Heart Me

Chapter 19

Kayla's POV

"Exams are starting on Monday. You've skipped several classes this semester, Kayla. I'm keeping a closer eye on you. If your grades drop, I'll have to involve the board. Melanie might have been lenient because she's your aunt, but I think you need a push. Let's be frank, have you prepared for the exams?" Mr. Robins leaned forward, his voice laced with concern.

"I don't really need to," I shrugged, irritation creeping into my voice. Why were adults always breathing down my neck about my studies? My aunt and dad insisted I never reached my potential, but my mom had no issues with my study habits. My grades were stellar; I consistently ranked among the top students. What more did they want?

"What? Kayla, I understand your perspective, but your academic record shows uneven performance. Your strengths are commendable, but Linguistics is dragging down your overall performance," Principal Robins explained, tapping his pen against the desk.

"I'm working on it. No need to worry," I sighed.

"By skipping Linguistics classes?" He sighed deeply. "Next semester, you'll be in 12th grade. It's time to get serious. Skipping classes because of one subject isn't the solution. This semester has been a waste already," he rubbed his temples wearily. "You can go back to class now; I have a meeting at 3 pm. But we're not done discussing this. Have a nice weekend and do some reading. I'll have your Linguistics teacher provide extra materials. You may leave." He sighed again.

"Okay, thank you. Have a nice weekend too, Sir," I replied politely, rising from my seat. I walked to the door, then turned back. "Say hi to Evie and Clarke for me," I added with a smile.

"You know my kids?" Principal Robins raised an eyebrow, a smile spreading across his face as he nodded. "Alright, I'll pass on your greetings," he chuckled, clearly curious how I knew his children.

I exited the office and closed the door behind me carefully. Passing Ms. Jade's desk, I greeted her with a smile. She glanced up from her computer, surprised.

"Hey, Ms. Jade," I greeted cheerfully.

"Hello there, Kayla! How are you?" Ms. Jade replied warmly.

"I'm good. Just heading back to class. Have a nice day," I waved as I walked away.

"You too, take care, Kayla," she called after me.

That morning, a pang of homesickness hit me. I missed my parents and my brother. I avoided contacting them while at school to prevent dwelling on my homesickness, which could dampen my spirits. The semester was nearly over, and I looked forward to spending a week with them before heading to the compulsory senior camp. Was the camp really necessary? Unfortunately, it was mandatory for all Astra High students. They left us with just three weeks of holidays— one before camp and two after, before returning to school. Thankfully, the school felt like a second home.

***

"It's unbelievable, can you imagine Mr. Robins called me into his office to lecture me about my grades," I complained to Grace later that day. We were sprawled out on her bed, my head resting in her lap as she absentmindedly played with my hair.

Grace burst into laughter. "I swear, I'll never understand their obsession with grades. Your grades are outstanding, except for Linguistics. Seriously, if he's concerned about your grades, what about the students with the lowest marks?"

"I heard he's planning to make tutoring mandatory for struggling students. My aunt kept it optional, so most students avoided it," I remarked.

"That might actually help. By the way, count me in on your team. I can't deal with Mia's," Grace muttered.