Three is a Crowd

Chapter Nine~THE ENTRANCE EXAMS

It was a bright August morning… Everyone seems to be busy applying for colleges. I, on the other hand, seem to have no plans whatsoever on where I would study. I consider going to Upper Ace University or Central Academy. Central Academy is where my Dad went, while Upper Ace University is so far the best University in the country. (They say only the elite will get through there.)

“Okay class. Now I will hand out application forms to the school of your choice. You may get all of them so you will have a choice. Now, as I call the school, please raise your hands so I can go around and give it to you.” Miss Mae, our homeroom teacher called out in a cheery voice.

“St. Patrick’s Academy.” (This University is best for engineering students) A couple of the boys raised their hands.

“St. John’s University.” (This University is for seafarers and marine students) My good friend Donnalyn raised her hand along with some of the boys. She always wanted to go to a maritime school.

“Central Academy.” I raised my hand along with fifteen other schoolmates including Claire.

“Upper Ace University.” And there were 20 of us who raised our hands. Mostly from the honor list.

“Okay, that is all class. Remember, Upper Ace University and St. Patrick’s Academy’s entrance exams are on August 25 and August 27 simultaneously. So please, study!”

Everyone is busy, taking reviews and photocopying booklets and all that. What’s the big deal? The entrance test will be like an assessment to what you have learned all your high school life…Unless, they didn’t learn at all that is why they are cramming…

So the faithful day of August 25 came and I together with the other 19 people entered the exam hall of Upper Ace University all bundled up because of the rain that drizzled when we arrived. It was a beautiful school with Greek-like stone pillars and loads of tall trees out back. There are many stories of mythical creatures and ghost that lurk in the mini forest. My classmates all are chattering and memorizing whatever formula they had crammed into their mind in the last 3 days or so. I was basically in a trance. I don’t see myself fitting in to such a prestigious school, even if I’m top one. (I wouldn’t want to brag, but yeah I am.)

 Somehow I breezed through the exams except the Chemistry part of the test (which I don’t recall anything from the horror subject when I was in Junior High.) But at least it was as easy as it was expected to be. When I exited the exam halls, some of my friends, including Claire, waved at me and started barking out questions and ‘OMGs’ as though they haven’t studied anything in the past three years (I knew it.) and later, Deserei, the only girl who I really hate because of her arrogance and ego, walked towards me saying that the exams were a breeze. (Like I care whatever comes out of her snout.)

“Okay, students!” the announcer said over the microphone, “results will be posted online in 5 months time. That will be January, more or less. So good luck and congratulations in advance to those who will pass!”

Deserei and her posies, Michel and Jorgina, giggled when Deserie said “Thank you!” out loud and winked at the nearest guy who looked at her.

If… (and I repeat) IF, Deserie will ever pass the UAU entrance exam, (did I emphasize the word IF?) I’ll never go to UAU.