I called my “loser dad.” He didn’t pick up, but
texted me, “Just arrived at the US Embassy.
What’s up, sweetie?”
<
I thought, Oh, nothing, just someone calling us
losers.
He sent me $500. “Treat yourself. Daddy’s got
a meeting. I’ll bring you souvenirs when I get
back.”
Back in class, Ashley was bragging, “Oh, early
admission, no big deal.” Her friends sneered at
- me. I sat down and ignored them. When
Henderson called me after class, I walked right
past him. He grabbed my arm. “Next Friday,
there’s a city physics competition. You’re
representing our school. Prepare this week…”
Loud enough for the whole class to hear, I said,
“Not going.”
His jaw dropped. The other students were
stunned. “Is Katie sick?” “She loves
competitions!” “She’s just mad about the early
admission.”
<
Mr. Henderson sputtered, “It’s a school honor!”
“Who cares?”
He was furious. “I always gave you priority! This
is how you repay me?”
Ashley strutted over. “I’ll go, Mr. Henderson. I only missed five points on the physics section
last time.”
“Good girl, Ashley. I knew I could count on you.” He glared at me. “Ungrateful brat.”
After he left, Ashley confronted me. “Don’t think
you’re so special. I’ll beat you at the
competition.”
I skipped studying for the competition and went
home. My sister–in–law, who was watching my
nephew, was surprised. “Aren’t you prepping for
the competition?”
“How did you know about it?”
“I’m proctoring. Since you’re here, come with
me.”
“Why?”
“Don’t you want to try the physics problems?
They have two new question types, really
challenging.”
I was hooked. Besides music, I loved solving
puzzles. The next day, I went to the testing
center with my sister–in–law. She gave me an
office to work on the problems. Near the end,
she stormed in. “Some girl was cheating. I took
down her ID number.” She picked up my
completed test. “Done?”
“Almost.”
“I’ll take this to the grading team. You can go
home.”
<
10:30
Outside, I ran into Ashley, Mr. Henderson, and her posse. They surrounded me. “What are you doing here?” “Jealous much?” “Probably wants that prize money.”
Mr. Henderson chimed in, “You had your
chance.”
I frowned. “I’m stalking?”
Ashley smirked. “How else would you know
where the testing center is?”
“None of your business.”
“Don’t be a bitch!”
“Buzz off.”
Her friend interjected, “She’s just jealous,
Ashley.”
“You too.” I said.
L
10:30
Finally, Mr. Henderson intervened. “Ashley, how did you do?”
Ashley beamed. “Piece of cake. I’ll definitely get
first place.”
Her friends gushed. Mr. Henderson was
ecstatic. “I heard the new question types were
tough. Even Katie… Well, I’m so proud of you,
Ashley!”
Ashley smiled. “Katie can’t compare to me.
She’s my loser.”
