Chapter 47 You Are On The Rise, Miss Facer

Chapter 47 You Are On The Rise, Miss Facer
Emma knocked on the door of the principal's office the next morning. She walked in after being invited. “Good morning, Principal Olivia.” Emma shut the door behind her, and the woman in front of her immediately stood up. 

The woman was in her late forties and had short, blonde hair that was wavy. Her skin was pale and she wore makeup. Emma could tell her makeup was light because her wrinkles were not covered. Her lips were cherry red, and the way she smiled revealed a full set of white teeth. She was dressed in a suit set— a jacket and pants. The suit jacket was completely buttoned up. "Please take a seat." 

“Thank you.” Emma pulled out the chair and sat. "I am here to discuss something concerning my daughter." 

“Ah. You must be Mrs. Facer.”

“Miss Facer.” Emma clarified. She gave a silly little laugh. 

"Ah. I see. I sincerely apologise."

"It is all right. 

Principal Olivia smiled and adjusted her huge rounded glasses. "Miss Ava spoke to me earlier about your visit. She said it has something to do with Zoella." 

Emma nodded. “Yes.” 

"Is there a problem because she is a wonderful child? Intelligent for her age.” 

"There is no problem at all. That is why I have come. For the intelligent part.” 

Principal Olivia leant in close. “Enlighten me.” 

"She has been having quite a fit lately." Emma exclaimed sharply. “By that, I mean complaining.”

"And why would she do something like that?" 

"Zoe said that she does not feel comfortable in that class." 

“Really?” Principal Olivia leant back in her chair. Emma nodded. "And what else did she say?" 

"That she wishes to go to a more suitable one. Promotion.” 

“She said that?” Principal Olivia was stunned.

Emma laughed nervously. "Not exactly that word, but she does not believe her current class is the right one for her." 

“Hmm. She might be quite right.” She adjusted herself on her chair. “So, Miss Facer, what do you want me to do for you?" 

“Thank you for the question. I would love for her to go through some tests. If she passes them, she will be promoted to the class she believes is appropriate." 

"She is only three years old."

Emma nodded. “I know but she will be four in a few months. That is why I would like you to arrange this for her. Have her take the test after school this afternoon." 

"And what if she passes them?" 

"Then have her take another one that is a grade higher." 

Principal Olivia took a deep breath as she clasped her hands. “Miss Facer. How high of a class are we talking about here?” 

Emma hesitated. She had not given much thought to it. She simply wanted the test to be completed so that the decision could be made. She is only three years old, come to think of it. Perhaps kindergarten? Emma thought. Maybe a grade above that? 

"How about you make your decision based on her performance?" she finally said. She couldn't decide. 

“Hmm.” The principal nodded. “Then I will meet with the teachers to discuss test preparation. We will have her start in the grade she cannot get through.” 

“Thank you, Principal Olivia.” 

She laughed. There was an awkward silence between them. Olivia was gazing at Emma when Emma noticed it. It was starting to feel awkward. Like in a horror film where the possessed person stared into the soul of his victim before digging a sharp knife into the centre of her head. Without remorse. 

She felt sick just thinking about it. 

"If that is all there is to it, I will leave. Thank you for accepting the test." Emma broke the silence and stood up but immediately froze when Principal Olivia spoke. 

“Miss Facer, wait.” Emma gave her that shocked expression, wondering what else she had to say. "Could you please take a seat?" 

“Is there any problem?” Following that, the principal’s phone beeped. She grabbed it and turned it on. The top screen was illuminated by a notification. Her gaze met Emma's before she returned her attention to her phone. "Is there anything I should be worried about?" 

Olivia's gaze remained fixed on her screen. “I knew it!” 

“Knew what?” 

“You are Miss Facer.” 

Emma was baffled. “Yes, I am.” 

“No, you are Miss Facer.” 

“I am Miss Facer.” 

“The "Miss Facer." 

“Huh?” Olivia showed her the screen, and Emma felt a shiver run down her spine. “Th—that is not me.” She stuttered. 

Olivia sucked in her breath and dropped her phone, leaning in close. "You have a similar appearance to her." 

“Well, I have no idea who you are referring to.” She changed the subject. "How about we talk after Zoe has finished the test? I know she will do well, she is brilliant.” She checked her wrist for the time. “Ah! I have a meeting to attend now, and I am running late." 

“Are you trying to change the subject?” 

“No. Of course not.” Emma shook her head. “No. I'm... really late." 

"You even share a name with her." 

“Who?” 

“The Miss Facer. She looks like you and uses your name.” Olivia gasped. "I can not believe Zoe's mother is Miss Facer!" 

Oh, boy. How will I deal with this issue? Emma pondered. If word got out, Zoe would not be able to lead the ordinary life she desired for her. “What do you want? Money? Because I do not have any money, Principal Olivia," she explained in fear. Her eyes widened as she spoke.  

“Calm down. I just want an autograph.” 

Emma relaxed, surprised. "Is that it?"  

“And also pictures. You get to hold the doughnut, and we pose for pictures like we are best friends. And I promise you, no one will know." 

“You mean it?”  

"Do you mind if I tell my cat?" 

Emma’s brows raised. “Will your cat say something?” 

Olivia shook her head and stood up from her chair, grabbing her phone. "No, she just meows and tears stuff when she is hungry." 

“That is good, then.” 

Emma's gaze was drawn to the school's structure the moment she stepped outside. This was why she did not want to come here. Olivia having her sign on her breast and holding the doughnuts were both images she could not get out of her head. Before she could leave, she was forced to eat some of the doughnuts. It was torture. 

She looked at her watch. “I am so late.” She dashed to where she could hail a taxi. She finally saw one after three minutes. “Queen’s, please.”

The taxi driver smiled at her through his rearview mirror. "I can not believe a celebrity is in my taxi right now." 

No comment. Not now. Not after what she had gone through earlier. 

"You are on the rise, Emma Facer." 

Emma remained silent. All she wanted to do was hide behind something and not be seen.  

“We are here.” The driver finally informed her. Emma had told him to stop in the garage. 

She looked out the window then handed him the money.  

The elevator door slid open, and she stepped into the hall, already uninspired by her day. When she opened the office door, she was greeted with a loud "Surprise" from the other employees. They had also showered her with confetti. She was not surprised because Zoe's principal had already shown her and forced her to do things to keep her secrets safe. 

"Good morning to you all as well." 

"You should be excited, Miss Facer," one of them said. 

"Your shoot was a success, and it will be on the billboard tonight," Bea, who had despised her ass since the beginning, said. “You should be happy.” 

“Congratulations, Miss Facer.” Susan made her way through the crowd and hugged Emma. 

“Thank you, Susan.” 

"But why are you late?" Susan let go of her and gazed deeply. 

“Something happened.” She returned her attention to the others. "Thank you for doing this. It means a lot to me. Thank you.” She joined Susan as they both walked into her office. 

Her chair was the first thing to which she paid attention the moment she entered her office. Susan turned on the lights and the air conditioner. “Are you alright?” 

“Just tired.” She removed her heels and tossed them to the other side of the chair before leaning back in it. "I spoke with the principal this morning. Zoe’s principal. That was why I was late.” 

“And what did she say?” 

"Zoe will take the test after school this afternoon. If she passes, there will be decisions to be made. I just have the impression that this is being rushed. She is three, so she should just take her time." 

"Bella will miss her, but it is for her own good. You do not want her to be stuck in a class where she is not learning anymore. So what is the point of forcing her to go to school?" 

“You are right, Susan.” Emma began to laugh. "You will not believe what that principal forced me to do after she discovered I was... this." She pointed to the poster outside her office. She could see it clearly through her transparent window. “Why is that even there?” 

“It was meant to come into your office but your office was locked. Where would you like it hung? I will call the carpenter and have it installed there." 

“Anywhere is fine. Thank you, Susan. You have no idea how unmotivated I am today.” 

“Have a great day.” Susan approached the door, then turned around. "By the way, Mr. Queen is at the office today." 

Emma was taken aback. “Really?” She thought he was sick. Shouldn't he be at home taking care of himself? The office telephone began to ring at the same moment.

Emma lowered her gaze to it. 

“Pick it up. It might be important. I will catch up with you later." Susan shut the door behind her. 

Emma looked down at it, which was ringing like a bell. She hesitated at first; her first thought was of Heather. Right. The cup of coffee tonight. How could she have forgotten that? That was the most important thing. She cleared her throat and steadied her trembling hand before picking it up. “Hello?” 

"Miss Facer," a distant female voice called out. 

“Milan?” 

"Mr. Queen needs you to report to his office immediately."