“Lemmy, now’s not the time to throw a fit. If the Dravens come knocking, it won’t just be you in hot water. The Langstons will be dragged into this mess too.” Lemira replied with a scoff, “Don’t worry, I won’t drag you into anything.”
“It’s not up to you to decide whether or not we get involved. You’re not seeing the big picture here. Alaric has already smoothed things over with Dorian. All you need to do is apologize to Mr. Draven, clear the air, and he won’t hold you accountable once you explain everything.” Lemira frowned, “I refuse. I’ve got more important things to do right now.”
“Lemira, when will you stop this nonsense? And what could possibly be more important than sorting this out?”
Jessica raised her voice, “Obviously, attending the celebration of our city’s top student is way more important.”
Lucian frowned, “I heard the top scorer is in your school, but that’s their achievement, not yours, Lemira. You need to focus on sorting your own issues instead of just going along for the ride.”
Jessica’s voice grew louder, “Because if Lemira doesn’t show up at the celebration, it can’t start.”
Lucian’s tone turned sour, “Lemira isn’t the guest of honor, why wait for her to kick things off?”
“Because our beloved Lemira is the city’s top student! How could the celebration go on without her?”
Jessica finally let out the news she’d been dying to share, feeling the attitude of Lemira’s brother was dissatisfied. He didn’t care about her score and just bombarded her with reprimand, asking her to apologize. “What did you say? Lemira is the top scorer?”
“That’s right. Seems like the only ones out of the loop were the Langstons. And you’re supposed to be her brother, not even caring about her.”
Lucian’s head buzzed; he seemed a bit shocked in disbelief. He could never think of Lemira to reach the top spot.
As he looked up, a banner at the
school caught Lucian’s eye, proclaiming, “Congratulations to Lemira for securing the top rank in the city.” The joyful message stung him at that moment.
Unable to grasp the reality, he ventured, “But I heard your grades suffered because of that faulty stationery.”
Lemira’s reply was thick with sarcasm, “And your point is?”
Lucian awkwardly swallowed, “Lemmy, I’m just surprised and happy for you. This is shocking news.”
No one expected a Langston to be the city’s top student!
Jessica clarified, “The student who botched the exam wasn’t Lemira, but someone else. Evelina just pinned it on Lemira, probably out of jealousy for fearing Lemira scoring higher than her. That’s why she made the slanderous comments in advance.”
Lucian reflexively defended, “Eve’s not like that. It must’ve been the faulty stationery scandal. She didn’t mean anything by it.”
Even he had harbored the same doubts. But the surprise Lemira had in store was beyond anyone’s imagination.
Soon, the principal, teachers, and reporters gathered around.
The principal glanced at Lucian, saying, “Lucian, you’re just in time. Join us for the celebration.”
A reporter thrust a microphone at Lucian, “Lemira’s academic leap in the last few months is remarkable As her family, your support must’ve been crucial. Mind if I ask if you have any advice to share with us?