The room was utterly silent.
Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell were the most shocked of all, staring at me dumbly, as if they’d forgotten how to react. This daughter, the one they had written off, was a prodigy. They looked flustered, especially Mrs. Blackwell, who seemed to want to approach me but didn’t dare.
In the silence, I tilted my head and looked at the principal. “Old Man Al…”
He gave me a mock–stern look, his face breaking into a wide smile. “Show some respect. Call me Grandpa Al.”
I obliged. “Grandpa Al, does this mean I don’t have to come to class anymore?”
He chuckled fondly. “Correct. But you have to show up for exams.”
i nodded and turned to leave. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, creating a path for me. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, I walked out.
By the school gate, Ryan was leaning against his car, his gaze silent and intense.
I didn’t walk over to him.
Just then, Mrs. Blackwell caught up to me. “Mia, wait for Mommy! Honestly, child, why are you walking so fast?” She was all smiles, reaching for my hand. “Why didn’t you tell us? If you had said something sooner, we wouldn’t have wasted a trip to the school today. Are you hungry? Dad and I will take you out for a nice meal. Then we’ll go shopping. Mommy will buy you anything you want.”
Mr. Blackwell stood beside her, his silence a show of support for his wife. Behind them, Lily’s face was as white as a sheet, tears welling in her
eyes. She looked like she might shatter.
I stepped away from Mrs. Blackwell’s outstretched hand. The smile on her face froze.
“No, thanks,” I said. “I’m going home.”
She forced another smile. “Well, if you’re tired and want to rest, that’s fine. Let’s get in the car, then.” She opened the door to Ryan’s luxury sedan.
I didn’t move.
A beat–up van rattled to a stop nearby. Leo was grinning like an idiot, waving frantically at me through the window. “Sis! I’m here to pick you up!”
In the driver’s seat, Jessie had one hand on the steering wheel and used the other to adjust her glasses. She glanced over, her expression neutral.
When her gaze swept over Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell, it was as calm and flat as a still lake.
I gave Ryan a casual wave. “Bro, come visit sometime. I’ll treat you to some of Jessie’s scientifically–raised pork.”
Then I shoved my hands in my pockets and walked towards the van.
Ryan watched her retreating back, not a hint of hesitation in her stride. He thought back to their very first conversation.
He murmured to himself, his voice low.
“So that’s what she meant… by just bringing herself.”
(The End)
