“I find that students from the countryside can really work through hardships; I have a good feeling about her.”
“My kid would be motivated to improve with her as a role model.”
The voices grew louder as did the hum in Megan’s head. Janet was first in the whole grade? The number one scorer this term was Janet? Dazed, Megan stopped the two parents and questioned them, “Did you just say Janet Jackson ranked first in the whole grade?”
“Yes! She had a score of 440! It’s simply amazing!”
“Oh right, are you feeling better now, Emily?”
“This can’t be true! Are there two Janet Jacksons in Class A?” Disbelief spread across Megan’s face.
The parents shook their heads and replied, “Of course not!”
Megan was bewildered. “Then she must have gotten the results by cheating in the exam!”
“Oh my, Madam Jackson! How could you say such a thing! If one were to be assumed to have cheated when they scored first place, then what about your precious Emily who got second place? Can we say that she was cheating as well?” The parents snapped back as they didn’t like the way Megan was talking and were actually feeling quite proud of the countryside girl themselves.
Even after they left, Megan was still completely stunned. “Emily, is it true that Janet scored first place in the whole grade?” Megan grabbed Emily’s hand. “Didn’t you say you didn’t know who got first place this term?”
Megan had always thought Janet’s results were horrible so she would never discuss her term results in front of her in fear of hurting her self-esteem. But, they said that this term’s first place belonged to Janet… How is that possible?
At this moment, Emily nodded stiffly with a pained look. Boom! It was like Megan was struck by lightning. However, she calmed herself down quickly. “Emily, do you know how Janet got her results?” There was only one possible thought in her mind, Janet cheated.
Emily knew that this was the perfect opportunity for her. “Janet and I were seated in different venues for the exam, but I heard from some classmates that Janet might have been cheating and no one dares to inform the teacher about it.”
Megan’s heart sank at that; she was furious. How could she have such a disgraceful daughter in the Jackson Family? “Emily dear, this will affect the school’s reputation! You should have reported this to your teacher! Doesn’t your school have CCTVs in the classroom?” To Megan, even if one was last in class, cheating wasn’t the way to go.
Emily started to panic because if they were to talk to Mr. Smith about it then Megan would know that she was lying about the whole thing. No, no way! “Mom, since Janet just came back from the countryside, her ego was probably bruised and that’s why she wanted to prove that she could do well too. Why not let her off the hook this time? Furthermore, how could we live with such embarrassment if someone finds out that she is actually from the Jackson Family?” Emily said while holding Megan’s hand.
“Oh Emily, thank you for looking out for Janet.” Megan sighed. “But if the next time you find out that she’s cheating, you have to come and tell me, alright?”
Emily nodded her head obediently. “Let’s go home, Mom.” She was worried that with every minute she stayed here, Megan would eventually find out the truth about Janet.
…
It was around 7 in the evening when Janet arrived home. She could hear Emily’s laughter from inside the mansion. “Mom! I never really expected to get into the final round this time.”
“Of course you could! My Emily is the smartest! Here’s an extra drumstick for you tonight!” Megan chuckled proudly.
When Emily saw Janet was back, she puffed out her chest and straightened her back proudly. Busy showing off her art, she said proudly, “I’m so glad that I didn’t give up on drawing because this art piece was selected by a nationwide recognized judge panel. Even though I’m still not satisfied with my drawing skills, I can’t believe I actually made it into the final round!”
“Even though she’s not my own flesh and blood, Emily here is hardworking and determined, unlike some people who only know how to cheat and slack off.” Megan sighed loudly.
After changing into her slippers, Janet walked in uninterested. “Are you talking about me?”
Megan glanced at Janet. “We only have two daughters in this family; you would know if we were talking about you.’’
However, Janet only smiled coldly in response.
