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Chapter 96
Chapter 96
“Seriously, we’ve been busting our butts for a month to be on time, and you just had to mess it up for all of us!”
“You got a free pass to Superiority College, why don’t you just take a gap year or something? You’re just loafing around in class and killing our vibe.”
A few voices echoed with a tang of jealousy.
Cordelia had been part of the class for some time now. Aside from Hayley and her ilk, there were those who defended her.
“I don’t see the problem, honestly. Genius Cordelia got into Superiority College and is still grinding out study sessions here, which gives me a real kick in the pants to push harder!”
“Exactly. Everyone has off days. So what if she was late once? Maybe Cordelia had a real issue this time?*
Cordelia stood, baffled by the chatter of her classmates.
She had no idea that the coveted Honorable Medal at the front of the room was still up for grabs. Had she known, she wouldn’t have tagged along with Kermit for a detour through the hotel.
Just as she was about to speak up, Merry stood up abruptly, “Enough, okay? What’s with the stinginess? Lia will be more careful next time!”
When someone else attempted to speak, Merry darkened her expression, “You think my words don’t carry weight? Do I need to call Yates over to give you a piece of his mind?”
The classroom fell silent for a moment.
Then Hayley whispered snidely, “Some people always hide behind others. Such deep–seated scheming!”
Juliana clenched her fists tightly. Since the physics competition results came out, she had been in a slump. There was only one senior year, and missing this award would be a lifelong regret.
She had thought it over. Her exams had been fine until Cordelia returned, flaunting her high scores and driving. Juliana to distraction and plummeting grades.
Therefore, her resentment towards Cordelia was especially bitter.
She spoke with conviction, “Anyway, shouldn’t Cordelia apologize to everyone?”
The monthly discipline for both classes was nearly perfect, but Cordelia’s tardiness could harm their class performance. The Honorable Medal might go to Class 2 next month.
Cordelia felt that Juliana’s demand was not unreasonable, since she had impacted the whole class. She slowly said, “I’m sorry.”
The classroom stilled, and then other students waved it off, “It’s nothing.”
“Hey, it’s not a big deal. We can’t hog the top spot forever. Let’s just give the other class a chance!”
The laughter that followed the humorous remark eased the tension in the room.
In the midst of laughter, Juliana dropped all pretenses of innocence and challenged Cordelia again, “Is a flippant apology really all we get?”
“What do you want then?” Merry retorted, her heavily made–up face glaring. “You want Lia to kneel down to you? Are you worthy? Don’t push your luck!”
Juliana sneered, “No need for that, but at the very least, she can give everyone a bow, right?”
Pointing to the podium, Juliana demanded. “If you’re sincere, stand there and bow in apology to everyone!”
The class fell silent.
Merry couldn’t stand it any longer. With a screech of her chair against the floor, she stormed to the front row, standing before Juliana’s desk, “Dare you say that again?”
Juliana fell silent at Merry.
Merry poked Juliana with a finger, “Think carefully before speaking up. Some people aren’t to be trifled with!” Having said her piece, Merry returned to her seat.
Just then, the Class 2 monitor poked his head in, “I heard someone in here skipped half a class?”
The class collectively shouted, “Beat it!”
Class 2 monitor glanced at the Honorable Medal and quipped, “Come on, I’m just here to preview it. Don’t worry, tomorrow this honor will be in good hands with my class,” and he scurried off before anyone could retort.
Once he was gone, the room quieted again.
Latham entered math class. Noticing the lackluster atmosphere, he tapped his desk and commanded, “What’s with the dozing off? It’s only the second period. Straighten up! No slumping. Look at Cordelia who headed for Superiority College is still the most engaged here!”
He paused, sensing something was off but continued to pass out test papers.
After class, Latham called out to Daniel. Once he got the class for a talk.
scoop, Latham frowned deeply, then regrouped the
*During the break today, no exercise. We’re having a ten–minute class meeting instead.”
He walked to the podium and began, “Before class, the office checked our monthly performance. We were neck and neck with Class 2, but due to Cordelia’s tardiness, we’re behind. I know you’re probably blaming her.”
He pointed to the Honorable Medal, This medal isn’t ours to keep forever. And have we forgotten our school’s motto?”
The class went quiet.
“Be generous with others.” Latham continued.
Hayley blurted out, “Why should we? It’s her fault!”
Juliana added, “Mr. Latham, does academic excellence give her a free pass?”
“Yeah, Mr. Latham, aren’t you a little too biased?”
The classroom was abuzz with chatter when Latham fixed the students with a stern gaze, furrowing his brow in disapproval.
Just then, the dean appeared at the doorway. “Ah, Latham, there you are! No need for me to trek down to your office today!”
Latham blinked in surprise. “Isn’t the award ceremony supposed to be tomorrow? You’re here to take down the medal already?”
With a chuckle, the dean replied, “Take down what? I’m here to give you some good news, Cordelia snagged two top prizes, right? So she’s earned some personal recognition. As for your class, you’reThis content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.
getting a bonus!”