Chapter 153
Aiden: So Netflix?
Scarlett: Shut up.
Aiden: You know, I don’t think I will. You’re going to have to make me 😉
Sometimes I really can’t stand him.
Scarlett: Gross. Stop being a pervert.
Aiden: You love it.
I mean… maybe sometimes.
I was in the middle of typing out my reply to Aiden when the loud intercom above Mrs. Laurent’s desk made the loud popping sound like someone was about to speak.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Laurent?”
“Yes!” She shouted in reply as she scrambled to pause the movie before the main office
heard the moaning noises coming from the film.
“Can you please send Scarlett Dawson down to the main office. Mr. Newman would like to
speak to her.” The voice continued over the intercom.
I wonder who got in tro-
Wait… Did she say Scarlett Dawson?
“Scarlett?” Mrs. Laurent gave me a smile from behind her desk.
I nodded as I began packing up my laptop. I contemplated shaking Caroline awake, but she looked too peaceful. I shot her a quick text instead as I made my way down the stairs and
towards the main office.
I knew exactly where Mr. Newman’s office was because I had been there a couple of times. No – not because I got in trouble, but because he was th ACADEC coach and would pull me
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out of class early sometimes so I could get some extra study time.
I wasn’t too fond of our school’s administration, but Mr. Newman was alright.
As I walked through the cubicle filled office, I finally stopped in front of Mr. Newman’s door. Knocking, I waited for him to shout, “Come in,” before I opened the door and stepped
- in.
“Hi Mr. Newman.” I smiled politely as I plopped down onto the red chair in front of him.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, yes thank you for coming down Scarlett.” He finally looked up from his computer and leaned back in his chair. Glancing around his office, I thought my room was messy with all of my books scattered around, but this man’s office made my messiness look squeaky clean. There were mountains of folders stacked on his desk and a bunch of boxes stacked in the corner. It was hard to spot an empty space.
“How’s school been going?” He asked, folding his arms over his round beer belly.
“Fine.” I shrugged. “Just happy to be done with exams.”
“That’s good.” He nodded. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”
I nodded, motioning for him to go on. “Are you aware of the Taylor Scholarship Fund?”
“Of course!” I almost snorted in reply. It’s one of the reasons I chose Northside as a high
school – that and it’s top tier academic standing in the city, but if I’m being honest the
scholarship had more to do with it.
Each year, five seniors are selected to receive a $25,000 scholarship during the duration of
their four years in college if they maintain a 3.5 GPA. Applications are usually submitted at
the end of May, and winners are announced at graduation.
“Are you planning on applying?” He asked.
“Yes.” I replied instantly. You’d have to be an idiot not to. I mean, it’s basically free money
for the next four years, and all you have to do is maintain a 3.5 GPA.
“Are you aware of who sponsors the scholarship?” He asked once again, this time standing
up straighter in his chair and folding his hands in front of him on the desk.
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Chapter 153
“No.” I furrowed my eyebrows.
What does that have to do with anything?
“Ella and Jake Taylor.” He let out a sigh. “It has been brought to the school board’s attention that you are in an intimate relationship with Mrs. Taylor’s brother.”
All I could do was stare at him dumbfounded. I didn’t like his tone of voice, and I sure as
hell didn’t like where this conversation was going.
What the fuck does my personal and intimate relationships have to do with the school
board. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.
“Some students are concerned that due to the intimate nature of your relationship with the
Taylors… it wouldn’t be fair for you to apply.” He finally said.
“Excuse me?” I managed to croak.
I must have heard wrong.
“The school board met last night, and they decided that we can’t allow you to apply for the
scholarship. It wouldn’t be fair to the other students.” He spoke softly, almost cautious.
“Are you serious right now?” I asked in disbelief.
“Unfortunately, yes.” He sighed once again. “I’m sorry.‘
“You’re sorry?” I sarcastically asked as I stood up and yanked my backpack over my shoulder. “My personal relationship should not be a determining factor in whether I can or
cannot apply for a scholarship – my academic standing should. I’ve only gotten to know the
Taylors in the last couple of months – this scholarship has been around for years!”
“I know you’re upset Scarlett, but there’s nothing I can do.” He continued to look at my sympathetically. “The school board’s decision is final.”
“Of course it is!” I let out another sarcastic laugh, but really all I wanted to do was punch
something… or someone. “Next time the board meets, why don’t they vote on free tampons in the girls bathroom or additional prep courses for the SATS and AP exams instead of discussing my personal life.”
