Scandal & Scholarship

Chapter 2 (Ambrosia's POV)

"I'm fine," I said, though I wasn't exactly sure. Am I really fine?

"Are you sure?" The words echoed, but the voice was different from the one in my head. It was Mrs. Lind's voice, the university counselor and my therapist since I started studying medicine at Hawthorne University.

"Yes, I am quite sure. I am totally fine; the day couldn't be better," I replied, the lie barely convincing even to myself. Exactly who are we lying to, Ambry?

"And how were you feeling throughout the week? Any changes you noticed?" she asked.

"No, nothing," I answered quickly. "Actually, I have been way too busy with my studies and rounds this whole week to notice a wink. I think I'm finally going to get the only spot in the neurosurgery department."

Mrs. Lind thought for a few moments before continuing. "Ambrosia, have you ever considered the possibility of not getting the spot? Not that I doubt your abilities, but have you ever wondered how you would react to that possibility?"

My hands grew sweaty, and I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white, unsure of what to say. I took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds, and then exhaled softly. "No, I'm not going to let that happen. I've worked day and night for this, and I'm not going to let anything get between me and my goal now."

She sighed, a gentle but concerned sound. "Ambrosia, what exactly is your goal? Is it being a good doctor or being the top in the university? You have to let yourself relax a little and not be too hard on yourself. Wanting to excel at everything can make you feel disappointed in yourself at the slightest difficulty. You should know that sometimes failure or not getting what you aimed for is part of success too. It's okay to let yourself relax and enjoy what you want to do with your heart. Think about it, note what you feel, and tell me next time, okay?"

"Yes," I replied, feeling a mix of emotions as I exited the room, unsure of what I was feeling.

I was snapped out of my daze by a smooth voice. "Ambry, Ambry, let's go. We gotta check the appointment list; it's already up on the board." Recognizing the voice as Lily, my closest friend in this tough, competitive environment, I registered the information she just shared.

"Okay, any idea what's going to happen?" I asked as we started walking toward the notice board.

She sighed. "Aside from you getting the best spot? Nothing. Oh, now that I think about it, there has been a landslide near the outskirts, so a few of us are going to be sent there for volunteering, I think. But I heard there are no other modes of transportation except rope-climbing down from a helicopter. Imagine how big of a disaster it would have been if it were you."

Just thinking about it gave me goosebumps. As we arrived near the notice board, Lily spoke again, her voice filled with concern. "I think the disaster is bound to occur, Ambry. Look."

She sounded shocked, and I turned my gaze toward the notice board, skimming through the names. My eyes stopped at mine, only to see I was listed under the volunteer team. My hands turned cold, and my vision started to blur. No, no, this can't be happening. This cannot happen to me. I frantically searched for the neurosurgery department notice, only to see the name of the most undeserving, rich, spoiled brat there instead of mine: Seraphine Cavendish. That bitch. I don't know what she did or how she did it, but I am sure this is her doing.

This day couldn't be worse. What am I going to do now? I am doomed!

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