Screen of Secrets

Chapter 8

Fredric

I can't believe it—I'm sixth from the top. How did this happen? How is it possible? I mean, I studied hard for this test, but I've always worked hard. Why did it happen now? Maybe the "Be with Me" program was my lucky charm.

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Classes are over, and now it's time for the principal's speech about the toppers and their progress. I can't concentrate today, whether it's because of my nervousness about scoring high or my excitement.

"-so now we call our achiever, Fredric Elevanz."

The clapping begins. Did the principle just call my name? No, I must be hearing things because of excitement.

"Fredric Elevanz? Please come on the stage."

Oh, he did call me. All the students are looking at me. I feel a knot in my stomach from all the eyes on me as I walk to the stage without realizing it, and now I'm here.

"So here is our new brilliant student, Fredric Elevanz."

The applause is so loud at my name that, for a minute, I think I must be dreaming.

"He was in the bottom ten last month and didn’t make it above 50 last year, but Mr. Elevanz has done a great job this time. From the bottom list to the top, he has come a long way. I hope this journey of Mr. Elevanz continues, and I encourage all students to try harder. It's not impossible; you can achieve what Mr. Elevanz has done. Now, let's hear a big round of applause for Mr. Elevanz."

The sound of clapping echoes in my ears, but today it feels nice. I'm relieved that in these ceremonies, the principal or teachers don't hand the mic to the toppers or ask them to give an unprepared speech.

Miss Nisaan gives me a nod of approval to return to my place, so I go back and stand until the assembly is over.
Now I am behind the school walking with Evan and Nathan, to home.

"You did a great job, Fred." Evan says smiling.

"Thank you, Eve. You did too." I replied.

"Congrats, bud. You even scored higher than me, but how did you do it?" Nathan asks sounding curious.

"Come on, Nathan, he studied hard. He even stopped hanging out with us and lied to me about going to a wedding just so he could study." Evan explains.

"You—you knew about it?" I ask surprisingly.

"Of course. Do you think I'm stupid enough to believe your parents would take you to a wedding just before the test day? Plus, I heard your mom talking to your dad about going on a trip, the last time I was at your home. And you know what the date she said, that day when the test was over not before that." Evan says.

"Yeah, it was the next day. I'm sorry for lying." I admit.

"It's okay, bud." Nathan says trying to be supportive.

"It's not okay for me, Nathan. How can you say that without asking me?" Evan says angrily.

"Chill, Evan. It's not a big deal.", Nathan turned to me and continued, " You were telling about how did you score high?" Nathan asks.

"You really want to know?" I ask.

"Yes, I do."  Nathan replies.

"No, I don't, and don't call me Eve again. I'm going home now." Evan says storming off.

"Hey, Evan, I guess she's really angry that I lied to her." I tried to stop her but she left.

"Don't worry, I'll talk to her. You were telling me about how you scored high, right?" Nathan says trying to get back on track.

"Yeah, umm... actually, it wasn't me." I say hesitantly.

"What do you mean? Did you swap seats with someone else?" Nathan asks confusingly.

"No, not like that. Something helped me study." I say.

"What thing?" Nathan says.

"A program." I say.

"A program?" Nathan asks.