yet, Professor Smith appeared somewhat impatient, albeit maintaining a polite demeanor. He signaled for her to cease her introductions, turning his attention to Old Mr. Elijah. "Mr. Elijah, do you have another talented granddaughter in your midst?"
Perplexed, Old Mr. Elijah inquired, "You mean?"
Professor Smith hastened to explain, "I've learned that Missy Elijah's family was in attendance at your birthday celebration before making a special trip here. May I inquire as to Kourtney Elijah's whereabouts?"
Kourtney Elijah? Professor Smith had come specifically to meet her? The revelation left everyone incredulous.
Bella, struggling to contain her frustration, addressed Professor Smith. "Professor Smith, you know my sister? How is that possible? Kourtney has spent most of her life in the countryside until recently moving to New York. She's been on hiatus from school for some time, having left her previous institution under less than ideal circumstances. So, why the sudden interest in her?"
"I'm afraid I can't disclose the reason at this time. However, I'm seeking her out for an exceedingly important project," Professor Smith replied earnestly.
Intrigued, the gathering pondered the connection between Kourtney and Professor Smith. To their knowledge, the two had no prior acquaintance. Kourtney was a high school student, whereas Professor Smith was a distinguished academic overseeing significant research endeavors.
Bella, still skeptical, pressed Professor Smith for clarification. "Professor, forgive my bluntness, but may I inquire about the purpose of your visit today? Were you here to scout potential candidates from our family for future enrollment?"
Professor Smith chuckled. "I'm not aware of any such practice in America. My visit today certainly isn't for that purpose."
"Then...is that a good thing?" Bella persisted. "Since you're here, I'd like to take the opportunity to seek your advice. What criteria do you consider when identifying exceptional students?"
Professor Smith offered a candid response. "Honesty and integrity are paramount. Academic prowess in a single subject is secondary. I'm seeking individuals with focus and genuine creativity. The current education system disappoints me; high achievers may lack real-world applicability."
Bella found herself deflated by Professor Smith's educational philosophy, realizing she fell short of his criteria. None of the qualities he extolled applied to her. The concept of creativity eluded her entirely.
Yet, her curiosity piqued, Bella couldn't help but wonder: What was it about her sister that had captured Professor Smith's attention?
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