“It’s fine.”
“I’ll get you into Northwood.”
“Okay.”
A month later, I took the SATS as a Northwood student. Two weeks after that, the scores came out. I got a 2350. I was the state’s top scorer.
At Central High, teachers stared at the rankings in disbelief. “Say that again. Who’s the top
scorer?!”
Mr. Davies’s eyes were bloodshot. “How did
Katie end up at Northwood?! I told you to ruin her! Why does he get to benefit?!”
Mr. Thompson stammered, “We filed the report,
just like you said…”
“Issue a statement!”
As news of my perfect score spread, online
rumors started circulating. “Katie used to be at
Central. They expelled her for bad behavior.”
“She cheated on the joint exam and got a zero.”
<
“Maybe she cheated on the SATS too…”
- )
Northwood’s principal, Mr. Evans, was ecstatic. He gave interviews, beaming. His school had the state’s top scorer! So what if she used to
be at Central? She was a Northwood student
now.
A reporter asked, “Was Katie expelled for bad behavior, or did Northwood poach her?”
Mr. Evans chuckled. “Don’t believe everything you read online. We’re honored that such an outstanding student chose Northwood. Some
people resort to slander when they can’t have
what they want.”
Mr. Davies, watching the interview, ground his teeth. He was about to pull some strings and
find out what happened, but then the school
board announced a visit and graduation
ceremony. They specifically requested to see
- me.
634
<
Mr. Davies panicked. “Where am I supposed to
find her? She’s at Northwood!”
Mr. Thompson was sweating. “Maybe… call
her? She was here for three years. She can’t be
that heartless.”
“You want me to beg that brat?”
“But the school board…”
Mr. Davies closed his eyes. “Fine. Call her.”
I was unpacking souvenirs from my dad when
they called. “Sure,” I said.
Mr. Thompson was stunned. “You’ll come?”
I chuckled. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“See you at graduation, Katie.”
The auditorium was packed. I saw the school
634
administrators glaring at me. Mr. Davies forced a smile. “You’ve really outdone yourself, Katie.”
“Just getting started,” I said, smiling back.
They didn’t understand. Then the ceremony began. My dad, representing the school board, went onstage. As the spotlight hit him, I walked toward him, as the administrators gaped.
“Dad, get down. I’m giving the speech.”
The auditorium erupted. “Mr. Lee is Katie’s dad?!”
My dad chuckled, handing me the microphone. “Any objections to hearing a few words from
our state’s top scorer?”
No one dared object.
I took out a recorder and pressed play.
<
10:31
Mr. Thompson’s voice: “She agreed?”
Mr. Davies: “Of course. You think I can’t handle
a little girl?”
Mr. Thompson: “No, no, sir! You’re brilliant! She seemed so sweet, but she’s a real
troublemaker.”
Mr. Davies: “She’s just bitter about the early admission. Trying to prove something. Nothing to worry about.”
Mr. Thompson: “But… are you really giving her
the spot? Mr. Parker made a generous
donation…”
Mr. Davies: “Of course not. Just stringing her
along. We’ll find an excuse after the joint
exam.”
