C3 THE RIVALRY

Justin was the tallest among all his classmates so he was lined at the back. He belonged to the 4th year Gold Section which basically the second section. Diamond section is the smartest section in school. Kiesha, Aivy and Matilda had their lines in the Diamond section. Matilda keep on staring at Justin but she was upset because he did no even say "Hi" to her. Instead, she noticed that he was always staring at Kiesha.

"My gosh Matilda. Justin is always looking at Kiesha. Is Justin has a crush at Kiesha?", said one of Matilda's friends.

"I guess he is just playing at Kiesha's heart.", replied Matilda.

"But I think that's not it. He is sincerely looking at her. Look.", replied Matilda's friend.

"Shut up guys! I am really disappointed with you two.", said Matilda disgustedly.

After the flag ceremony, the students headed to their respective classrooms.

As Kiesha went through, she saw Justin smiling and waving at her.

"Good luck Kiesha!", yelled Justin.

"Oh hey! You too!", she replied back.

The students are looking at them and looked at Kiesha from head to toe.

"Oh, hey excuse me. Don't assume. You might be fooled. You know already what type is Justin right? A very low class person should not mingle with the very rich man. Justin is so famous. Don't you dare talk to him again!", Don't ever look at him or smile at him. You don't have the right, poor girl! said one of the famous cheerleaders in school.

"That's just right for you. Haha. Excuse me, you're blocking my way!", said Matilda.

Matilda stepped onto the right shoe of Kiesha and went to their classroom as if she did not hurt someone.

“Kiesha, that’s enough.”, said Aivy.

“It’s okay Aivy. I know I hurt Kiesha’s feelings. But honestly, Justin and I are just friends. That’s all.”, replied Kiesha.

Their professor came into the classroom bringing with test papers.

“Alright, good morning class!”, greeted Jane, their professor.

“Good morning Ms. Jane!”, greeted her students.

“Today is the final day of your 4th grading periodical examination. Are you ready?”, she said.

“Ms. Jane, we’re nervous. But we are very excited who will be the first honor for this year.”, replied one of the students.

“Yup. Who’s your bet?”, replied Jane.

“I think it will be Keisha!”, shouted Aivy.

“No. I think it will be Matilda.”, replied the other student.

“Alright, that’s enough.”, replied Jane.

“I hope everyone of you here and all the 4th year students will pass this semester and you will make all your parents proud soon.”, she added.

“We will Ms. Jane!”, replied the other student cheerfully.

“Yes! I like that spirit of yours. Ok everyone, only ballpens will be on your arm chair and your calculator. The exam will be 3 days. All sheets will be provided to you. Get one and pass. Good luck!”, said Jane.

Jane handed the test papers to her 4th year students. It’s the first day of the examination but all the students were really tried hard to focus on every question per subject. The 4th year Diamond students were very prepared while for the 4th year Gold Students, some of them were staring at the ceiling and tried to think what will be the correct answers.

Afternoon came and the rain starts to fall. All students were excited to go home except for Kiesha. Kiesha stayed and seated on her armchair. It’s like she was thinking how did she answer all the subjects. Most of the time, she doubted herself if she really answered all the questions per subject correctly.

“Oh, I’m worried. Did I answer the tests correctly? For the World History I think the answer for number 1 is c. Don’t know.. urrghh.”, she whispered with a sigh.

Outside her room, there was Justin as if he is looking for someone. Matilda and her friends saw him.

“Hey Justin, are you looking for Matilda?”, said one of Matilda’s friends.

“Here is she.”, she added.

“Oh dear, are you looking for me? Why? Are you worried if I answer the questions per subject correctly? Oh, if you don’t mind, I really did a great job today. All the tests are so easy-peasy. How about you? How did your test go? Do we have the same questions?”, asked Matilda.

Justin is still staring at the glass window from the room.

“Justin? Hey. Are you okay? Are you looking for Ms. Jane? She’s not there anymore. She went outside or maybe she’s at the teacher’s office or Principal’s office. I’ll accompany you. Let’s go dear.”, said Matilda.

“Nope. I’m not looking for Ms. Jane. I was just looking for Anthony. I thought he’s here.”, he replied.

“Oh, Anthony got home already.”, replied Matilda.

“Justine, let’s go for a walk or maybe I can treat you food. Come on, please…”, said Matilda.

“Sorry Matilda. But I have to go now. We still have an examination for tomorrow. I’ll study at the library.”, replied Justin.

“Then, I’ll go with you.”, replied Matilda.

“Oh, wow. Are you sure? I don’t even see you reading books at the library.”, he replied.

“But it’s different when I’m with you Jus. Please..”, replied Matilda.

“Mmm.. Alright.. Let’s go.”, replied Justin.

Justin and Matilda went to the library together. Kiesha

Matilda was really jealous how Justin treated Kiesha. She texted Justin to take her out on a date but Justin did not respond to her. Because of that, Matilda gets really really mad that she wants to slap Kiesha's face and push her on the stairways.

"Ugh! That girl! I knew it! That's why Justin is falling out of love with me because of her! Urrrrgghh!", said Matilda angrily.

Matilda made a plan on that day. She really wants to retaliate Kiesha.

"How can I make her mad, cry and hurt this time huh?", she asked herself.

"What if I'll invite her upstairs then pretending that I will apologize to her. She will not know that by the time she's leaving, I will push her instead.", said Matilda.

"Hey love.", said Justin behind her back.

Matilda looked behind and startled. It was Justin! “Oh, it’s you Justin! Why are you not answering my calls or texts?”

“Sorry love, I am at the library. Why did you not come over there by the way?”, he asked.

“Oh, ahm.. I just don’t feel going at the library this time.”, replied Matilda.

“Who’s with you?”, asked Matilda.

“Only me.”, replied Justin.

“I thought it’s Keisha again.”, she replied.

“So if I’m with Kiesha? What’s the problem?”, he asked.

“By the way, what did you just say awhile ago? Pretending and pushing?”, he asked.

“Oh, I said that I don’t like to make friends who are so pretentious and they are pushing you to make friends with them if you know yourself that they are really ahmm.. BI, short for bad influence.”, she replied hesitantly.

“Who are these people so that I can talk to them. Are you sure with that?”, replied Justin.

“Of course. But don’t worry, I’ll handle it. “, she replied.

“Are you done studying?”, asked Justin.

“Yeah. It’s so easy Justin. I am expecting that I will be the top 1 of the class this year.”, replied Matilda.

Justin just nodded and didn’t say a word.

“It’s already 5:30 pm love. Are you still waiting for someone? Is that a guy?”, asked Justin.

“What are you thinking of me? Like the other girls out there?”, said Matilda anxiously.

“Nope. I’m just wondering if why are you still here?”, asked Justin.

“Yeah. It’s because as I’ve said I’m waiting for you love. We should hang out now.”, replied Matilda.

“But it’s just already an hour ago since I texted you. You didn’t even reply.”, replied Justin.

“Oh, I’m sorry love. I just missed you.”, replied Matilda.

“We will just hang out after examination. Okay?”, said Justin.

“Alright, as you say so.”, replied Matilda.

“How’s the exam by the way?”, asked Justin.

“Fine Justin. Very fine!”, replied Matilda.

“Sorry love, but we should go home now.”, replied Justin.

“Alright. Go ahead love. I have to go to the comfort room for awhile. My stomach really hurts so bad at this moment.’, replied Matilda.

“Alright, bye. But I’ll accompany you.”, replied Justin.

“No, it’s okay love. Just go ahead. I’m okay.”, replied Matilda.

“Okay love. Bye for now.”, replied Justin.

Matilda kissed Justin’s lips and bid goodbye.

As Justin went away, Matilda took her deep breath.

“Ho!.. I almost caught.”, replied Matilda.

“Now, going back. What should I do? Wait. I have the plan now. Tomorrow’s the last day of our final examination. What if I’ll go now to our Homeroom’s office and get at least one test paper on the professor’s desk.”, she whispered.

“And guess what.. I’ll put it inside Keisha’s bag tomorrow. Since we have this practice that before we leave the room, our bags will be checked by our homeroom adviser. And kaboom! Around of applause to Kiesha’s dishonesty! Bwahhahaaa!”, laughed Kiesha.

“Oh, sorry, maybe somebody might hear me.”, whispered Matilda.

She went immediately to the adviser’s office eyeing on the tinted glass.

“I hope no one’s here.”, she whispered.

She headed immediately to Ms. Jane’s desk and took one test paper for World History.

“Where’s the History lesson here uh. I know Kiesha isn’,t good at History.”, she whispered.

“History, history, history. Where are you idiot?!”, she whispered nervously.

After 5 minutes of searching, she then found at last the test paper she’s looking for.

“Oh, there you are. Yes! I found you!”, she whispered with a mix of emotions.

“I must be quick. Or else someone might see me.”, she whispered frightendly.

She hurriedly get one test paper and placed it inside her small bag and quickly headed her way outside the office.

“Faster Matilda, faster!”, she whispered as she ran faster until she reached the main gate.

She took a deep breathe and say.

“Hello Mr. Body guard. How are you today?”, she asked calmly.

“Matilda? I should be the one who should ask you. Why are you still here? Don’t you know your parents were here lately? They called you many times but you didn’t answer. Where have you been? I already told them that maybe you have left but I didn’t notice you headed here after class. Now, honestly just tell me directly. Where were you lately? It’s already 7 pm.”, asked the body guard.

“Oh gosh! Really? My parents came here? Actually, look. My phone was empty bat. I was just in the library. Tomorrow is our 3rd day of final examination. So, I studied. That’s it!”, she explained anxiously.

“Oh, alright Matilda. I understand, you don’t need to raise your voice dear.”, said the body guard.

“I’m sorry Mr. Body guard. I was just nervous for tomorrow’s final exam. I am really hoping that I will be included in the top 3 or even top 1 this year. Haha.”, she explained.

“Oh, really. So it’s only between you or Kiesha to be in top 1.”, he said.

The eyebrows of Matilda raised and her face turned red when she heard the name Kiesha.

“Ahm.. What did you just say? Kiesha? I don’t think she can do it. She’s just a girl came from a poor class family. I don’t find her intelligent though.”, she replied hesitantly.

“At least she tried her best and you as well.”, replied the body guard.

“Actually I don’t like people comparing me from poor ones. That’s it bye!”, said Matilda.

She went outside and stopped by a vehicle. She headed her way at home.

It’s almost 8:30 pm when she arrived late. All she did was always thinking if the things she did was just right for Kiesha.

“I don’t care. That’s just good for that silly girl. Urrgh!”, she whispered angrily as she headed her way at the main door of their house.

As she went inside, her parents sitting on a couch startled her.

“Oh Mom, Dad hehe. How have you been? Actually the body guard told me that you came to school but I didn’t notice your call since it was empty bat.”, she explained bravely.

“Really, then where did come from? Don’t tell me you’re at the clubhouse?”, asked her mother.

“What? Of course not! I came from the library. I have just finished studying in there. I’m all alone. Justin came home already by himself. As your good daughter, remember? I promised you that this year’s gonna be the lucky year for me. It’s because I have this gut feeling that I will be the top 1 in the class soon.”, she replied.

“Really Matilda? You always promised but, you ended still at top 2. That’s already a good job from us.”, replied her father.

“I don’t think you have similarities with Kiesha. She’s intelligent too. Why can’t you make friends with her? She’s kind and adorable.”, he added.

“What on earth these people… So you mean Kiesha is better than me? You know what Dad, Mom, why can’t you just trust me uh? And please again. Stop comparing me to that pathetic, silly and poor girl came. We’re not same mom! I am better than her!”, replied Matilda with a grudge on her face.

She immediately went on her bedroom because of anger. She smashed all of her things and cried. Her parents heard it and went through to keep her calm.

“Matilda? Can you open the door? We’re sorry. We’re just concerned about you. So please stop crying. You still have a final examination tomorrow dear. Please we’re sorry..”, explained her mother.

Matilda then stopped crying and thought of the revenge she would give to Kiesha on the next day. She opened the door and hugged her parents.

“Oh dear.. We’re really really sorry for hurting you. We didn’t mean to offend you. We know that you’re better of course than Kiesha. We’re just trying to make friends with her because we respect her. Her family even her father. Her father was very kind. He was one of the hardworking construction workers in the project that I launched. And now the building is still ongoing. So please..”, said her father.

“I’m sorry Mom, Dad for making fun of Kiesha. I’m sorry also for making you hurt because I’m acting this way.”, she said.

She hugged both of her parents but deep inside the anger within her was still outrageous.

“Ahm.. did you eat already dear after studying?”, asked her mother.

“No mom. Actually I was really tired and hungry after our exam this afternoon. I went immediately to the library to study even harder. This year’s my last year in high school. Soon I will be in college.”, she replied to win her parents’ hearts back.

“Oh yeah I forgot dear. You will be in college soon. What course do you want to take?”, asked her father.

“I want to be a Civil Engineer just like you Dad.”, she replied.

“You don’t want to be like your Mom? A University Professor with Master’s Degree in Business Administration?”, he replied.

“Nope. It’s kinda boring Dad. Sorry Ma’am hehe”, she replied.

“It’s okay dear as long as you really love the course you want to take soon.”, replied her mother.

“Here, take this corn soup and buttered shrimp. I know you’ll love it. We ordered it same at the restaurant we visited before, remember?”, she added.

“Oh really? Wow, this is gonna be delicious. Thanks Mom, thanks Dad!”, she replied cheerfully.

Matilda was very hungry that she finished the large bowl of buttered shrimp and 2 cups of rice.

“I didn’t expect you ate a lot dear.”, her mother replied.

“Yeah.”, replied Matilda with a very small voice.

“I’m done. I should go back to the bedroom now to change my clothes. Thank you.”, she added.

Matilda then went upstairs. After changing her clothes, she took a deep breathe and sigh.

“My parents are very supportive. What if I will cancel the plan for Kiesha? Is it okay if Kiesha and Justin might be together? Is it okay that Justin will betray me? Is it okay, uh?”, she whispered.

“My parents will get mad at me if ever they will find out. What should I do? I must not be caught.”, she whispered nervously.

Meanwhile, Kiesha and her family ate together.

“Father? I miss John. Where is he? It’s been 3 days already but my brother is not yet here. Is he missing? I hope not.”, asked Kiesha.

“Oh dear. Maybe he has a girlfriend now.”, replied Alexa.

“I hope he’s fine.”, their father said.

“One time, I noticed him smiling at the guys late at night. I think they are a friend to him. Your brother told me that these guys offered him a legal job.”, he replied.

“What job?”, asked Kiesha.

“I don’t know. He didn’t tell me.’, he replied.

In spur of moment, the room filled with silence.

“Ahm.. Maybe it’s just a matter of.. surprise?..”, said Elizabeth.

“By the way Kiesha, tomorrow’s the final exam. You can do it dear. Good luck. Here. Eat a lot of vegetables. It can help to boost your brain.”, her mother replied.

“Yeah. Thank you mother.”, replied Kiesha.

“By the way, please just focus on your exam and don’t think about John. I know that he will arrive home as soon as possible. Maybe he has a work now and we all know he is missing us too. So keep calm.”, her mother replied.

“What does it mean love? I’m happy now that we’re not already fighting uh.”, replied Edmund.

“Hayst. Shut up Edmund.”, she replied.

“I’m full now. I will go ahead and take some rest. Good night everyone.”, replied Kiesha.

“Good night Kiesha! Sweet dreams!”, her sister Alexa replied.

The final day came. It was a very bright day. Most of the students in school came early.

Until.

“Oh it’s 6:00 am already. Kiesha? Wake up! You will be late!”, yelled her mother.

“Wh-aa-t?...”, replied Kiesha slowly as she was just woke up.

She stared at the wall attached to it is an old clock.

“Wait, what? Oh no! Mother I will be late! I will change clothes directly. I will not take a bathe anymore!”, said Kiesha as she was startled.

“Ok! Ahmm. Just drink milk and eat this bread. Hurry up!”, replied her mother.

“Where’s sister and father?”, asked Kiesha.

“They both went to their work stations already.”, her mother replied.

“Alright..”, replied Kiesha in a minimal voice.

“I’ll go ahead mother.”, she said.

“Hey, wait! Your lunch meal!”, her mother yelled.

After eating, Kiesha rushed ahead into her bicycle and started to step onto the crank arm to pedal until she reached school. Luckily, she arrived at 7:12 am before the flag ceremony starts at 7:15.

“Kiesha! Be quick!”, Aivy her bestfriend shouted.

“Hey!”, replied Kiesha.

“I thought you will be late. It”s the final day for examination bestie. Did you study overnight? Haha.”, replied Aivy.

“A little. I dreamed a lot. Haha”, replied Kiesha.

The flag ceremony started. Matilda was the tallest among the girls. She was staring at Kiesha.

“Oh gosh. Do I have to make this plan? I’m scared.”, she whispered.

As the ceremony ended, one of the teachers paused for a while and made an announcement.

“Alright, everyone, everyone please stop for a while. I have an immediate announcement. Today is the 3rd day of your 4th periodical examination. This is the last day of your stress. Anyway, if one or many of you caught cheating, you will not be counted to graduate this year. Alright?”, Ms. Jane announced to the students.

Most of the students looked at each other with frightened faces. They talked while others also nodded. The students went back to their respective rooms.

“Oh my, cheaters are cheaters. How poor of them.”, said Matilda.

Kiesha and Aivy heard Matilda but did not care at all. The first subject is about to start. Ms. Jane entered the room.

“Good morning everyone! Today’s the final day for examination. After this, you can go anywhere to chill out. Just focus and enjoy the entire day of the exam. Don’t get nervous. Ok?”, she said in front of the class.

“But if anyone of you here get caught cheating within today I will not include your name in the final list of graduates for this year.”, she added.

Matilda’s face turned red.

Matilda has the test paper in the World History inside her bag. Ms. Jane is their World History teacher.

“My gosh! What if she finds out? Or what if she will ask us to open our bags? Oh no Matilda.”, she whispered.

Alright. No papers on your desk except your ballpen. Good luck! Ms. Jane passed the test papers to her students. She looked at them one by one if the culprit was in the room because she noticed last night that one of the test papers on her desk was lost when she leaved for a while. She wondered who got it. Is it her student or her co-teacher?.

It’s past 9 o’clock am. The students had their snack time. Ms. Jane also went back to her adviser’s office. All of them rushed to the canteen. Other students in school went to the library. But Matilda did not. She grabbed immediately the test paper only intended to blackmail Kiesha.

She folded the test paper and put it inside Kiesha’s bag immediately without thinking what would happen in the future. She then quickly went outside and rush to the canteen as if she did not commit any sin. In the hallway, Ms. Jane noticed her as she went outside from the room and no one was there except Matilda before the student leaves.

At 10:00 am, the examination resumes until lunch break strikes. The students went to the cafeteria to have their meal and talked about their experience on the exam per subject. At 1:00 pm, they returned to their respective classrooms and reviewed for a while since Ms. Jane hasn’t yet arrived. Their next subject is World History which Kiesha is most afraid of.

“Oh, our next subject will be World History. I studied this the whole afternoon last time and reviewed last night. I think I will be able to answer some of the questions. I hope so. At least I tried my best even though I’m not literally smart at History.”, she whispered.

Matilda was sitting at the back and secretly stared at her fiercely. Ms. Jane came back and brought test papers for World History.

She then gave it to her students.

“You should finish answering it by 2:00 pm. Our last subject will be Mathematics.”, said Ms. Jane.

“Oh gosh. This day was really stressful. Math subject will be the last. Oh come on! Urgh!”, whispered Matilda hesitantly.

Because of her anxious face, she threw a blanked piece of paper at Kiesha’s back.

“Who was that?”, asked Kiesha. She looked at everyone but all are seriously answering their test papers.

“Kiesha dear? What are you holding?”, asked Ms. Jane.

“Oh sorry Ma’am, I am just wondering if who threw this paper to me.”, replied Kiesha.

“Oh dear, can I see?”, said Ms. Jane.

“Throw it away.”, she added.

Kiesha threw the paper and went back on her seat.

2:00 pm strikes. All the students submitted their test papers in front.

“Alright, the last examination for this afternoon is Mathematics. After, you can already go home and chill.”, replied Ms. Jane.

Ms. Jane passed the Math test papers to her students.

“Alright everyone. Good luck!”, she said.

After an hour, the students submitted their test papers with answers.

Matilda submitted first.

“Alright everyone, before you go. I want to tell you something. Yesterday, I prepared all the test papers until evening came. I did not go home directly because I have many things to do. One of it is to check the number of test papers before I will give it to you. But guess what, I have noticed that I lacked one test paper for World History. I don’t know where did it go but as I checked the cctv together with my IT co-worker, he found out a girl rushing from the adviser’s office. I hope the culprit is not in this class. This is the highest section in the entire school. If you break the rules, you know what will happen.”, she explained.

Matilda’s eyes are getting bigger when she heard those words.

“Oh no. There’s a CCTV in there. What an idiot Matilda!”, she whispered nervously.

“Alright, may I ask you a favor? Can you open your bags?”, asked Ms. Jane.

Each student opened their bags. From all 30 students in 4th year Diamond Section, Ms. Jane looked every corner of their bags. She first looked at Matilda’s bag but there was nowhere to find. Next to the other student until she came onto the front.

“Can you open you bag Kiesha?”, she asked.

Matilda turned red while it was Kiesha’s turn.

“Oh no..”, she whispered.

As Ms. Jane looked closely onto Kiesha’s bag, she noticed a folded piece of paper same as her test paper’s texture and color. She get the paper and opened it.

“What’s this Kiesha? Do you think this is funny?”, said Ms. Jane.

“What Ma’am Jane?”, asked Kiesha.

“Here. Look at it! I did not expect you to be a cheater Kiesha!”, Ms. Jane yelled at her.

“What?”, said Kiesha.

Kiesha was startled and her classmates were literally shocked. Aivy was also shocked about what happened.

“Kiesha? Are you insane?”, asked Aivy.

“No Aivy. Wait, please listen to me everyone, Ms. Jane please. I solemnly swear. I am not the one who did it.”, said Kiesha as she pleads.

“Oh, Kiesha! What happened? The smartest girl in school was once a cheater? How could you betray us uh? After all, we respected you as our President in the council. You betrayed all of us.”, said Matilda sarcastically.

“That’s right for you.”, she whispered and smiled aggressively.

“What? Until this time Matilda? You are accusing me of cheating? I didn’t even know how did that test paper came into my bag. Who was the last person came out from the room?”, asked Kiesha.

“I don’t know.”, said Aivy.

“Enough!”, yelled Ms. Jane.

“What should I do now Kiesha? You’re caught.”, she added.

“But you said earlier that you noticed a girl in the CCTV footage. Can we go back there?”, asked Kiesha.

“Well I need your parents to come by tomorrow. All of you. Your parents are required to come here. Even though Kiesha was caught, we still need to find out who was that girl from the CCTV footage who rushed from our office last night.”, explained Ms. Jane.

“But Ms. Jane? Is Kiesha not enough proof for this issue? We can already raise this to the principal.”, said Matilda.

“Not for now Matilda.”, said Ms. Jane.

“And why are you rushing Matilda? Do you know all of this? It’s like you are up to something.”, asked Aivy.

“Well, it’s better to raise the problem ahead you know.”, said Matilda in a nervous way.

Kiesha wiped her tears. She was really hurt.

“Ok Ms. Jane, I will ask my parents to come here tomorrow.”, said Kiesha.

Because of that, many students looked at her from head to toe.

“Oh is that the cheater? I thought she’s smart. What happened?”, said one of her schoolmates.

“That’s a lesson. We can’t rely on poor ones.”, said one of her classmates as they passed by the hallway.

Kiesha heard all of their accusations until she met Justin.

“Oh Kiesha, How are you? It’s been awhile. How’s exam?”, he asked.

“I just noticed that everyone is looking at you. You’re really the smartest huh?”, he added.

“Ahm.. I’ll go ahead Justin.”, she replied.

“Wait, are you crying?”, he asked.

Kiesha went through the gate and pedaled her bicycle to stay away from the people who have been hurting her lately. She went to the church and asked help from God.

“Dear Lord, thank you for giving me a complete family. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to educate myself to school. Thank you for giving me supportive friends like Aivy and Justin. These people are enough already to make myself happy. But what did I do? I did not know how that paper placed inside my bag. Please Lord, as I will reach home today, please give me strength and courage to fight for myself. Please help us to find out the suspect by tomorrow. Thank you Lord.”, she prayed in silence.

Kiesha cried in the corner of the church. At 5:00 pm, she reached home with a sigh.

“Oh dear! You’re so early. I forgot, today is the last day of your final exam. How’s it going?”, asked Elizabeth.

Kiesha went to her bedroom.

“I am just tired mother.”, she replied.

Evening came. Kiesha still did not come out from her room. Alexa reached home after work.

“Mother, is Kiesha already home?”, she asked.

“Yes. Actually she’s tired. It’s like she’s been hiding something. I think she has a problem.”, replied Elizabeth.

“Really? Why?”, asked Alexa.

“Dear Kiesha, the meal is prepared already. Let’s eat together. Alexa is here already searching for you. Your father is not yet home same as your brother John.”, said her mother.

Kiesha came out.

“Oh sister, how are you?”, asked Alexa.

“Actually, I don’t know. I felt dizzy lately.”, she replied.

“Are you crying? What happened?”, asked Alexa.

They sat on the floor while each of them get their meal.

“Ahm, actually I was accused of being a cheater this day. I don’t know that someone puts the test paper in World History inside my bag. Actually, I’m not the one who did it mother, sister. I think someone betrayed me or what. I can’t even go to school by tomorrow.”, she replied.

“Wait, what? Who did that? I’m gonna spunk her/him right onto the face.”, replied Alexa.

Ms. Jane our adviser wants all of the parents to come to school tomorrow. The parents from the first section.

“What? So Mr. Henry and Mrs. Juliet will come tomorrow Kiesha. Oh no. I will be embarrassed by this. Oh gosh…”, replied her mother.

The room filled with silence.

While they were eating, Edmund came.

“Hello, here take this noodles I bought from the store. What’s the matter everyone?”, he asked.

“Hi dear, how are you at work?”, asked Elizabeth.

“As always.. I am tired but I tried hard for this family. Why are you so silent? Oh Kiesha, how’s school?”, he asked again.

“Actually father, Kiesha is not feeling well right now. She was accused being a cheater because someone placed the test paper inside her bag.”, replied Alexa.

“Before we left father, Ms. Jane commanded us to open our bags and we saw that one of her test papers was inside my bag but I don’t know who did it. I asked them who was the person who last leaved the room while most of us went to the canteen. But no one answered.”, she replied.

“Oh you’re betrayed by your friend, Aivy.”, he replied.

“What? I don’t think Aivy can do that father. But Ms. Jane said that there’s a CCTV and we would try to find out who she was. Ms. Jane recommended all of the 4th year Diamond Students’ parents to come to school tomorrow. Can you come father? Please..”, she replied tearfully.

“Dear, you should not be nervous if you believed that you did not do it. Okay? I know it will be resolved by tomorrow. Trust me.”, he replied.

“And Mrs. Juliet will be there too love. We will be embarrassed.”, replied Elizabeth.

“Sorry to cause you pain mother, father, sister. If my brother would be here, I’m sure he will defend me.”, said Kiesha as she cried so hard.

“I don’t know. I think everyone in school hates me. Is it because I’m poor?”, she said.

“No dear, actually everyone loves you. Maybe there’s some people who are just envy about you.”, said Alexa.

“Now, tell me. Who always bully you in school Kiesha?”, asked her mother.

“Ahm.. It’s difficult mother.”, replied Kiesha.

“Why?”, replied Elizabeth.

“It’s Matilda mother.”, she replied.

“What? Is that the bitch girl, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Watsons? How could she do that to you Kiesha? Is she really smart or ambitious?”, asked her sister angrily.

“I should watch that girl and gonna slap her face tomorrow.”, she added fiercely.

“What? No sis. Please. They are very rich. Just stay calm.”, replied Kiesha.

“Well, she will not depend on their luxurious life. Even though they owned the school doesn’t mean they will just mock anybody.”, replied Alexa.

“I know. But her parents were very supportive of me. Do you remember the time I won the contest? Instead you will come, Matilda’s parents handed me the medal and very supportive of me.”, she replied.

“That’s why Matilda treated you that way. There daughter is spoiled I guess. I’ll talk to them and to Matilda tomorrow.”, replied Alexa.

Matilda reached home late at night. She came from a party with Justin.

Justin accompanied Matilda and took her on a ride until Matilda arrived home.

“Matilda?”, said her mother.

“Oh Justin, thank you for accompanying my daughter.”, said Juliet, Matilda’s mother.

“It’s my pleasure Mrs. Juliet. Today is the last day of our examination. Matilda wants to go on a party and I accompanied her.”, he replied.

“But I’ll keep on watching her.”, he added.

“Thank you for taking care of my daughter Justin. She’s too spoiled.”, said Juliet.

“Bye Justin, I love you dear. Thank you and goodbye. See you tomorrow at school. Tomorrow will be a very big event guys. See you! I’ll go ahead inside Mom.”, said Matilda.

“Big event? Why?”, asked Justin.

“Matilda! Wait! Come over here. We still haven’t done discussing. What are you..”, said Juliet.

“Oh, didn’t you know Justin? Didn’t Kiesha say this to you?”, said Matilda.

“Say what?”, asked Justin.

“Oh. Kiesha was been accused as a cheater in school. Ms. Jane finds out because before we left from the class, she wanted us to open our bags. And found out a test paper in the World History in Kiesha’s bag. To conclude, she’s not only poor but a total freak! A cheater! Eww! Is that type of friend you would want Justin? By the way Mom, can you come tomorrow at school with Dad? Ms. Jane wanted to gather all the parents together and find out who’s the suspect. I don’t know that test paper inside Kiesha’s bag was already an enough evidence right?”, asked Matilda.

Justin and Juliet shocked about the news which Matilda informed to them.

“Enough Matilda. We have CCTV’s in there. I know tomorrow, we can find who’s the suspect Matilda. You should not accuse Kiesha just like that.”, replied Justin.

“Well, let’s see then. Bye.”, she said happily.

“Huh. I don’t know why Matilda is treating Kiesha that way Justin. Do you know about it?”, asked Juliet.

“It’s because Matilda only wanted everybody to treat her different auntie. She likes to be praised.”, he replied.

“What should I gonna do with my daughter?...”, she sighed.

“By the way Justin, I’ll have to go inside now. Again , thank you for your kindness towards my daughter. God bless you.”, said Juliet.

“Alright auntie. I’ll go ahead.”, he replied.

Justin got inside his car and thought deeply.

“That’s why Kiesha was avoiding me this afternoon. I know now. Does Matilda knew about this?. I hope not.”, he said.

“I’m worried about Kiesha.”, he added.

The next morning came. Kiesha woke up early and prepared breakfast for the family.

“Oh dear, good morning. You woke up early. How are you feeling right now?”, her mother said.

“I’m nervous mother. I am really sorry.”, she replied.

“Good morning. Everyone’s up?”, Alexa said.

“Mother, who will accompany Kiesha at school.”, she asked.

“We can accompany her darling.”, replied Elizabeth.

“I can also accompany darling.”, replied Edmund.

The Jones Family ate together. After, they accompanied Kiesha at school.

“Is it okay with you father? Sister? To join me in school today? How about your work?”, she asked.

“It’s okay Kiesha as long as we can defend you today.”, her sister replied.

“Thank you for supporting me, always.”, replied Kiesha.

The family went to the classroom and Ms. Jane went inside. Other parents also came. Mr. and Mrs. Watson also came with the head principal.

“Dear parents, good morning. We are sorry to inform you that one of our students break the rule.”, said Ms. Jane.

“Hey! Excuse me. We don’t think Kiesha will do that. She’s sincerely did her best to study hard in school.”, said Alexa angrily.

“Yes miss. We know that, but we found a test paper inside your sister’s bag.”, Ms. Jane replied.

“Yah. Exactly. That’s already a very good evidence miss.”, added Matilda.

“And you. You are Matilda right? The princess and a very good daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jones? Your family owned this school. Yes, thank you for allowing poor students here to be educated because of your free tuition fees. But you should also keep in mind that even though you grew up from a rich family, you should not mock or bully my sister. You’re a spoiled brat!”, yelled Alexa.

“Enough Miss!”, Ms. Jane said.

Matilda was shocked of what Kiesha’s sister have told her.

“Why Matilda? Are you afraid that Kiesha might take the lead as the top 1 in class?”, added Alexa.

“Alright please just calm down. We informed you to be here because we would like to show you a CCTV footage happened that night. Please stay close while the recorded video will start.”, explained Ms. Jane.

Justin came and all of the parents and students were nervous and really shocked who’s that student in the video.

“Oh, it’s a girl! Is it Kiesha? Can we take a look? Can you zoom it Sir?”, said Aivy to their IT professor.

“She has a blonde hair and her bag was white. Can you zoom on the side of her face?”, asked one of the parents.

“I think it’s not Kiesha.”, said Justin.

All the girls looked at him so badly.

“Why are you defending her?”, said Matilda.

“Why are you defending that poor silly girl came from a very poor family uh?”, said Matilda anxiously.

Alexa, Kiesha’s sister came in front and almost slapped Matilda on the face.

“You know what, Mr. and Mrs. Jones? It’s obvious that you did not discipline well you daughter. Look she has a very aggressive personality which Kiesha doesn’t have.”, explained Alexa.

“Now, can we continue watching the recorded video Sir?”, asked Ms. Jane.

“Here, this girl went through our advisory’s room and after 5 minutes, came outside.”, she added.

But eventually, after rewinding the video, Justin already looked at Matilda. Matilda noticed that she will be caught so she stepped back until she reaches the front door of the room. She searched for Justin but..

“Where are you going?”, asked Justin.

“Oh love. Sorry I have to go to the comfort room for a while.”, she said.

“I knew it! It was you Matilda! It was you!”, shouted Aivy.

Matilda was startled and shocked of what she heard from Aivy.

“Oh Aivy, are you sure it was me uh?”, asked Matilda nervously with a cracking voice.

“Of course! Look! The hair, the bag the right angle of the face, I’m sure it was you.”, replied Aivy.

“You only said that because you and Kiesha are best friends. Right everyone?”, replied Matilda.

But no one believed her. All eyes are at her.

“Mom? Dad? Ms. Jane? Justin? Can’t you defend me?”, she asked pleadingly.

“Ahm.. I think Mr. and Mrs. Juliet, if you don’t mind, only few of us know that there are really spy cameras here. They are hidden every corner of the room.”, replied Justin.

Matilda got confused and her heart beats faster.

“Matilda, are you ok?”, asked her mother.

“Yes sure Justin. Ms. Jane. Madam Principal, we can look at the day which is the final day of the examination.”, replied Juliet, mother of Matilda.

Matilda halted and eventually frightened from what she heard.

“What?”, she was shocked.

“Yes dear. Your father wanted to place it every corner in the school. The hidden cameras are there not only the common ones.”, replied her mother.

Matilda was nervous and almost fainted.

“Ahm.. I’m sorry I have to go now.”, she said.

“Why? What’s the matter?”, asked Ms. Jane.

“I just can’t.”, she replied.

“Okay, go on play that recorded video from the hidden camera. We can really satisfy who’s the cheater. Is it Kiesha or Matilda, my daughter.”, replied Mr. Henry.

“But Dad..”, whispered Matilda.

The IT programmer followed what was directed by Mr. and Mrs. Watsons. He played the recorded video from the classroom last day.

“Oh, yes, that’s the day of our final examination and it’s breaktime. All the students rushed into the canteen except for… Who’s there? Kiesha and Matilda. I actually came out that time to gather all the test papers.”, explained Ms. Jane.

In the video, it was showed that Kiesha came out from the classroom. It was only Matilda who was left inside.

“Oh no… What should I do?”, whispered Matilda nervously.

In the video, Matilda got up and went to the seat of Kiesha. She pulled something from her bag and placed it inside Kiesha’s.

“Matilda?”, said her mother.

“See? Now what? Are you still accusing my sister for it?”, shouted Alexa.

Kiesha was there in the corner staring at the ceiling and didn’t say a word. Justin came over and talked to her.

“Hey, are you alright?”, asked Justin.

“No. Of course not. Your girlfriend is just insane. I’d tell you. I didn’t do anything wrong to her. Right? I am just a simple girl dreaming to graduate this year.”, she replied.

“Hey Sir, can you zoom in what Matilda held that time?”, asked Aivy.

“Enough! Stop it!”, shouted Matilda.

But she was being held by her father.

“Matilda please!”, said her father.

The IT professor zoomed out the image of the object which was held by Matilda.

Ms. Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Watsons, Aivy, Justin, the principal and all the students with their parents totally shocked when they found out that it was the test paper which Ms. Jane is looking for.

“What? That’s my test paper! How could you Matilda?”, asked Ms. Jane.

Everyone was startled and halted. They looked at Matilda.

“So it’s you?”, said Justin.

“Everyone, Justin please let me explain.”, replied Matilda.

“Stop the nonsense Matilda!”, her mother yelled.

“My gosh! We are embarrassed. You know that? So this is what the big event that you are talking to last night? Right Justin?”, added her mother.

“What? Why are you looking at me? Mom, Dad? Madam Principal, please. Our family owned this school and I have the right to mock Kiesha and everyone here who are poor and silly.”, she said angrily.

Eventually, her father can’t control her but slap her in front of everyone.

“How could you do this to all of us? You betrayed us!”, her father shouted.

“Now, what? Are you happy now Kiesha? Because I am the suspect of this problem that means I can’t be able to graduate in the school which I owned uh?”, she replied angrily.

Everyone looked at her and raised their eyebrows.

“Oh Matilda you’re such a mess, our dear friend.”, said one of her closest friends.

“Shut up!”, she said.

“Okay, that’s it for now. Goodbye everyone, thank you for coming.

“That’s it?”, replied Matilda.

“Yes dear. It’s very obvious that you planned to harm Kiesha an hurt her feelings.”, said Ms. Jane.

Kiesha and her family went outside.

“Kiesha, we’re sorry. We really thought it was you. Forgive us.”, her classmates said.

“It’s alright. You’re already given.”, replied Kiesha with a sigh.

“Mother, father especially to my brave sister, thank you very much for defending me.”, said Kiesha in tears,

“Hey, Kiesha are you alright now?”, asked Justin.

“Yes.”, she replied.

“By the way, you are?..”, Alexa asked.

“I am Justin Ma’am.”, he replied.

“Thank you by the way for defending my sister. Without you, maybe I can’t control myself and even slap already that girl.”, said Alexa.

“Ahm.. Actually I am Matilda’s boyfriend. I don’t know why she treated Kiesha that way.”, he replied.

“I think it’s better that you and Kiesha will not talk or meet again? Maybe it’s one of the factors that can hurt your girlfriend’s feelings.”, explained Alexa.

Justin looks into the eyes of Kiesha deeply. Kiesha looked at him and bid goodbye.

“Goodbye for now Justin. Thank you once again. Nice meeting you.”, she said.

Matilda saw them talking. She immediately went to Justin and said:

“You! This is all because of you! Stop talking to my boyfriend!”, she yelled.

She pushed Kiesha but Justin pitied her instead of Matilda.

“Are you okay?”, asked Justin.

“You know what? You are not just spoiled. You are very addicted to your boyfriend. How many times I told you that your boyfriend and me are just friends. I don’t know Matilda but you’re obsessed with him. How pity of you.”, said Kiesha.

“Kiesha, I know your parents loved you. Please don’t just attack my daughter.”, replied Edmund.

“You know what? You’re just stressed. Stay calm dear.”, Elizabeth replied.

“Let’s go now. Come on Kiesha.”, said Alexa.

“Hey Edmund. How are you? We are very sorry for what our daughter treated Kiesha currently.”, apologized Henry.

“Oh Sir, no. It’s okay. We understand.”, replied Edmund.

“Thank you for respecting us Edmund. We know how you and Elizabeth took care of Kiesha. She’s a very kind and respectful daughter. How we wish Kiesha would be our daughter but we are also thankful that we have Matilda. But our daughter is very spoiled. We did not teach her to disrespect people.”, replied Juliet.

“It’s a matter of self-disciplined.”, replied Alexa.

“Ahm.. We go ahead Mr. and Mrs. Jones. Thank you.”, said Edmund.

The Jones Family went outside in the school and went to church. After, Alexa treated her family in a cheap meal that suits her budget.

Meanwhile, Justin turned around and decided to leave the school. But Matilda always kept on following him.

“What are you up to? You and your parents need to talk. I’m tired Matilda. This happened because of you. If you just at least open your heart to Kiesha, not only for Kiesha but to everyone else. To all of us. I don’t know why are you acting like that.”, explained Justin.

“It’s because I think Kiesha is my rival. I don’t want you to be with anybody else Justin. Please. Alright, sorry. Sorry for all the things I’ve done. But I was really badly hurt. The way you defend Kiesha. The way you touched her. The way you looked at her. I noticed everything Justin. Do you still have feelings for me?”, said Matilda.

Justin did not care at all. He walked forwardly.

“Justin!”, she followed and held his arms.

“Matilda please! I need time for everything. I didn’t expect you to be this rude and cruel.”, replied Justin.

Justin did not even say a word after, he went back at the classroom to get his bag.

“Hello auntie, Mr. Henry Ms. Jane, Madam Principal, please excuse me.”, said Justin.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry nodded and thanked Justin.

“Hey dear, where’s Matilda?”, asked Henry.

“She will be here soon. She just went outside.”. he replied.

“Did you see her apologizing to Kiesha and to her family?”, asked Ms. Jane.

“Nope.”, replied Justin.

Matilda saw Justin walking towards her. Justin saw her again and walked on another aisle.

Matilda noticed that he was avoiding her. Other students looked at her and started gossiping her. She cried in tears and went back to meet her parents, Ms. Jane and the Principal.