Quick as a flash, the teacher handed Lemira a set of questions, “Timer starts now.”
Lemira sat down, grabbed a pen, and dove into the test.
The office fell into a hushed silence, all eyes on Lemira.
The teacher, closest to her, watched Lemira work through the math problems, his eyebrows lifting in surprise. The questions were significantly tougher than those on the last exam, yet Lemira was getting them mostly right! Minutes ticked by.
Evelina, curious about the office’s sudden interest, wandered over and caught sight of Lemira with her test. A bad feeling twisted in her gut.
She sidled up to Alaric, “Alaric, what are you doing? Is Lemmy doing a retake or something?”
Alaric snorted, “Exactly. She refuses to admit she cheated. We’ll make her admit defeat this time.”
Evelina hurried over to Lemira, “Lemmy, don’t be so hard on yourself. We all believe in you. You don’t need to force yourself.”
Lemira didn’t respond or even acknowledge Evelina, determined not to let her break her focus.
Seeing her words had no effect, Evelina bit her lip and glanced back at Alaric, “Alaric, Lemmy is still mad at me.”
Alaric’s patience snapped, “Lemira, Eve’s talking to you. Are you deaf?”
Lemira looked up, “I’m taking a test. Can’t you see?”
Alaric was momentarily lost for words, “Eve’s trying to give you an out. You should take it before you embarrass yourself.”
“Evelina, please don’t disturb Lemira while she’s working on the test. Let’s discuss whatever it is after she’s finished,” the teacher couldn’t stand it anymore and intervened, clearly impressed with Lemira’s performance. It seemed increasingly likely that Lemira hadn’t cheated after all.
Evelina, feeling upset yet trying to play the good girl, said, “I didn’t mean anything by it.”
But deep down, she didn’t want Lemira to prove that she’s capable, couldn’t stand the thought of Lemira outshining her, nor could she allow it to happen.
As she stood there, skepticism crept in. Lemira couldn’t possibly score well, could she? Yet, witnessing Lemira’s recent transformation unnerved her. Finally, time was up.
The teacher collected the test and, along with other faculty members, began grading it swiftly.
Lemira sat calmly, her emotions steady even as Evelina hovered near Alaric. Detachment had shielded her from hurt.
Soon enough, the teacher announced excitedly, “We have the results.”
Evelina peeked over, her heart dark with malice, hoping Lemira had failed.
Alaric spoke coldly, “If it’s bad, let’s not embarrass us by saying it out loud.”
“No, Lemira did exceptionally well! This test was even more challenging than the last, and yet she scored higher!”
Lemira’s anxiety melted away as she heard it, a small smile playing on her lips.
Alaric’s face crumbled as he snatched the test to see for himself. The numbers didn’t lie. Lemira had aced it.
Evelina, standing on tiptoes, also saw the score and felt a surge of jealousy. Since when had Lemira become so capable? This was unimaginable!
The principal, an affable old man, declared, “The truth is clear. Lemira has made incredible progress through her own efforts.”
The teacher nodded in agreement, “Lemira has indeed been working hard.”
Alaric’s expressions flickered like a kaleidoscope, finally settling as he placed the test back on the desk, coming to terms with the fact that Lemira hadn’t cheated. Suddenly, Lemira seemed like a stranger to him.
The principal coughed, “Now that the truth is out, those who slandered Lemira owe her an apology.”
Evelina’s face twisted in embarrassment.