In A World Where Everyone Seeks Attention And Showiness, Real Strength Resides In The Modesty And Genuine Kindness Of The Heart. Embrace Your Down-To-Earth Spirit, Before It Forms The Very Bedrock Of Remarkable Achievements And Authentic Relationships.
- 𝒥uan Collins
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𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐈 | VOLUME ONE. ❝ HARLEM TO THE BEVERLY HILLS ❞ [ HARLEM, NY ]
Upon hearing the resounding bell echoing throughout the campus, Juan instantly recognized that he was running behind schedule, given his mere two-minute distance from the front entrance. He swiftly began jogging towards the school, and as the outside environment grew tranquil, he was certain that he would receive a reprimand from Ms. Green. Due to his late return home and subsequent oversleeping last night, Juan unfortunately missed Roscoe on his way out. He made a personal commitment that the present day would be devoted to catching up on various tasks, particularly school-related matters, as he had been striving for improvement during his final year. The acquisition of his diploma symbolized a momentous achievement for him, and he possessed an unwavering determination to safeguard it. Graduating held an essential significance in his life, and he felt compelled to substantiate this to his family without any doubt.
With his baseball cap casually adjusted, Juan made his way through the school building, tightly gripping his books. Seeking to blend in, he kept his gaze lowered while passing by the principal's office, hoping to avoid drawing her notice. Unfortunately, luck was not on his side, as the creaking of the swinging door and the unmistakable sound of a throat clearing immediately indicated that she had spotted him. Without uttering a single word, he could sense her attention directed his way. Coming to a stop, he turned his head to meet her gaze, feigning a wide smile as she swung the door open wider and gestured for him to come in. Fully aware that he was about to endure another one of her speeches, he couldn't help but emit a slight scoff before reluctantly shuffling his feet towards the office.
Upon entering, Juan's attention was immediately captivated by a familiar face – Shantae's. They exchanged nods, and she responded with a soft smile that didn't expose her teeth. Choosing a seat on the sofa next to her, positioned in front of Ms. Pinkett's desk, he comfortably settled himself down. "So, todays the day you decided to come I see." Ms. Pinkett settled onto her desk chair, flipping open her agenda and powering up her computer to review Juan's attendance. Meanwhile, Juan sat there with a smirk adorning his face, unaware of the amusement he was inciting in Shantae. She fought the urge to burst into laughter at his obliviousness, averting her gaze and twirling her fingers to divert her attention.
"My grandma just caught cancer not too long ago, so I tend to wanna be there for her, feel me? Swear, I'll do better with my attendances." Juan effortlessly spun his web of lies, masking them as truths, causing Shantae to nearly choke on the water she was drinking. She swiftly attempted to compose herself upon noticing Ms. Pinkett's gaze fixed on her, trying to play off her reaction as if it were insignificant, "My fault." Ms. Pinkett shifted her attention to Juan, momentarily setting aside the incident involving Shantae. She adjusted her glasses and then leveled a stern gaze at Juan, placing a hand on her waist while idly playing with a pen on her desk. "Really?" Ms. Pinkett posed her question with a sincere tone, though it carried a hint of skepticism that implied she might be aware of something. This left Juan contemplating whether he should persist with his deception or reconsider his approach.
