Chapter 4
618words
"It's not that I can't get in. I just don't feel like going. Let me repeat a year and retake the exam. By then, which college would not want me?"
Ginger heard it and lifted her chin, looking at me arrogantly. "Exactly. What's so special about Bloomdale University?"
I nodded and replied casually, "You're right. Bloomdale University isn't all that, but just a friendly reminder.
"Don't forget your admission passes for your exams next year. Otherwise, you might be repeating another year."
With that, I grabbed Lucy by the arm and walked away, ignoring the darkened expressions on their faces.
…
My acceptance letter arrived two weeks late. Dad stared at "Bloomdale University" written on it. A man, usually stoic and reserved, suddenly found himself tearing up.
Mom was even more emotional. She took a dozen photos and posted them on her social media.
"Amelia, you must study hard once you enter college. Show them that ladies are as good as guys can be."
I nodded. Frankly, I had already bought a stack of books and had plans to prepare myself before the semester even started. The more I learned now, the more opportunities I would be able to seize later.
A few days later, Lucy and I went to a hotel for the graduation party. Students, teachers, and even many parents had gathered in one place.
Our homeroom teacher grabbed my arm and pulled me up onto the stage, visibly excited. "This is Amelia Radford, the pride of our high school.
"She'll be starting at Bloomdale University this fall. Let's give her a round of applause."
The hall erupted in thunderous applause.
As the applause faded, a soft murmur cut clearly through the room. "If only our son were still with Amelia. Maybe he would have gotten into Bloomdale University too."
The room fell silent. All eyes turned in the direction of the voice, followed by hushed whispers spreading like ripples.
I looked over, and sure enough, it was Maverick's mother.
Maverick's parents were teachers. They had always been strict, upright people who took pride in their son. They probably never imagined he would make such a reckless decision.
Ginger's mother stormed forward, her voice shrill. "What exactly are you implying?"
She had one hand planted on her hip, and the other jabbing straight at Mrs. Barkley's nose. Startled, Mrs. Barkley stumbled back a few steps.
Mr. Barkley quickly steadied his wife and asked sternly, "Is she wrong? If your daughter hadn't pressured our son into going back for that examination admission pass, would he have missed the exam?"
Mrs. Livingston was heavyset, draped in clanging jewelry. One glance was enough to tell that she was a loud and aggressive person.
She screeched, "What do you mean my daughter pressured him? Your son was the one tripping over himself to please her. And even if missing the exam was his fault, he deserved it!"
Mr. Livingston also strode over, snorting coldly at Mr. Barkley. "I was wondering who this was. You're just some poor school teacher.
"If you apologize now, maybe we'll still consider you as part of the family. However, if you're going to be this dense, don't blame us if we drop the pleasantries."
Mr. Barkley was an honest man, long accustomed to respect in the academic circles. He had never dealt with anything like this. For a moment, he was so stunned he couldn't find the words.
He shakily pulled Maverick to him. "Maverick, tell us. Were you forced to go back for that admission pass? Is that why you missed the college entrance exam?"
