The Scholarship
1797 Words
The school day at Snowpost Academy buzzed with energy as students filed into classrooms, laughter echoing through the hallways. Jade and Arin walked side by side, their footsteps echoing against the polished floors of the building. As they approached the main entrance, Jade felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. She found comfort in Arin’s presence, especially when navigating the often judgmental atmosphere of the pack.
“Are you ready for today?” Arin asked, glancing sideways at her. His encouraging smile made her feel a little more confident.
“As ready as I can be,” Jade replied, offering him a nervous grin. “I just hope I don’t trip over my own feet during class.”
Arin chuckled, nudging her playfully. “You’ll do great! Just remember to breathe.”
Once inside, they headed straight to their lockers. Jade noticed her classmates milling about, some laughing while others whispered among themselves. The familiar knot of unease twisted in her stomach. Despite her intelligence and determination, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider.
“Hey, did you study for the math quiz?” Arin asked, organizing his books.
“Not really,” Jade admitted, a sheepish grin on her face. “But I’ll probably do okay. I seem to have a knack for numbers.”
“More like a superpower!” Arin said, grinning. “You hardly ever study and still manage to top the class!”
“Seriously, Jade, it’s unfair,” he added, nudging her playfully. “You’re making the rest of us look bad.”
Jade laughed, feeling the warmth of their camaraderie. “I don’t know how it happens. I just try to understand the concepts, I guess.”
As they chatted, the school principal’s voice echoed through the loudspeaker, silencing the chatter in the hall. “Attention, students! I have an important announcement. We are excited to introduce a scholarship program in collaboration with the Silver Crane Pack. All top scholars from our school and the neighboring packs will have the opportunity to study their final year there!”
A ripple of excitement spread through the crowd, and Jade felt a flutter of hope in her chest. The Silver Crane Pack was known for its excellent education and resources. The thought of studying there sent a thrill down her spine. She exchanged wide-eyed glances with Arin, each of them silently contemplating the same dream.
“Wow, that would be amazing!” Arin exclaimed, his voice barely containing his excitement. “Imagine how much we could learn!”
“Yeah, and the competition will be tough,” Jade said, her mind racing. “But if we work hard, we might stand a chance.”
“Absolutely! I know you can do it, Jade. You deserve this chance,” Arin encouraged, his faith in her unwavering.
Jade smiled, feeling a swell of gratitude for her friend. “Thanks, Arin. I guess we’ll have to step up our game!”
As the bell rang, signaling the start of their first period, Jade felt a renewed sense of determination. She could already envision the possibilities that lay ahead. Studying at the Silver Crane Pack could mean a chance to escape the bullying and judgment she often faced at Snowpost, a place where she could truly thrive.She could finally go out there and plan her future.
The class went by in a blur as Jade lost herself in her studies. She found solace in the rhythm of equations and literature, her mind eager to absorb every detail. The words flowed effortlessly, as if guiding her through a journey of discovery.
At lunchtime, Jade sat with her two other friends, Maya and Sophie, at their usual table.Maya was a werewolf while Sophia was a human. The cafeteria buzzed with chatter, and the aroma of various foods filled the air. As they ate, they talked excitedly about the scholarship, their ambitions sparking vibrant discussions.
"Did you hear about the scholarship program?” Sophie suddenly asked, her voice brimming with excitement. “Two spots are opening up for students from our school to study at Silver Crane Pack!”
“Yeah, I heard!” Maya added, her enthusiasm infectious. “It’s a huge opportunity! You should definitely apply, Jade. You’re one of the smartest in the senior class!”
Jade felt a flutter of hope at the thought. “You really think I have a chance?”
“Of course!” Arin chimed in, just as he joined them, grabbing a piece of toast. “You’ve got this! Just keep doing what you do, and you’ll show everyone you belong there.”
Jade smiled, feeling a bit more confident with herself. Actually she had thought about it but had not yet made up her mind but she was really tempted.
As Jade listened to her friends, she felt a fire ignite within her. Perhaps this was her chance to prove herself.
"Let’s form a study group after school,” Jade suggested, her heart racing with enthusiasm. “We can help each other prepare for the exams.”
“Great idea!” Arin agreed, nodding vigorously. “Count me in!”
But the warmth of the moment was soon overshadowed when Lucy and her entourage strode into the cafeteria. She was Kieran girlfriend,his best friend's sister and the beta's daughter.
Jade's stomach tightened at the sight of Lucy walking towards her.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the pack’s biggest fatty,” Lucy sneered with a smug smile plastered across her face as she was eyeing Jade with disdain. “Still stuffing your face? You’re just a chubby little omega.Who will go nowhere.”
Jade’s heart sank. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, a mix of anger and embarrassment. “I—”
“Look at her!” Lucy continued, laughing with her friends. “She’s probably just here to eat everyone’s lunch. Can you even finish the test without a cheat sheet?”
Arin stood up, glaring at Lucy. “Shut up, Lucy. Jade’s smarter than you’ll ever be. Just because she doesn’t flaunt her looks like you doesn’t make her less worthy.”
As Lucy huffed in frustration and stormed away with her friends, Jade felt a mixture of relief and embarrassment. “Thanks, you guys,” she murmured, her heart still racing. “I just don’t get why she always targets me.”
“It’s because she knows you’re better than her,” Arin replied, his tone supportive. “Don’t let her get to you. You’ve got this scholarship in the bag.”
Jade managed a small smile, feeling the warmth of their friendship wrap around her like a comforting blanket. “I’ll try. It’s just hard sometimes.”
As they finished their lunch, Jade felt a renewed sense of determination. The scholarship was more than just an academic opportunity; it was a chance to escape the bullying and find a place where she could truly belong.
Later in the day, the principal called for an assembly to discuss the scholarship program, announcing that two spots were empty.Advising them on how to prepare for the upcoming tests that could determine who could take the spots and later dismissing them to go home.
Look who it is!” Lucy’s voice cut through the noise as she spotted Jade. “Our favorite little chub is here.”
The laughter around them intensified, and Jade felt heat rise in her cheeks. She wished she could shrink away, but Arin stood firm beside her.
“Leave her alone, Lucy,” Arin said, his tone protective. “You don’t have to be so cruel.”
“Yeah, right,” one of Kieran’s friends chimed in. “Who’d want a scholarship for a chubby girl who can’t even keep up with her weight?”
Jade’s heart sank, her chest tightening as the laughter echoed in her ears. She glanced at Arin, who was visibly angry but struggling to find the words. She could feel the weight of their judgment, the insecurity creeping back into her thoughts.
“Why do they always pick on me?” Jade whispered, feeling defeated.
“Because they’re pathetic,” Arin replied, his voice softening. “You’re smarter than them, Jade. Don’t let their words define you."
Jade’s heart sank. She tried to ignore the comment and focused on her friends, but Lucy wasn’t done. “I hope you’re not thinking of applying for that scholarship. The spots are meant for the best, and everyone knows that Kieran and my brother are the best. Right, babe?”
Kieran shrugged, his expression nonchalant as he shot a smirk in Jade’s direction. “Yeah, I mean, it’s not like you stand a chance, Jade.”
“Why don’t you just leave her alone, Lucy?” Arin interjected, stepping forward protectively. “You don’t have to be such a bully.”
“Oh, look at you trying to defend your little chubby girlfriend,” Lucy shot back, her eyes gleaming with malice. “It’s pathetic. Maybe if Jade spent less time stuffing her face and more time exercising ,she would be less chubby.”
Jade’s heart raced, the laughter of her peers ringing in her ears like a taunt. She tried to muster the strength to speak up, to defend herself, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she turned to her friends, grateful for their support but feeling utterly defeated.
“Let’s go,” Maya whispered, pulling Jade away from the scene. “You don’t need to listen to them.”
“I’m tired of this,” Jade murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “Why do they always pick on me?”
“Because they’re insecure,” Arin said, his tone firm but gentle. “They think putting others down makes them look better. But it doesn’t. You’re better than them, Jade.
Jade felt a surge of determination. She wanted to show everyone that she was more than just a target for bullying. She wanted to prove to herself and to her friends that she could rise above the hurtful comments and achieve her dreams.
“Yeah! You’re smart and capable. We believe in you,” Arin added, his eyes filled with sincerity.
With renewed resolve, Jade straightened her back and nodded. “Thanks, guys. I won’t let Lucy and Kieran get to me. This is my chance, and I’m going to take it. I’m going to apply for that scholarship, and I’m going to prove them wrong.”
“Let’s go to the library,” Arin suggested, a spark of excitement in his eyes. “We can help you prepare for the application.”
Jade nodded, grateful for the unwavering support of her friends. “I’d like that. Thank you, guys.”
- Writer
