Crushing On The Enemy

26 - disappointments & reconciliations

**Two Weeks Later**

Soraya's POV

As we all rush toward the notice board to check our mock exam results, an overwhelming wave of nervousness engulfs me. Despite knowing I gave my best, this being a new school filled with new students, I have no idea what to expect. Around me, a mix of emotions ripple through the crowd — some students jubilantly celebrate their success, others hang their heads in disappointment, while a few remain indifferent, their faces portraying no emotion.

I push my way through the sea of students, my heart pounding in my chest. Finally reaching the front, I pause for a moment, taking a deep, steadying breath before scanning the board for my name. My eyes finally land on my name, and I'm stunned to see that I'm 15th out of 60 students in the Science track. I've never even been 4th or 5th before because I was always part of the best three students so this comes as a shock.

I glance at the top of the list and see that Henry finally snatched the 1st position, dethroning Micah. So Micah's dad didn't come to the rescue this time. Melody secured the 2nd spot, Micah is in 3rd, Nathan placed 6th, and Natalie is 8th. The only student in this nemesis circle of ours that ranked below me is Sedinam, who placed 25th.

Feeling a mix of shame and embarrassment, I quickly retreat from the notice board, my hands trembling slightly. How could this have happened? The thought of my mother's disappointment weighs heavily on me.

I make my way to the school garden, more like the secret lovers garden only the students are aware of. The garden is quiet, with only the faint rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds breaking the silence. Finding a large rock, I sit down heavily, letting my emotions overwhelm me. Tears begin to flow as I sob uncontrollably.

Suddenly, I feel a gentle hand on my shoulder. Startled, I look up to see Nathan standing beside me. Great, now he's seen the ugly side of me. I know my crying face is hideous. Without a word, he kneels in front of me and gently wipes away my tears with his thumb, his touch surprisingly comforting.

"A year ago, I ranked 60th out of 60 in our end-of-term exams," he confesses, a hint of humor in his voice. I shoot him a surprised glare, my tears momentarily forgotten.

"Really?" I ask, taken aback. He chuckles at my reaction, clearly amused.

"Well, not because I was dumb. I just didn't write any of the papers," he explains.

"Why didn't you?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

"I had an ear infection. My ear got so swollen, I thought they were going to cut it off," he says, his tone light despite the seriousness of his words.

I burst out laughing, the image of Nathan with a swollen ear too comical to resist. I reach out and gently tug on one of his ears. "Your already big ear got swollen? I would have loved to see that," I tease, a smile creeping onto my face.

Nathan laughs along with me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Standing up, he offers me his hand and helps me to my feet.

"So, would you rather be 15th or end up like me and carry the entire science class?" he asks, a playful smile on his lips.

His words make me smile despite being sad. "I know you're intelligent, Soraya. I saw it when we worked on our project together. Don't lose hope. Now that you know who you're up against, you just need to strive to do better," he says.

"This is so embarrassing, though, Nathan," I say, my voice filled with frustration. "To think I sarcastically called you brainless the first time we came to school together. And now you've beaten me! I can't stand it." I bury my face in my hands, mortified.