Chapter 8

I was feeling super cool at school today because of the stunt I pulled on Cody yesterday. Classes went on as usual, with teachers constantly coming in and out of the classroom. I don't know whether it's because of the upcoming midterm examinations next week, but everyone seems disciplined and well-behaved. No one wants to be last in the class, and I'm not planning on that either.

School ended earlier than usual today since it's Friday, which means tomorrow is the weekend. I think I'm on par with the class in terms of studies. I actually outdid myself by going over everything they covered while I wasn't around. I parked my car in the garage, and it seems Miles was already home, which is a first. I usually get home an hour or thirty minutes before him.

“Good afternoon, Mom," I greeted as I entered the house. My mom was busy setting up the table. “Welcome, honey. How was school today?" She asked as I set my bag on the high chair. “School was fine, Mom," I answered, stealing a grape from the fruit salad. “Get your dirty hands off the fruit!" My mom suddenly shouted, hitting my hand. I laughed, and she frowned.

“What did I tell you about washing your hands before touching anything?" My mom asked with a raised brow. “I forgot," I whispered and grabbed my bag, heading towards the stairs. “Hurry up before the food gets cold, and call your brother on your way here." I nodded.

Once I opened my door, I tossed my bag on the floor and jumped onto the bed. I was already super tired, but taking a nap would make me miss lunch and oversleep. I got down from the bed and rushed to the washroom for a refreshing shower. I put on my comfy dress and left my semi-wet hair in a messy bun to air dry. I knocked on Miles' door, but he wasn't answering, so I did the best thing possible and shouted, “Miles, Mom says lunch is ready, so hurry up!"

“Okay, tell her I'll be down in a jiffy," he shouted back. “Why didn't you answer the door?" I shouted again. “Go away, Millie. I'm in the shower. I don't want to get soap in my eyes." I giggled and headed downstairs alone.

“Where is your brother?" My mother asked as I took my seat. “He's in the shower. He'll be down real quick," I replied and picked up my spoon. “Eat while it's hot," my mother said as she took her seat. A few minutes later, Miles joined us for lunch, looking really tense. I knew it was because of the examinations, and he'll be finishing soon. That's obviously a lot of stress, I can imagine.

“So, how are your preparations for your upcoming examination?" My mother asked, looking at our faces with curiosity. “I'm still working on it, Mom. I'm confident I'll do well, just like in middle school," I replied, looking towards Miles.

“Mom, to be honest, I'm a bit tense. You know it's my final year, and I don't want to repeat the class. I want to go to college next year, just like Chad did," Miles replied, scratching his head. “That's all good, but don't overwork yourselves. I believe in you both. I trust my kids," my mother said with a smile, and we giggled.

My mother tried to dispel most of my nervousness during lunch, and it really helped. Now, I was seated in front of my study table, reviewing most of my notes. I wanted to be among at least the top ten. It's been a while since I kept in touch with Daisy, and I knew she would understand. Maybe we can spend the vacation together on a holiday trip. But for now, I need to focus on learning, which is an important thing.

In the blink of an eye, the weekend was over, and I found myself standing in front of my class, holding my stationery, ready for the exams as prepared as I would ever be. They were arranging us according to our index numbers, so once your name was called, you waved, got searched, and took your seat. Within a few minutes, I was already in my seat. It didn't help that Cody was sitting beside me on my right. I did my best not to look at him.

The exam papers were soon distributed, and we were given five minutes to skim through them. Immediately after that, the bell rang, and the exams began. It was relatively easy because what I had studied appeared in the questions, and I was super happy that I could answer them.

During the break, I looked for Miles, and he said his exams went well too. And just like that, it was Friday again, which meant today was the last paper. We would be given one week off after today, and by the time we returned, the results would be posted on the notice boards.

Once the exams were done, I grabbed my bag and started walking towards where my car was parked, not waiting for anyone. I opened the car and tossed my bag onto the back seat, fastening my seatbelt. Before I could start driving, someone knocked on the window several times. 'Did I get caught easily?' I thought, feeling super tense, thinking someone had discovered my secret of having this luxury car. I rolled down the window and released a breath when I realized it was Miles. I opened the passenger door for him, and he hopped in.

“Where is your car, Miles?" I asked, waiting for an answer. I knew I had left home before him, but he had a car. “Just drive, Millie, and roll the window down for me." I did just that, but I still needed an answer. There was definitely something my brother wasn't telling me.

“I'm already curious, so spill it," I asked when we were nowhere near the school, stuck in traffic. “I needed an excuse to bail out. My friends wanted to hang out with the girls in my car. I just don't want any trouble, so I told them my car broke down this morning," Miles said with a laugh, and I joined in.

“I thought hanging out was your thing, so why are you avoiding it?" I looked at him, and he chuckled. “It's never been my thing; it's just a way to make friends," he replied with a smirk. “And how did you get to school today, if I may ask?" “Dad dropped me off a few minutes after you left." I laughed at him.

Having caring parents is something I wish everyone had. My parents decided to make the one-week break super exciting for us. So, today, we went to the amusement park, and I was thrilled. Miles called it girlish, but I didn't mind. Yesterday, we went to the cinema for a horror movie, and today was the last day before we went back to school tomorrow. We had been spending every day doing something fun. Dad had taken a week off just to spend quality time with us.

“What would you like to do next, Millie?" My dad asked, and I saw Miles roll his eyes. I chuckled and pointed to the roller coaster. “I'm afraid of heights, Dad," Miles protested, and I laughed. “I'll pass, honey," my mother added, and I went with dad. It was super fun and exciting. Afterward, we had some snacks and then headed home. I couldn't wait to tell Alicia about how I spent the week.

“The results are on the notice boards. You all can take a look," I heard the SRC president say as I arrived at school, and students rushed over. I walked reluctantly to the notice board, and my heart was beating faster than I liked. I spotted our class list, and I was amazed. My name was at the top, followed by Manuel and then Alicia. I had actually topped the class. I smiled and whistled my way back to class.

As soon as I entered the class, everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at me with curious looks. I shrugged and took my seat. “I'm proud of you, Millie. I didn't know you were that brilliant," Alicia said with a genuine smile, and I nodded. “You did well too, Alicia. Our hard work paid off. I had an exciting week. Would you like to hear all about it?" Alicia nodded, and I spent the rest of the time briefing her on how I had spent the weekend.

“I always knew you were a nerd, and you just confirmed it today," Cody said, resting his hands on my table. I frowned because he was standing too close for my liking. “You know what happens to nerds in this class. They're really fun to play with. You can ask Alicia and Manuel how much fun they had while you weren't here. Welcome to the nerdy team," Cody added sarcastically, and I rolled my eyes.

“What's the point of being brilliant without being beautiful?" Isabella chimed in. “I bet no guy has even looked your way since you arrived at this school. How pathetic." I wasn't going to let their comments get to me. They were just jealous because I had topped the class, and as a new student at that.

The class quieted down when Miss Daniella, our academic tutor, walked in. “Hello, class. I am super impressed with your performance this term. You all did amazingly well, and I'm proud of you, Millie. I want you all to applaud yourselves and please maintain good behavior. The main exams are just around the corner, and I would be happy if you all advance to the next year. Enjoy the rest of the day."

School was soon over. Most teachers spoke about our performance in their subjects and motivated us to do even better. I showed my report card to Mom and Dad, and they were overjoyed for me. Dad promised to give me a surprise gift. I was happy for Miles too. He was third in his class, which was a first since he usually hovered around the middle.

After dinner, I talked to Daisy about my achievement and it seems she was also doing well in her high school.