The Devil's Hybrid

Emotionally Distressed

“She was saying the truth when she said you're likely to claim you know all the things written there.” The principal shook her head," I'm disappointed in you Mesel. I took you as the best student, but it seems you're not who we all think you are. ”

“ Ma. “ I blink confusedly. “ You need to make me understand your words. I don't understand what you're saying. I am the best student, and I merited that spot. Mrs Slub can testify to that.

Should you doubt me, you can ask Herty, she sure will testify to who I am.” I ball my hand to fist to prevent myself from shouting at her.

She's getting on my nerves with her words.

“The same person you stole her limelight? The same who has all along been the one working while you enjoy the fruit of her labour without sweating?”

“ Who?” I resist the urge to tug my hair in frustration. The more I try to understand her words, the more confused I get about it all. It's as if she's trying to make sure I don't understand her words.

“ Herty.” She pressed a button on the laptop. “ Telling you this will be a waste of my time, you need to watch this video.” Tapping on it, the video started playing.

From here, I can see Herty crying while sitting on the same chair I am sitting on, in this same office, I am in now.

She's putting on her sports clothes, something that shows that this video was recorded in the morning.

“I know she copies my work, and I let her do so for fear of being bullied by her.” Herty sniffs.

The words she said caught my attention, listening closely, my eyes widened as she continued with her speech.

“ No, this isn't true.”

I shake my head as I tried to deny the words my supposed best friend is saying.

I can't believe this, the person I took as my best friend is a backstabbing b***h.

Someone I trusted the most ended up being the one who stabbed me without a second thought.

“I didn't know she copied my work. I begged her to allow me to have this work to myself, and she promised to do so.

I didn't know she copied my work and sent it as her scholarship essay. Little wonder she asked me to work more on the essay before I submit it.

Had I listened to her, she would have been the first to submit the essay.” Herty sniffs.

“ No, that's not true. What were the exact words she said to me on the day I showed her the essay? “

I can recall that day. The day I stupidly showed my supposed best friend my finished work, not knowing she's a wolf in sheep's clothing.

“I can't believe you're still trying to claim what's not yours.” The principal looks at me in disgust. “You're the worst scum in the entire world.”

“No Ma. You've got to believe me, I wasn't the one who stole her work. She stole mine.” I rise from the chair, “please ma, you've got to believe my words. Should you want evidence, I'll show you.” I say in a frantic tone.

“ Am afraid nothing can ever change the fact you copied from her. I want your parents here tomorrow, I need to have a word with them.”

“ But ma…”

“ Leave my office, I don't think I have anything else to say to you aside from, being disappointed in you. I can't believe we were thinking of making a liar like you are a valedictorian.” She gives me an undisguised look of disgust.

“ Ma….”

“Leave my office right now, Mesel. I have nothing else to discuss with you.” She stands from her chair and gestures toward the door. “ You're free to go.”

Walking like a zombie, I exit the office.

It felt like my world has crumbled. I can feel the crumbs falling to the floor like dust.

I felt empty, devoid of any emotion. Presently, it's as if I'm not myself, it's as if I'm living outside my body, looking down at myself with contempt.

How did everything go wrong?

When did things escalate to this level? Walking like a zombie, I can't tell how I got to where I am, but I found myself in front of the only classroom that has not been used for ages.

Guess my body took me to a place where I can cry in peace, away from the wagging hands of the others. Away from the wagging tongues and pointing fingers of those who don't know the head and tail of things happening.

In some ways, the principal's words are true. Should things be looked at from a certain perspective, people are likely to believe her words more than mine. Being the first to submit the essay, it's likely she's the one who wrote it, and I, the one who copied it.

“I got the scholarship just like I promised you I will. I had to sacrifice to make that happen. “ Herty's voice and words made me aware of my surroundings.

Who's she talking to?

Moreover, why is she here?

Recalling the incident of the last minute, I storm towards the place her voice came from but stopped dead in my tracks when I heard the unmistakable voice of Lip?

“ That's not what I asked you for. That was a dare, and nothing more.” He says in a bored tone.

“ A dare?” Herty screeched. “That's not what it is to me. You promised you're going to date me should I get a scholarship to study at the same university as you, and I got that.”

Did lip say that?

The words sparked not only my curiosity but my anger.

“I never thought you'll get the scholarship. I made use of that based on its impossibility and nothing more.”

“ I don't believe that. What about that night you spent with me? Don't tell me it's also a dare.”