CHAPTER 5.2
1086 Words
The next week passed by surprisingly well. With Sierra’s warnings, I managed to avoid all the plots set by the Royal Brothers. My only regret was that I didn’t see Tristan. He just didn’t turn up. I even tried asking around but nobody knew him well enough to know about his whereabouts.
A rueful sigh left my lips and I laid my head on the desk. Did Tristan quit or something? No, he wouldn’t do that. He had said that he didn’t want to run. If he dropped out after all this, my efforts would be in vain. I had to believe that he was just away on a vacation on something.
My gaze drifted to the doorway. Today, our mid term exams were starting. Tristan had to come and attend them, right?
A familiar beep sounded drawing my attention. I pulled out my pager discreetly and checked the message.
‘Be extra careful, Ayame. Eric and Edmund haven’t made any new plans. This might sound like a good news but it could also be the peace before the storm.’
I stole a glance at Sierra sitting in the opposite row. She was tapping her pen anxiously on the table. Our gazes met for a moment before she looked away and started packing her bag.
Sierra had a point. The Royal Brothers might be infuriated after so many of their plans failed. They must be brewing something huge now. With a sigh, I packed my bags too.
I was going to take it one step at a time. For now, I just had to focus on maintaining my rank. Papers were given out and for the next three hours, the classroom was plunged into silence interrupted only by nervous clicks, shuffling papers and muffled whispers.
Trringgg…. The bell went off marking the end of the allotted time. I scrawled the last word on my paper, wrapped it up and stood up quickly.
Mrs. Lisbon walked over to collect my paper, an appreciative smile playing on her lips. Taking the paper from my hand, she moved half a step only to come back again .
The smile had faded from her lips and she was glaring at me now. My eyebrows knit together and I stuttered, “Is something wrong?”
She snorted and shook her head, “You tell me!” She bent over and picked up a sheaf of paper lying on the floor. Slamming it on my table, she snapped, “What do you think this is?”
“I… I really don’t know… It is not mine….”
“So, it is not yours, huh?” She placed the rest of the answer sheets on the neighbouring desk and flipped through the pages. “I thought you were clever and hardworking given that you entered Alberton High with full scholarship.” Her face scrunched in disappointment, “It is such a shame to see someone like YOU cheat.”
“I have never even thought of cheating in my entire life… I swear ma’am.”
“Then what in the world is this?” She shouted, throwing the papers on my face.
“I… I really don’t know how these papers appeared under my table… I had checked before the exams. There was nothing next to me….”
She threw up her hands in frustration, “Since you are not willing to admit your mistake, I will let Mr. Benjamin handle this matter.”
My heart sank hearing his name. If Mr. Benjamin was the one looking into this matter, there was no hope for me.
Mrs Lisbon gathered her papers and stormed out of the classroom angrily. The moment she was out, the class broke into a hushed chatter.
“Do you really think Ayame must have cheated?”
“No, why would she?”
“She is always at the top of our form. Plus, today’s paper was so easy. She can answer questions like that even in her sleep.”
“Shh… Don’t praise her so openly. If the Royal Brothers hear, you will become their next target.”
A deadly hush fell in the class after that. Gathering the little confidence I had left, I went to meet Mr. Benjamin.
He didn’t even wait for me to greet him. He walked over and handed me piece of paper. “Your scholarship has been revoked, Ayame Hills. If you had paid attention to my warning and followed my instructions, I would have given you a chance. But….”
“I understand.” I said in a bland voice and took the slip from him. My lips spread in a smile, “In case you are wondering, I don’t regret my decision.”
“Ayame! Don’t be stupid!” Mr. Benjamin snapped, frustration seeping into his tone. “It is not too late to change your mind. Your career, your entire life depends on this. If you agree, I will talk to the Royal brothers to let you off the hook.”
“I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Benjamin but my decision is final.” My lips pressed into a thin line and I bowed slightly, “Thank you for your support and guidance.”
“Are you really not going to change your mind?” Eric’s stunned voice sounded as I stepped out of the cabin.
“I am afraid not, Eric. I can’t destroy someone’s life just to satisfy the whims of a rich snob.”
“But you can ruin your own life?” Edmund snapped in an incredulous voice. He walked over and grabbed my shoulders. Shaking me up, he spoke in a frustrated voice, “Can’t you see that your actions are futile?” His eyes flickered with annoyance. “The person for him you want to sacrifice everything isn’t even present here.”
“Edmund is right, Ayame. Don’t throw away everything for a mirage. That prick must have already dropped out of Alberton High.”
“What does that have to do with my decision?” I snapped, shrugging out of Eric’s grasp. Now that I was leaving Alberton High, there was no reason for me to be wary of them. “If you continue to harass me, I will lodge an official complaint with the cops.”
With those words, I spun around and walked away. My brisk steps grew heavy and sluggish as I moved away from them. A bird with clipped wings had no right to dream about the blue skies….
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