Chapter 3
“Damn, Jeanice is amazing! She solved a problem even Anderson couldn’t!”
“Looks like it’s official–she’s taking the top spot from Anderson.”
The class buzzed with laughter and chatter. Then someone suddenly said
THA
H
“Hey, do you think Jeanice and Anderson would make a good couple?
“They’re both good–looking and total brainiacs!”
ever.
8
“Hard to say. We’re in the same class, but I’ve never seen them talk. Like,
“Besides, Anderson has a girlfriend.
“And she’s nothing like Jeanice. I don’t think she’s his type.”
“Whatever. Jeanice is totally my type.”
“Pfft! You think she even knows you exist?”
***
I heard it all and just smiled to myself. I didn’t really care.
While I was focused on the competition questions, I didn’t notice Anderson turning to glance at me. His expression was unreadable.
Right before the competition were our midterms.
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Chapter 3
That time, I finally beat Anderson and took first place in the science
stream.
The class saw it happen. They all congratulated me.
I thanked them one by one, but my mind was already on the upcoming competition.
On the day of the finals, I didn’t waste the four–hour sleep nights I’d endured for weeks.
Every other second had gone to prep.
With math, talent matters most–but hard work counts too.
I never thought I had some special gift.
I just wanted to be the kind of person who works hard.
So when I won gold, I felt proud.
I was proud that I’d really changed. That I’d made it this far.
And from the judges‘ table, I finally saw the person I’d been hoping to
meet.
“Professor Jeremy,” I said, summoning my courage, “I want to be your student.”
He blinked, surprised. Then his eyes softened with approval.
“You like aerospace?”
I nodded, firm and eager.
He smiled and gave me his number.
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Chapter 3
He said I could come find him when I was ready.
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That was the point of everything–to earn a guaranteed university placement by Grade 11 so I could go to Midnight Pack in Grade 12 and study college–level material with him.
I could also start earning early to pay back the Neal family’s 150,000 dollars.
My math teacher patted my shoulder with pride.
This path won’t be easy, Jeanice. But with a dream like that, I’ll back you up all the way.”
After the competition, I did everything I set out to do.
I met the person I wanted to meet and told him my dream.
Everything was going exactly how I planned. I was happy.
Feeling relaxed, I wandered the streets for a while.
I didn’t head back to the hotel until after dark. I had to wake early to catch the train back to the pack.
But when I got to the entrance, I saw Anderson.
He looked like he was waiting for someone. I didn’t ask.
Like everyone said, we barely knew each other in this life.
I was about to walk past him without a word, but he stepped in front of
- me.
I paused, looking up into his shadowed eyes.
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“The teacher saw you weren’t back and asked me to
check.”
He got straight to the point. I nodded, a little embarrassed.
“Sorry. I lost track of time. Thanks. You should go rest–early start tomorrow.”
I turned to leave.
I had only taken two steps when someone grabbed my wrist.
I froze. Looked back, confused.
“Anderson? Something else?”
He didn’t answer. Just stared at me, his eyes dark and stormy with something I couldn’t read.
Then, after a long pause, he spoke.
“Did I do something to you?”
The question caught me off guard.
I blinked. “No-”
“Then why do you keep avoiding me?”
f
His gaze was steady and intense. Like he really needed to know.
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