All For You

Going wrong

Part 12

The bell rang , setting the students in hurry. They scrambled for their books in their lockers hurriedly, trying not to be late for the first morning class.
Emerald could see the sour expression on Gabi's face. She've once complained about Mathematics being her worst subject since this final year in college. The dislike for the subject was written on her face. Emerald only smiled to this.
Realizing there is no time to waste, she quickly took out her books and writing materials then hurried to class.
In the next twenty minutes, the class had gone serious and active as the students solved few problems on their scrapbook.
Mr Collard's class is one of a kind. Serious, interesting and full of lengthy explanations. He's from Texas but was transferred to Pinkston High through some kind of connection. The final year student's former Maths mistress was involved in a fatal accident so the principal needed to get a new teacher to teach them. With Collard's personality, he was appointed to teach them with a huge salary. His first class was intriguing which made the students much interested in the subject.
" Is anyone done with the problems ? ", he asked, his voice loud enough in the quiet class.
Emerald watched Collard's mouth frame up her name, " Miss Allison, help us out with the first problem ".
She took a quick glance on her scrapbook where she have done the working before she quietly stood up, then walked to the whiteboard.
" Here ", Collard handled her the marker. " Work the first problem out ".
She took it from him then solved the quietly. She took a step back from the whiteboard when she was done.
Collard glanced at her work. " Are you sure you're done ? ", his voice contained amusement.
Why is he sounding like that ? Is anything wrong ?, she thought, peering at the whiteboard. She couldn't find anything wrong with her work.
" I'm done ", she told him, fazed at his answer which was ", Incorrect ".
How ? How is it incorrect ?
" Anyone else ? ", he turned to the class.
" I ", the voice was cool and bold. The class turned to the direction of the female voice. It was Mandy.
She stood up boldly, smirked then walked to the whiteboard.
" I will ", she took the marker from Emerald then wrote something on the whiteboard in a swift.
" Correct ! ", Collard sounded much marvelled. " Never knew there's a mathematician here. Are you the new girl I heard about ? ".
" Yes Sir ".
" Never knew there's a student this smart ".
" Count on me then ", she smiled as she brushed past Emerald. She winked her then gave her an annoying grin. Embarrassment crept into Emerald's heart. Who the hell is this girl ?,  She thought as she walked back to her seat.
In the next four minutes, the lesson was over. Emerald sighed sadly. She just got embarrassed. Well, maybe the next class might make things better, she thought.
Unluckily, her expectations didn't go well.The second class was a nightmare. The same girl. She seems good in everything.
" Loser ", She smirked as walked past Emerald who was arranging her books in her locker.
Loser ? Did she just call her a loser ? How dare her ? She watched her walk away with a pair of girls who were giggling in satisfaction.
During lunch, she remained silent at the table. Zain and Gabi were the only ones chatting.
" Why are you so quiet ? ", Gabi suddenly asked, ceasing their chat. Emerald stared back sheepishly at the two pair of eyes gazing at her.
" Nothing ", she quickly picked up her fork with a forced smile to act fine but with the look in their eyes, it was already known to them that she isn't fine.
" Is it because of Zarin ? ", Gabi stared at her for an answer.
" Yes, it is ", she smiled a bit.
" Oh so sorry. Everything might end today  ", her voice was convincing and calm enough. She's a nice girl, Emerald thought.
Zain chuckled. " She's not happy about what happened in class today. She's feeling embarrassed and low ", he pointed out.
Emerald felt like slapping him so hard .What's his business anyway ? How did he know? Is that so obvious ? !
Gabi averted her gaze from Zain to her. " Is that true ? ", she seems so concerned.
Emerald looked down at her food calmly
" Yes ".
" There's no need to feel bad. Most times, I do envy you. You're brilliant ".
She raised her face to Gabi, impressed on how she could make people feel better. Where did she learn how to talk like that ? Or is she naturally nice ?
" Thank you ", she smiled.

Once it was free time, she headed to the library without hesitation. Reading was her hobby and something she can't do without. Even at home, her drawers are filled with different kind of books . She'll always read till she gets tired and will continue after taking a break. She've always been a straight A- student. Teachers cherish her and the principal love her a lot but now, another girl is in.
Mandy, she muttered. Who the hell is she ?