Even Top Students Fail

The Encounter

Summer heat couldn't keep Lilith and William apart. Despite her aversion to the sweltering weather, Lilith found herself out daily, drawn by young love's pull. Even a simple meal together felt impossibly sweet.

Lilith's sudden eagerness to leave hadn't gone unnoticed. Her mother, Maria, voiced suspicions to Louis one evening: "Think our Lilith might be dating someone? She's always out these days."

Louis shrugged. "She's in college now. Let her be. What's wrong with a little romance at her age?"

Maria nodded. "True. Just hope whoever it is deserves our Lilith. She's such a special girl."

Little did they know, at that moment, Lilith was experiencing a pivotal moment. Despite the heat, she shivered with nerves.

It had started as a simple shopping trip. William, unhappy with Lilith's wardrobe, insisted on buying her new clothes. They'd browsed men's wear before the women's section, where William's eyes lit up at a pristine white dress.

Lilith balked at the price tag. Even discounted, it was far beyond reasonable for a summer dress. She tugged William's sleeve, whispering, "Too expensive."

"Don't worry, I can afford it," William assured with a confident smile.

Lilith shook her head. "No, really. It's too much. Let's look at something else."

Their quiet disagreement was interrupted by a familiar voice. "I told you it was him!"

William's face fell as he turned to see his parents entering. "Mom, Dad... what are you doing here?"

Lilith felt the blood drain from her face. Meeting the parents already? This was moving too fast for her liking.

William's father, Ryan, beamed at them. "What a coincidence! You must be Lilith. I'm Uncle Ryan, and this is Aunt Afra."

Lilith managed a weak greeting, wishing she could vanish. She hadn't prepared for this at all.

Ryan, oblivious to her discomfort, insisted on buying both the white dress and a pale green one William had pointed out. Lilith's protests fell on deaf ears.

The impromptu meeting turned into lunch. While Ryan chatted amiably, Afra subjected Lilith to a barrage of academic questions. It felt more like an oral exam than a casual meal.

By the time William's parents left, Lilith was exhausted. She slumped in her chair, eyeing William accusingly. "Thought you said your parents were teachers. Didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!"

William chuckled. "They are – university professors, actually. Don't worry, you did great. Mom seemed impressed."

Lilith groaned. "Hope so. Just wish our first meeting hadn't involved your dad buying me expensive dresses. What if they think I'm after your money?"

"Trust me, that's the last thing on Mom's mind," William assured her. "She's brilliant academically, but not always socially aware. Come on, let's get you home. You've earned some rest after that ordeal."

As they left the restaurant, Lilith couldn't shake the feeling that her relationship with William had just entered a new, more serious phase – ready or not.

Lilith barely pushed open the door when Alice's sarcastic greeting hit her, "Look who's back, Miss 'Boys Before Besties'." Lilith had dropped by earlier, dumped her luggage, and vanished until now. Alice and Emma had cursed her absence countless times.

Glancing around, Lilith noticed the spotless room. She flashed Alice a sheepish grin. "Thanks, dear Alice." Only Alice would tackle such a chore. Emma was out of the question, and Amy could barely keep her own space tidy.