When Lemira thought she couldn’t take it anymore, Evelina finally showed up, panting and apologetic, “I’m so sorry, I got caught up planning the game with Ari and the crew, totally lost track of time.” Caspian, ever so cool, replied, “No worries, you’re pitching in for the family. Beats being a ungrateful wretch.”
The driver, in a calm tone, reassured, “No problem, I’ll step on it.”
Yet, they still ended up late. Rushing to the classroom, they were caught red-handed by their teacher.
Evelina, pale and out of breath, stammered, “I’m so sorry. It’s all on me. I held Lemmy up.”
Lemira kept a straight face, silent.
The teacher glanced at them, softening a bit towards Evelina, “I get it, no need for a long explanation. Head on in.”
“Thank you.”
As Lemira followed, the teacher’s stern voice stopped her, “Lemira, don’t slow Evelina down again. This is your last warning!”
Lemira turned, “Sir, Evelina already explained. It’s her, not me.”
“Enough. I know your type all too well. Argue again, and you’ll stand through class.”
Not wanting to miss the lesson, already falling behind, Lemira bit her tongue and entered, feeling worse than ever. She longed for the exams, her ticket out of there.
During lunch, Evelina was the star, surrounded by admirers eager to hear about her e-sports team adventures.
A sidekick of her sneered at Lemira, “Some are just jealous of Eve, dragging her down on purpose.”
Evelina smiled, not bothering to correct them. Lemira rested her head on the desk, ignoring the chatter.
After school, Evelina flaunted her plans as she gazed at Lemira, “Off to the training camp.”
Lemira silently packed up, her back to Evelina, who, looking at the former, smirked at her victory. To her sidekicks, Evelina delegated, “Homework, as usual. Don’t get caught.” “Don’t worry about us. Chase your dream, we’ve got your back.”
“Thanks, I will pay you back.”
Evelina left delightedly, determined to overshadow Lemira and prove herself the rightful Langston heiress.
—
Carrying her backpack, Lemira headed straight for the infirmary.
Orion sat on a chair gracefully, his expression tinged with amusement, “What’s up?”
“Hmm, I’m here to study, if that’s okay?” Lemira walked in like she owned the place, hoping he wouldn’t drive her away.
Orion was taken aback by her boldness, expecting someone more timid. Yet, when Lemira asked questions, she got an earful.
“Can’t your brain hold onto anything?
Figure out the simple stuff on your own.”
Lemira took the scolding, jotting down notes.
The room was quiet, and her growling stomach betrayed her hunger, which made her flushed despite the fact that she ate a bread earlier.
Taking a glance at the time, Orion ordered food, “Let’s eat first.”
Facing him, Lemira noticed the scar on his wrist and couldn’t help but ask, “When did you have that accident? Was it bad?”
Orion quietly set up the meal.
“It’s been years,” he said, his gaze clouded as he looked at Lemira.
“Me too. My parents died in a crash, leaving just my brothers and me.”
Lemira recalled her reliance on her brothers, a bitter smile on her lips. After their parents’ death, life was tough but they were close. Then Evelina came, and everything changed. Orion clenched his cutlery, “What’s your plan?”
“I’m aiming for Orvin University. Leave this town, start fresh.”
“How ambitious. With your grades? Dreaming of Orvin University is a long shot.”