Chapter 45: SATs

Tiffany moved quietly around my room, carefully packing my backpack with everything I’d need for today. I sat on the edge of the bed, absentmindedly watching as she folded papers and slotted books into place. Her efficiency was impressive, but my thoughts were far from the practical test scheduled for today.

Senior students had been preparing for weeks for this—a mandatory cram session that doubled as a test before the SAT subject exams hit. It was all anyone could talk about. The school even went as far as calling my stepfather yesterday to ask why I didn't stay for the after-class cram session yesterday, and he was too busy to take the call. His assistant on the other hand either forgot to relay the message or just outright ignored it.

So, the school had called my mother instead.

The moment she walked through the door, she pounced, unleashing a tirade that was as dramatic as it was unnecessary. She called me irresponsible, selfish, and ungrateful, and many other names. She compared me to Frankie and Blanche, who, of course, attended the sessions religiously. Then she threatened to take back my car, my cards, my very existence if I dared to come home with a low score today.

Tiffany handed me my backpack and stepped back, standing straight like she was waiting for further instructions.

“Lock my room before you leave,” I said flatly, pulling the straps over my shoulders and brushing past her toward the door.

My mood was already soured from yesterday, so much so that I hadn’t even bothered to finish organizing my new phone. The thought alone annoyed me further as I walked down the stairs. I spotted my mother calling for me from the dining room, but I didn’t bother to stop. I grabbed an apple from the kitchen counter and walked out the door, ignoring whatever she was about to yell.

I knew it was to have breakfast and bring home a good score.

The school parking lot was mostly empty when I arrived. Most students hadn’t shown up yet, but for once, I was early. I parked close to the entrance and turned off the engine.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Nancy standing by another car a few spaces down. She was nervously fiddling with her fingers while some man holding a stack of files spoke to her in a low, serious tone. He seemed angry.

I tightened my grip on my bag and considered walking past without sparing

them another glance. Nancy had been a wreck these past few days, and I was to bothered about the part footage to rejoice over my success. She flinched anytime someone so much as walked near her, her makeup caked on thick in a sad attempt to hide the obvious—red, puffy eyes and the dark bags beneath them, she's either having hard time sleeping, or the nightmares aren't doing her any justice at all.

The sight was almost...pathetic. But even with all of her theatrics, I’d have to admit my revenge had done its job. For now. There was no need to push further yet, that doesn't mean I wouldn't be adding anything I could find on the *revenge-on-Nancy* list.

I adjusted the strap of my bag and walked toward the building without stopping.

Inside, the hallway was quiet, the chaos usually caused by the students was now replaced by the muted sounds of scattered conversations. Only seniors were on school ground now, thanks to the exams.

I made my way to the notice board, where they’d posted the class schedules for the week. The school had simplified things since most students were away for summer break, so instead of sending the schedule through email, they’d pinned it up for everyone to see.

I scanned the board quickly. No regular classes today, just the cram session and test starting at 2 PM. Between now and then, the only thing to do was prep at the library—or waste time, like most people were probably doing.

Shrugging to myself, I headed to my locker. I shoved my backpack inside and pulled out a smaller notebook I kept for jotting down random thoughts or reminders. With nothing pressing to do, I figured I might as well kill time somewhere else.

The field.

The loud sound of laughter and shouting reached me as I neared the soccer field. A group of boys were in the middle of a game, their jerseys damp with sweat under the morning sun. They yelled at each other between plays, arguing about the loser buying dinner or drinks later.

I relaxed on the bleachers, watching as one of them tripped over the ball and fell flat on his back. His teammates erupted in laughter, pointing and jeering while he groaned dramatically and waved them off.

Atleast they weren’t worried about SATs or practical tests. They weren’t under the weight of expectations or family pressures. They were just enjoying their free time, because daddy has the money and didn't care if they fail or pass, while mine just acts like he's possessed.

Their biggest concern was dinner and beer, not the kind of existential crap that made you feel old before your time.

I tapped my fingers against the wood, chewing idly on my bottom lip. If I stayed out here long enough, maybe I’d forget about everything waiting for me back inside.

But that wasn’t how life worked, was it?

A sharp whistle brought my attention back to the game as the boys reset their positions for another round. I sighed, pulling my notebook close to my chest as I stood u, and began walking away. Enough wasting time. If I wasn’t going to prep, I might as well find somewhere quiet to sit.

I made my way out of the field and took a short tour around the school not because of how beautiful it was, I was only searching for the best place to sit. That's quiet but at the same time not as restrictive as the library is.