Chapter 3: Rumors and Revelations

That afternoon, back at school, I became the main event. I’d never cracked 1300 on practice tests, and suddenly I was the state’s top scorer. The hallway buzzed with whispers, the scent of dry-erase markers sharp in the air.

“How did a struggling student suddenly get such a high score?”

“Haven’t you heard? Ava cheated on the SATs. The school board is rechecking the security footage.”

My stomach dropped as I walked, the slap of sneakers and metal lockers echoing. Even the janitor paused, giving me a look that was half curiosity, half pity.

I caught a group of girls gossiping, their voices low but pointed.

“Ryan is coming back to his old high school tonight!”

“Ryan—the one who got into MIT with a perfect 1600?”

I only caught the tail end when Chloe showed up again, a crowd of sycophants trailing behind her.

“Actually, I know Ryan. We’ve talked in private,” Chloe said, preening.

“Last year, I didn’t do well. He specially chatted with me and said he wanted to see me at MIT. That’s why I took a gap year.”

Someone sighed, “Meeting at the top—how romantic!”

Chloe blushed, her eyes flicking to me with a smug flash.

I snorted, “I chat with Ryan every day. Funny, I never heard he encouraged you.”

“Ava, you’re such a liar. Does Ryan even know who you are?” Chloe’s glare could cut glass. “He’s MIT’s physics star. Why would he care about a cheating liberal arts kid like you?”

Suddenly, someone called out, “Ava, the school board wants to see you.”

Every eye turned my way. Someone muttered, “Cheating on the SATs—isn’t that a crime?”

The stares were knives. I wanted to melt right through the tile floor.