Secrets

Midterm Results Day

I leaped to Foxfire and a silver streamer almost fell on and wrapped around me.

I brushed it off and glanced around, remembering last year.

Silver streamers wrapped around every tree and tower. Confetti of all colors covered the floor. Flowers and flower petals were spread out across the floor.

Giant bubbles of Prattles and prizes floated around as the prodigies ran around popping as many as they could.

"I hope you know to not engage in silly little things like this, Evela," said my mother behind me.

I turned and nodded. "Of course not."

My father nodded approvingly.

"Now, stay here," he said. "Your mother and I will go collect your results. I expect better than last year."

Last year I had barely passed metaphysics. This year I was confident I would pass—unless Sir Fandik was a sore loser for losing the debate.

"Yes, father," I answered and they headed to their first Mentor appointment.

I lurked around the shadows, hoping Stina wouldn't pass by as I waited for my friends.

Thank the Councillors, she didn't.

I spotted Jaren and his parents coming by first. I snuck closer and they were arguing.

"I only expect the best from you Jaren," drawled his mother. "Prinzie gets 100 on everything. Why can't you?"

"Need I remind you got a 98 and a 99 last year?" demanded his father.

Jaren edged back. "I got 100 on everything, I swear."

"We'll see about that," harrumphed his father as he led his wife to their first Mentor appointment.

Jaren slumped when they left, watching the prodigies having fun.

"Oh my Councillor," I said. "Well that was rude."

He spun towards me and paled. "How much of that did you hear?"

"Not much," I replied.

He didn't say anything.

"Well I realized something," I added. "I thought both of your parents were the same but now I know that your mother—"

"Mother?" Jaren interrupted.

"Your mom," My cheeks reddened. "Now I know your mom is the one that compares you to Prinzie but she also wants you to do your best but she doesn't understand that everyone can get 100."

"Is that right?"

Jaren blinked. "She got 100 on everything when she was at Foxfire."

"What about your fa—dad?"

"I don't know."

"Well if you don't know, then that probably means he didn't, which means you can use that against him

"Oh."

"By the way I also realized that your dad is the overly demanding and criticizing one."

"Yeah he is," sighed Jaren.

"Come on, let's go find the others."

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We found Pevara and Heda popping the bubble prizes. Cendil wasn't here yet.

"Oh come on guys, this is so fun!" giggled Heda as she popped and caught another one.

"Heda's right," agreed Pevara.