Don't Let Me Go (Book 1)

Chapter 36

When Bianca said that I wouldn't be bothered again, it wasn't a joke. Throughout the week, My days in school went by smoothly. Logan and I went our separate ways and other students did the same. I resumed work the very next day Bianca and I talked as I didn't like the idea of skipping work and still getting paid. At work, the only time Logan and I came in contact were times when I brought him his coffee and I maintained little to no conversation and other times when we ran into each other randomly, he would just stare at me for a while then walk away.

Bianca, on the other hand, became my new headache. We drew closer very quickly and our relationship became the new whispers in the school. she didn't get along with Gorge as she believed that he always stole my attention away from her. She had this obsessive attitude towards me which was beginning to get creepy. The other day she scolded me for giving my phone number to Gorge and Gorge had to make matters worse by saying that he and I were soul mates resulting in a childish argument that got me angry. I can't forget how she followed me around the whole day just a apologize and make sure I didn't hate her and stop being friends with her.

And most importantly. That same week, It was announced that. We will be writing our mid-semester CA on Monday. Great, I didn't have much time to prepare and my so-called friend wasn't helping matters.

Knowing that I shouldn't take things seriously since I resumed at mid-semester, I began an endless study. Studying at any chance that I Get. Especially at night after work. I deprived myself of sleep for 4 days straight all because of the CA. To help myself further, I often entered the library in the Max mansion, pretending to do my job while I studied with the books in the library.

I stood in front of the department and notice board, while the entire school was in chaos. After all that sleepless night and studying. I found it hard to believe what I was seeing. Yes, I had plans of becoming one of the top 10 in the department, but I never planned to become number one on my first CA. Just when I was finally living a peaceful life in this school. I had to call trouble upon myself. First place, and as a result, Logan came second while Bianca came third. In my heart, I was overwhelmed with joy, But deep down, I can't help but worry. I heard whispers and mummers, everyone was surprised, some even cursed me and called me names, and some suspected that I cheated during the CA. I felt their deadly stares on me as they walked by.

'' Congratulations '' A familiar female voice suddenly spoke. I looked to my side and saw Bianca. Who heard her eyes focused on the board. I didn't know what to say to her, I didn't know if I should say thank you. I felt this vibe coming from her, anger. She slowly turns to look at me. That smile that she usually gives whenever she sees me was nowhere to be found. She wasn't frowning but anyone could tell that she was angry and disappointed. Why was she disappointed in me? What did I do wrong? '' Congratulations Maria... Your family would be very proud '' With that she turned around to leave but I could not help but call her name

'' Bianca '' the name came out weaker than planned. She stopped at her track

'' We will talk tomorrow Maria '' She spoke coldly without sparing me a glance and walked away. I stood watching her fade, out of sight. I felt sick in my belly. What is this? Did I do something wrong? Shouldn't a friend be happy for her friend? Typical rich kid who doesn't want me to go higher than her.

Almost immediately Bianca left. I was called to the staff office. When I arrived I wasn't surprised by their reaction. I mean, I took the spot of one of the most important students, definitely, they will....

**********
'' Maria.. I am giving you one more chance to confess.. did you or did you not cheat during the test? '' The school principal backed at me and I stood in front of him like a helpless prey. I didn't cheat and it was the truth. I can't confess to what I didn't do because not only will it cause me trouble, but my scholarship may be taken away from me.

'' I didn't '' I saw the rage in his eyes as he stared down at me like he would kill me at any minute

'' then how.. how did you.... '' he paused. He looked away in frustration while all the staff watched silently. They were also not pleased with me coming first. They all looked frightened about it. Surrounded by predators in the staff office. A place that was supposed to be the safest place for students in the school. I felt like a prey about to be swallowed. Little did they know that I was a prey who could survive anywhere, even in the predator's belly.

'' Sir.. is it wrong that I passed the CA ''

'' What..? '' shocked at my words

'' I don't see what I did wrong '' I tell him straightly and he almost exploded

'' You this worthless bitch '' he raised his hand to hit me and to my surprise, Miss Valentine stepped in front of me and his hand stopped mid-air

'' Sir.. you got to calm down '' she says

'' is this how you train your student '' he yelled at Miss Valentine

'' I don't believe Maria cheated '' she says and I raise my eyebrow at her words. Does she not value her job for her to stand up to me like that?

'' wow... you are in with her on this right '' he gave a suspicious look while pointing at her

'' Sir... this Test was invigilated by the external board themselves '' she said '' So are you saying that they let a student cheat on their watch '' The principal paused at her words. Then dropped his hands after a while '' Maria was smart enough to gain a scholarship in this school so her coming first place shouldn't be a surprise to us. I believe that Logan underestimated her and let down his guard and she took the chance '' I frowned. What the fuck is she saying? Is she trying to say Logan let me pass? I watched as the principal slowly calmed down

''let's see how the exams go'' With that he stormed out of the office.

'' well done Valentine '' our maths teacher spoke with a frown '' You obviously do not like your job to play superhero like that ''

'' You know it wouldn't be good for all of us if the principal hits a scholarship student''.

Miss Valentine led me out of the office. I walked slowly behind her. Thinking about what just happened in the office. Typical. '' Maria '' Miss Valentine stopped at her track when we were far from the staff building and outside in the open and I stopped as well. She turned to face me and then smiled

'' Ma'am?''

'' I am sure you are wondering why I stood up for you '' I just nod in response. Miss Valentine stepped forward '' You are very intelligent Maria '' she began '' I have been observing you. Your attendance in my class. Your assignment records, and other teachers confirmed it. For a student who started late, you perform too well. So I don't believe that you cheated ''

'' But what if I cheated? ''

'' You didn't '' she says immediately. There is a CCTV camera in every classroom and the principal knows very well that you didn't cheat. Otherwise, He wouldn't be asking you. '' I gave a slight nod

'' I see '' He was trying to use a strategy to get me to admit what I didn't out of fear.

'' Hang in there Maria '' I felt a bit of sadness in her tone

'' Pardon? '' Confused

'' It may seem like we do not know what goes on but we do. We see everything '' she looks down with guilt '' we are just in no power to do anything. I have watched several scholarship students drop out but you'' she lifts her head to look up at me '' you've held on. Fighting back and somehow, you remained.... '' she smiled '' You only have less than a year here... I believe that you can make it and I will personally cheer for you on your graduation '' she says and I smiled

'' I'll look forward to it ''

The first time in my life having a teacher stand up for me. Usually, they just observe, scared that if they intervene, they will lose their job. And besides, helping me will be of no use. I am that student that can't even pay school fees. Most of them believed that I would drop out soon due to financial instability.