The final exams began. Usually, students were terrified to face the questions. But their fear was nothing to be compared to the fear that contains my heart. I can't afford to get the lowest score. It is taboo in the family to get a failing grade, and that's why I suffer every examination for not getting the highest score.
But it's going to change now. I made sure of it. I've had enough of all the pain. Yes, I'm done. I can't stand their beatings anymore. That's why I have no other choice but to cheat on this examination.
The exams were harder than expected not because of the test questions. But due to my yawning every after 10 - 25 minutes resulted from my lack of sleep. Thanks to that last-minute memorizing of all the answers on each item. I made sure to make it at least perfect. I was very cautious in answering because I was afraid I might write the wrong ones. I keep on checking and rechecking every item. It won't be good if I forget to answer a question. Done for the last minute, I sighed in relief and placed my pen on the desk.
I went out of the classroom. It was suffocating. Seeing how stressed the other students made me feel their pain too. So, I think it would be better to take a step outside and breathe fresh air. I was expecting a crystal clear vicinity but my eyes landed on Paris Simmons flirting with some flock of girls. He caught my eye looking at him with pure repulsion. He raised his brows at me. Remembering what happened last night I chose to walk away. It would be trouble if I piss him off even more.
"Hi, London. How're the exams?" Scot asked as we walked in the hallway.
"Scot, hey," I greeted him with a smile and shook my head, "It was hard."
"Nothing is hard for the class genius."
"No," I opposed his idea, "That's not true. I have a hard time remembering the answers to most of the questions. Final exams were the hardest exams." I bit my lip for what I just said.
Did I just use the words 'hard time remembering the answers'? I should be cautious with my mouth. I might get caught if I'm not careful.
"Really? Does that mean that you're normal like me? What happened to London the super genius who had the power to remember every detail of the daily lessons, homework, and any academic-related matters? The inventor of a remarkable study habit that even a stupid person will become a genius."
Good thing he didn't notice my usage of words.
"Shut up. You're exaggerating things, Scot." I said and laughed at his idea.
Oh my goodness. My laugh. It sounded fake. I want to be buried.
"No, just trying to make that gloomy face of yours shine with some rays of smiles."
This is just one of the things I wondered about Scot. He always says that phrase, believing that a smile is like a sun on a rainy day. It shines no matter how gloomy someone's face is. Why does he always do this sort of thing for no good reason? Figures.
"Thanks." I beamed.
Those words from his mouth made me smile wider. But at the same time, it made me feel guilty. Cheating to get high marks for the exams is so not me. I've never done this before. But there's no other way. The final exams were the hardest as I expected.
"Anyway, where's Venice?" I asked to change the topic.
"Oh, she's busy with her modeling career. So, she can't make it to the exams."
"How nice to have a life like hers. No exams. No classes to attend."
No beatings to greet you at home.
"Be careful what you wish for, London. It seems fortunate to have a mother who designs clothes. But in return, it resulted in great pressure. Sometimes a good privilege has an equivalent responsibility."
"True."
But still. I would wish for a life like Venice's. Because receiving pain from people you failed is not right. I know it deep inside me. However, I can't ask anyone for help. I can't take it if my parents will harm the people whom I care about.
"Anyway, I'll head first," as he patted my head then waved his hand, "Bye, London."
"Bye, Scot." I waved back.
I was walking home when someone violently grabbed my right arm. It was none other than the long-haired moron and dragging me like a stroller. I bit my tongue when he squeezed my bruised arm hidden under the long sleeves of my uniform. I dared not to cry for pain. I hate it when everyone pities me.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked in a cold tone.
"The same place."
The same place it is. The same place where we had our agreement to keep my cheating scheme a secret in return that I will help him get close to my friend. This place looks amazing at night, though. It was like a magical treehouse inhabited by fairies. If only the owner was not this ogre-like creature.
"I am certain that you now have a plan in mind."
"Wow. How certain? The truth is I don't." I state it like a fact.
"Where do you associate the word "don't"? You don't have a plan or you don't have a mind?"
"Oh, really," as my eyes narrowed, "Why would you need me to pull off this stealing of Venice away from Scot plan? You can do everything in your power to steal her from that guy. You don't need me to do that. You've been stalking her for years," I stood up from where I was seated, "All of my knowledge about Venice was nothing compared to what you know about her. What if you let me stay out of this? And continue whatever you are planning." I step back towards the door.
"Aaaah!" A big shriek escaped my mouth.
I forgot that this is a treehouse. I just walked out like we were on the ground.
He immediately grabbed my hand which made me cry in pain. Ouch! And big ouch! He was holding my bruised arms tightly. I might kick his balls as revenge. I would smile from ear to ear while he was crawling for pain.
However, he held me close to his chest. We were so close that I could hear his heart beating rapidly. We pulled away as fast as we could.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying? Are you hurt somewhere?" He asked as his concerned eyes searched.
Truth be told, I'm hurting. But I won't dare to tell him that. Curse these tears for falling when they shouldn't.
I shook my head.
"It's nothing. Just let me go," I told him as I retrieved my arms to wipe my tears.
He set my hands free without complaints. We were both silent the whole time.
"I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?", he asked me again, looking worried.
"No. You didn't," I lied, "Don't make such a big deal out of it."
"But it seemed like you were agonizing." He said while he was still suspicious.
"I. Am. Not. Agonizing. Just stop grabbing, pulling, dragging me around as if I'm your slave." I said with a stern look.
He raised both his hands in surrender. "Okay, then. As you wish, London. Didn't know you were this sensitive." He said and pinched my cheeks.
"Urgh! Just get lost!" I shouted as I slapped his white hands.
He chuckled as he turned his back. Then, he went down first using the ladder.
"See you tomorrow, Mojan. The next time we meet I'm expecting that you already have a plan. Start thinking now or else–", he winked, "–things would be hard for you."
"God. I'm digging my own grave." I muttered.