Chapter 18
Maple Academy was one of those institutions that Mirabella had heard about, one that was undeniably founded on the almighty dollar–a private, elite school if there ever was one. With a staff of seasoned professionals and a rigorous academic hierarchy, only two types of students walked its hallowed halls; genuine geniuses and the filthy rich.
In short, if your pockets were deep enough, you were in.
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“Have you already greased the school’s palm?” Mirabella asked, breaking the silence with a stern look that seemed to pin her parents to their seats.
Caught off guard by their daughter’s seriousness, the couple exchanged a glance.
“Yes.”
“No.”
The first was a firm affirmation from Delilah; the second was a denial from Shawn. Their failure to present a united Tront led to another silent exchange, this one tinged with mutual disapproval.
Mirabella watched them with a half–smile that somehow made Delilah squirm. Feeling guilty under her daughter’s gaze, Delilah nudged her husband with her foot, signaling him to come up with an explanation.
Taking his wife’s cue. Shawn cleared his throat, straightened up, and with an earnest look on his still–handsome face. said. “If you end up choosing this school your mother and I do indeed have plans to… facilitate your acceptance.” Hearing this, the seriousness on Mirabella’s face softened. “Good that you haven’t paid yet. I’ve already picked my school.”
Though they were far from destitute, Mirabella saw no need for backdoor dealings.
“You’ve chosen a school already? Which one?” Delilah asked eagerly.
Mirabella’s gaze lowered slightly, her reply concise. “Parkside High School.”
Delilah and Shawn were taken aback.
Parkside High School? Had they misheard?
Delilah coughed, seeking clarification. “Sweetie, did you just say… Auburn High School?”
Mirabella set down the school brochure, her head tilting slightly, a smile playing on her lips. “No, Parkside High School”
“But, honey, you’re joking, right? Could you repeat that for me? Which school did you pick?” Despite being charmed by her daughter’s nonchalant demeanor, Delilah still suspected she was hearing things.
Mirabella’s eyes sparkled with earnestness. “It’s not a joke. Only Parkside High School meets my selection criteria.”
Delilah’s expression shifted at her daughter’s words. “I know Parkside is the best, but it’s beyond our reach, sweetie.” She was well aware of her daughter’s freshman year grades. They were far from stellar.
“Parkside is full of top students from all over. With your grades… even if you get in, it might not be a good thing for you,” Shawn added, his expression turning grave at his daughter’s ambition.
Delilah nodded in agreement. “Exactly, your father’s right. We don’t expect you to be a top student; we just want you to be happy, even if it means going to an average university.”
After all, they didn’t need a fancy diploma for show. Emmitt, Zach, Nick, and Leo made up a quartet of prestigious university alumni, and that was display enough.
So Delilah picked up several other school brochures and Intended to hand them to Mirabella. “Take another look at these, Mira. If not, I’ll call Maple Academy right now, and we’ll settle on that one!”
“Maple is fine, darling. Daddy supports you.”
Chapter 18
Watching her parents‘ discouraging response at the mention of Parkside High School, Mirabella pressed her temples with a hint of exasperation. “Just give me a moment,” she said, standing up to ascend the staircase.
Chapter 19
