Chapter 92
“I personally think this competition should be a piece of cake for you,” Mr. Hammond remarked with a hint of emotion in his voice.
Meeting Mirabella was a stroke of serendipity. At just 17, she made an online splash by cracking the complex conundrums posed by several prestigious Riverdale institutions.
Problems that stumped other students for weeks seemed like child’s play to her. With barely any effort, she’d unraveled them and then some, her insights leaving onlookers in awe.
She almost caused an educational meltdown at these elite schools, and yet nobody had a clue who was behind it all. It was only when Parkside High School’s online admission quiz blew her cover that he learned the mastermind giving the big institutions a run for their money was a high school student.
Pure luck played its part in bringing her to Parkside High School. Had she not been looking to study in Ashford, with Parkside being the top high school around, she might not have given it a second glance. Of course, Mr. Hammond never expected this young lady to actually choose Parkside.
When confronted with Mr. Hammond’s unexpected confidence, Mirabella could only respond. “I just want to focus on my studies.”
Mr. Hammond chuckled. “Studying and competing? They actually go hand in hand.”
“So, what’s your reason for putting me in this competition?” asked Mirabellating to the
chase.
Mr. Hammond adjusted his glasses. “Although Parkside’s college placement rate has been consistent, there’s been a troubling downward trend…” He paused, his smile tinged with bitterness. “I just don’t want the school’s century–old reputation to falter on my watch.”
Mirabella gave Mr. Hammond an OK sign. “I get it.”
Conversations with the bright were refreshingly straightforward. Mr. Hammond studied Mirabella for a moment before adding, “This competition isn’t a walk in the park either. If you stand out, you might even catch the eye of an association or two from Riverdale. It could be great for your future.”
Mirabella raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback.
Mr. Hammond smiled. “With your capabilities, you’re underselling yourself at our school. There’s not much else I can help you with.”
Mirabella waved a casual hand, “No need, I’m good as is.” She then stood up, “Class is about to start. I should head back to the classroom.”
“Alright.” Mr. Hammond said nothing more, but as Mirabella reached the door, he added, “I haven’t told a soul about that online incident.”
Mirabella paused, smiled over her shoulder, and left. Mr. Hammond’s gaze lingered until she was out of sight. Then, the warmth on his face faded. He walked to his desk and picked up the phone, dialing. Although the girl had expressed no need for clarification, that didn’t mean he’d tolerate underhanded schemes during his absence.
In the blink of an eye, the day for the BrainSpark Nationals city preliminaries arrived. The tests. weren’t held at the schools but were centralized in the city’s Education Center.
Mirabella didn’t go to school that day but headed straight to the test site. Her parents, Delilah and Shawn, were up early, fussing over breakfast, making it heartier and more varied than usual.
After breakfast, they descended in the elevator and peppered Mirabella with reminders to make sure she had everything she needed.
Watching her parents, who seemed as if they were sending her off to battle, Mirabella couldn’t help but feel amused. “Mom, Dad, it’s just a simple little contest, nothing as serious as you’re making it out to be.”
