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Chapter 12 The Bet

  • Amelia Snyder
  • The exam results were going to be out on Monday afternoon. Everyone, except for me, was fervently discussing the exams. I simply did not give a damn and chose to rest my head on the table.
  • However, my sharp hearing allowed me to eavesdrop on their discussions.
  • My sister's tablemate, Rachel Mead, said enviously, "You're definitely going to be the first in class again, Angelica."
  • "I'm sure all the students in the class will do very well too," Angelica replied modestly. After a short pause, she continued, "Perhaps the student who has the same surname as mine would get good grades."
  • Rachel burst out laughing and said in a cynical tone, "Are you referring to Amelia Snyder? You got to be kidding, Angelica. She's just a village bumpkin who didn't even attend tenth and eleventh grade. I bet she won't even pass the exams. If she does, I'll apologize to her while doing a headstand."
  • Pretending to be kind-hearted, Angelica chided, "Come on, don't be nasty. We're classmates after all! Please don't say such hurtful things about her again, or I'll be angry."
  • Rachel smirked. "Angelica is as sweet as ever. All right, I'll stop talking about it."
  • The next thing I knew, someone was tugging on my shirt. I opened my eyes in annoyance, only to see Castor pulling at the neck of my shirt.
  • "Are you tired of living?" I threatened.
  • The boy hastily withdrew his hand in horror. "What do you think your class rank will be?"
  • "Class rank? Top five," I scoffed before replying confidently.
  • The students, who were drawn in by Castor's presence, were appalled by my answer. They were clearly doubtful that I might be in the top five in class. I grinned from ear-to-ear looking at their skeptical expressions. I thought secretly, let's see who gets the last laugh.
  • Just then, a boy ran into class and announced excitedly, "The results are out!"
  • Castor immediately stood up and beckoned me to join him. "Let's check the results, Amelia!"
  • I dragged my lazy self to the bulletin board. By the time we arrived, there was a swarm of kids attempting to find out their grades.
  • "Oh no! I did terribly!"
  • "My Math is horrible. My parents are going to punish me."
  • "Castor is one of the top five students in the cohort. He's so talented! How I wish he could tutor me."
  • "Angelica from Class A is third. She's gifted like always. Hold on, why isn't she first? Why isn't there anyone listed in the first place?"
  • Intrigued by the comments, I lifted my head and looked at the bulletin board. By then, Castor had returned from checking the results. He said furiously, "Your name isn't on the list, Amelia!"
  • I could guess the reason, but I was too lazy to explain. Hence, I patted him on the arm and said, "Let's head back, Castor. This is so boring."
  • Even after the bell rang, the students were still discussing the exam results.
  • "Why isn't your name on the bulletin board, Amelia?" Luna yanked at my sleeve and asked.
  • When I saw her timid looks, I could not help but tease her. I raised an eyebrow and leaned my chin on my palm. "You did a great job this time, Luna. Keep up the good work!"
  • Luna looked shyly down at her feet as she was not used to such praises.
  • Just then, Mr. Flores knocked on the door and said, "Come to my office, Amelia."
  • I took off my earphones and did as I was told. I could hear the students gossiping behind my back as I made my way out.
  • "Did she score zero points? Is that why her name isn't even on the bulletin board?"
  • "They must be mindful to not hurt her pride. That's why they are intending to speak to her privately."
  • "What kind of pride does she have? She boasted that she would be in the top five of her class. What a sob!"
  • I gave a hollow laugh when I heard their foolish remarks. A person with thick skin like me would not be concerned with pride.
  • Once we were in Mr. Flores' office, he spoke to me in a solemn tone, "How do you think you fared this time around, Amelia?"
  • I said confidently, "At least 400 points."
  • My teacher scowled, uncertain whether I was speaking the truth. "I was hoping that you would own up to your mistakes. If you didn't do anything wrong, I'll announce your grades in front of the class."
  • I fumed inwardly, was he implying that I cheated on my exams?
  • "Sure, go ahead," I challenged.
  • Mr. Flores was stunned by my reply. He clenched his jaw and hissed, "Okay, then. You'll need to pay for your actions though."
  • I could feel that all eyes were on me when I returned to the classroom. Luna asked cautiously, "Why was Mr. Flores looking for you, Amelia?"
  • Out of curiosity, Castor leaned in closer to hear what was going on. However, I smirked and replied lazily, "You'll find out later."
  • Mr. Flores stood in front of the class and announced, "The results have been released, and I'm sure you have managed to find out where you stand. As you may have noticed, the first position is currently empty…" He gave me a sidelong glance before raising the results page in his hand. "The first place goes to Amelia Snyder, with a total score of 440. She has scored 144 for Spanish, 150 for English, and 146 for Math."
  • There was pin-drop silence in the class as all the students were processing the news. They clearly did not expect a village bumpkin to ace the exams and top the cohort.
  • Castor, too, was shocked by the revelation and nearly fell off his seat.
  • While everyone was still trying to make sense of the news, Mr. Flores continued, "Amelia, come and get your results slip."
  • Before I could react, Angelica stood up and protested, "That's impossible!"