Chapter 2 Test
ZOE’S POINT OF VIEW
“And who gave you the right to interfere?” Blair snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut through the classroom noise.
“Interfere? We’re talking about my friend. Were you expecting me to just sit there?” Maya shot back, eyes blazing.
“Um… Maya, cool it,” I murmured, tugging her sleeve. She ignored me.
“Don’t tell me to calm down! How many times do I have to say it? Don’t just sit there! What are you, their personal maid?” she hissed at Blair and her clique.
“As long as I’m here, Zoe doesn’t have to take assignments from you,” Maya continued.
“Remove that paper, or I’ll pick it up myself and eat it!”
“You wouldn’t dare!” Bianca snapped.
“Watch me!” Maya shut her eyes dramatically.
“One… two…” In a blur, Clara snatched the paper from my desk, glaring at me.
“You’ll regret this,” she hissed before storming off.
“Three!” Maya opened her eyes and plopped back into her seat, smirking. I let out a shaky breath.
“Thanks, Maya,” I muttered.
“Don’t thank me! What were you going to do? Sit there while they picked on you?”
“I… I just can’t,” I whispered
“I’m the scholarship student. If I mess up, it’s me who pays. Last term, I almost lost it for hitting Morgan back. My family isn’t rich like yours. I… I just have to endure.”
“I know, Zoe, but…” Before she could continue, the classroom door swung open. Silence fell like a heavy curtain. Miss Claire entered. Even from my seat, the air shifted. Everyone straightened.
She had a reputation for reporting wealthy kids who misbehaved, and nobody wanted her attention.
“Good morning, everyone,” she said, dropping her book on the desk.
“Good morning, Mrs. Claire,” we chorused.
“Ready for the test? I expect everyone to get an A. You know how I handle failing grades.” Her gaze landed on me.
“Zoe, how are you today?”
“I’m fine, ma’am,” I said, swallowing.
“Of course you are. I trust you completely,” she added warmly. A few hisses came from the back, students irritated by my attention.
“All distractions aside, let’s begin. Clear your desks.” She started handing out papers.
“Where’s Seth?” she barked, noticing him snoozing. None of us dared wake him. Finally, he lifted his head.
“Now, let’s start,” she said. Pencils scratched across paper. Then the door opened again, and Andy Charles strolled in with Carl and Diego, followed by Vanessa clinging to his arm like a shadow. Mrs. Claire’s glare cut through immediately.
“And why are you all just coming in now?” Mrs. Claire’s tone was stern as she frowned at them.
“Relax, Claire. It’s not like we’re late or anything, it’s still early,” Andy replied nonchalantly, rolling his eyes as he strolled to his seat, his friends trailing behind him.
“Excuse me, Andy, are you trying to walk into my class after being late without a word of apology?” she questioned, her ire clearly rising.
He let out an exasperated sigh.
“What do you want us to do?” he snapped, murmurs of shock rippling through the room. His arrogance was overflowing; he should just apologize and take his seat already.
“Apologize this instant, or I’ll have no choice but to send you out of this classroom and indeed have a word with your father about this!” she warned. I could see that hit a nerve.
“I’m sorry,” he muttered, the defiance slowly fading from his demeanor.
“I want to hear you say it properly, along with a promise not to repeat your tardiness,” she demanded. After a heavy sigh, he reluctantly agreed.
“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again,” he stated, and she nodded, satisfied.
“You’d better not. Now go sit down,” she replied coolly. He rolled his eyes before slinking back to his seat. I caught a glimpse of a tense exchange of glares between him and Seth… they had been sworn rivals for ages. Their fights had decreased lately, but the tension was still thick.
Vanessa strutted over to her seat, eyes shooting daggers at Bianca and her friends as she passed.
“Fantastic. Now let’s get started on the test in three… two… one… start!” Mrs. Claire directed, and we all quickly began writing.
