MY TEENAGE CRUSH

Episode 3

The Test

Greenfield High has always been very chatty and this morning was no different. The morning sun was up warm and the first bell had not rung yet. Brian just coming in to school spotted Jake close to their hangout spot, which was under the large oak tree and hurried over.

He was holding on to the crumpled flyer that Lisa had given him the previous day.

"Hey, Jake," He beckoned. He was visibly excited and it showed in his voice.

Jake who was on his phone looked up from his phone, grinning. "What's up, smart buddy? Are you rushing to tutor the masses today?"

Brian chuckled "narhh, actually, I wanted to talk to you about something else." He then gave Jake the flyer "Take a look at this."

Jake unfolded the paper steadily, he briefly glanced through it from top to bottom. "Beverley Hills Scholarship Competition? Dude, this is huge! You have to go for it."

Brian sighed, "I don't know, Jake, that is the thing, Beverley Hills is... different. It's not like our kind of school, you know what I mean, it is high-class. Do you even think I stand a chance?"

Jake's expression turned serious, something that rarely happened "Brian, you are unarguably the smartest guy I know. The teaching curriculum is the same across the country, and you are squashing it here, winning even state competitions, If anyone deserves this, it's you. Do not let doubt hold you back."

Brian felt encouraged; a small smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you, man. I guess it would not lose anything in trying."

As the weeks panned out, Brian like he always does, immersed himself in preparation. He spent longer time in the school old library, he went over books and was practicing past competition questions. His teachers noticed that he was more committed to reading, they just thought it was normal Brian.

One afternoon, as Brian was packing his bag to head home, Miss Carter approached him. "Brian, I've noticed you've been working exceptionally hard lately. Is everything alright?"

Brian was tired but he managed to smile. "Yes, Miss Carter. I'm actually preparing for the Beverley Hills Academy Scholarship Competition."

Her eyes lit up; she had heard of the Beverly hills opening. "That's wonderful news Brian! I know you will scale through it"

His teacher’s words boosted him, Brian continued with his reading.

However, that evening something happened.

Brian returned home a little bit late, this is how he had always returned since he started preparing for the competition. He got home to find his mother sitting at the kitchen table, she looked very worried. His younger siblings played quietly in the corner.

"Mom? What's wrong?" Brian inquired, he was worried.

She looked up, she knew he would be worried, so she tried to hide her tears and spoke almost shakily. "It's your father Brian, He's fallen ill. We went to the hospital and doctor says it's serious."

Brian felt cold shivers down his whole body, his father was the major financer of the household.

“He has to be going for weekly checkups and be on some medication to strengthen him, and not work so hard, Brian I am worried about him”

“Mom don’t worry, we will be alright, let me go see him”.

Brian walked into his parent’s room. His father laid on the bed, head turned to the other side, he was visibly in deep thoughts.

“Dad, how are you feeling?”

His father turned as he had not heard him walk in.

“Brian, just a little tired, I would be fine, the doctor said I just need to be on some medications and reduce stress on my body”

Brian sat by his bedside.

“Dad you are doing too much, you need to reduce stress on your body please, we need you alive and well”

That night, Brian woke up to study for the scholarship test, he was more driven and determined if he could get the scholarship, he would be taking off the school fee burden off his father.

As he sat at the kitchen table, he spread out his books before him, his mother approached, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Brian, you should go to sleep, you have been working so hard at this.

The following days were not as he thought it would go, his father infact got worse and couldn’t keep up going to work. His mother had to work more and he found himself helping her out to meeting up with the cleaning schedules so income could come in to the family.

One evening, as Brian made his way home from a long shift at the local grocery store, he saw Lisa waiting on his porch.

Oh Lisa, she could be persistent when she wants to be, what was it she wanted this time.

"Hey, stranger," she greeted, attempting a cheerful tone.

Brian managed to put up a smile, though tired "Hey, Lisa. How are you doing, what brings you here?"

She studied him, she could see that usual spark in his eyes was not present "I heard about your dad. I'm so sorry, Brian."

He nodded "yeah, thanks. It's not been easy. I really wish this didn’t happen at this time, it is such a crucial time in my academic year."

They sat in silence for a moment before Lisa spoke again. "I totally understand Brian, everything would turn out just fine. Your dad would get well and you’d ace your forthcoming exams. By the way, have you been preparing for the competition?"

Brian shook his head, “Mehn Lisa, I had to stop half way, My family needs me. I don't have the time or energy."

She raised her head and reached out. "Brian, I know things are not smooth right n hard right now, but this opportunity... it's your ticket to a better future. For you and your family."

Tears welled up in his eyes. "I don't know if I can do it."

Lisa squeezed his arm gently. "You can. And you don't have to do it alone. Let your friends help you. Lean on us."

That night, Brian lay awake, Lisa's words echoing in his mind. He realized that giving up now would mean surrendering not just his dreams but also the chance to lift his family out of their struggles.

With renewed determination, Brian devised a plan to balance his responsibilities. He coordinated with Jake and other friends for study sessions, allowing him to maximize his limited time. He spoke with his teachers, who offered flexibility and additional resources. At home, he set up a schedule to assist his mother and care for his siblings, ensuring he still had moments to study.

The road ahead was daunting, but Brian understood that perseverance, support, and unwavering resolve were his greatest allies. The Beverley Hills Academy Scholarship Competition was no longer just a personal ambition; it was a beacon of hope for his family's future

The morning of the Westwood Academy Scholarship Competition arrived with an unsettling stillness. Brian awoke to the sound of labored breathing coming from his parents' room. Rushing in, he found his father, pale and drenched in sweat, struggling for air.

"Mom! What's happening?" Brian's voice trembled with fear.

His mother, eyes wide with panic, replied, "I don't know, Brian. He was fine last night."

Without hesitation, Brian went across the street to meet their neighbor that had a truck, he begged him to take the father to the missionary hospital in the town.

At the hospital, doctors and nurses whisked his father away, leaving Brian and his mother in the sterile waiting area. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, amplifying the tension.

"Mom, I should stay," Brian began, but his mother interrupted.

"No, Brian. You have your exam today. Your father would want you to go."

"But—"

"No buts," she insisted, her eyes firm yet gentle. "This is your future. We'll be fine here."

Torn between duty to his family and his aspirations, Brian reluctantly agreed. He glanced at the clock—time was slipping away.

Racing against the clock, Brian arrived at the examination hall just as the doors were closing. His clothes were disheveled, and his mind was a whirlwind of worry and exhaustion.

Taking his seat, he tried to steady his breathing, but the words on the exam paper seemed to blur and dance before his eyes. His father's pale face haunted him, making concentration nearly impossible.

He closed his eyes momentarily, recalling his father's voice: "Education is your way out, Brian. You have a gift."

Drawing strength from those words, Brian gripped his pen and began to write. Each question was a battle, his thoughts oscillating between the exam and his father's condition.

Hours later, as he handed in his paper, uncertainty gnawed at him. Had he done enough? The weight of the morning's events pressed heavily on his shoulders.

Leaving the hall, Brian's steps were slow, burdened by doubt and fear. The path ahead was unclear, but he knew one thing: he had given his all, even when the world seemed to conspire against him.

As he made his way back to the hospital, the outcome of the exam seemed insignificant compared to the battle his father was fighting. Yet, deep down, hope flickered—a hope that perhaps, despite everything, his efforts would pave the way for a brighter future.