54 Last semes er’s top student
The following day rolled in and Nina didn’t come to school. The children didn’t think much about it as they went by their morning like usual. As for Penny, she already guessed her parents had already broken the news to Nina.
Looking out at the window of the van, she wondered. ‘Is this okay?”
If there was one thing Penny was worried about was the cause and effect of every situation. As much as possible, she would only change things that wouldn’t affect her so much in the future. And even if it would affect her, she wanted it to be in her favor.
But this?
Penny wasn’t so sure.
‘In my first life, my parents didn’t send her away because Aunt Jessa didn’t want another mouth to feed. But since Aunt Jessa slightly changed now because of the lack of financial problems, she’s doing this.’A subtle smile appeared on her cute face. ‘Although I’m worried, Aunt Jessa did keep her word and compromised.‘
That alone was enough for Penny to appreciate her mischievous. and slightly devious aunt. Compromising was something Jessa would never do over her dead body, but she did it for Penny’s sake.
Penny’s thoughts halted when she felt this pair of eyes constantly landing on her figure. When she turned, she saw Slater pecking at her and then looked away.
18:45 O
54 Last semester’s top student
‘Hmm?‘ Her brows ros ■ her eyes fell on the bag that he was hugging. ‘He’s been quiet since yesterday and even this morning. Is he still hurting?”
Suddenly, Atlas’s rare voice slashed through the thick air. “Penny, did you review for the quiz you missed yesterday?”
“Yes?” Penny looked back at her brother and smiled. “I didn’t.”
“You didn’t?” he frowned, thinking Penny was being complacent. because she was already smart.
Penny maintained a smile. “But I will review once we arrive. The quiz is after recess. My brain works better under pressure.”
Atlas quietly assessed her bright expression and then looked away, not saying another word.
Seeing that Atlas dropped the conversation, Penny snapped her eyes back to Slater’s bag.
‘Did he bring extra uniform today? she wondered, remembering that she told him before leaving the infirmary there was no need for him to bring extra anymore.
While she stared at him. Slater couldn’t help but nervously look back.
“Wha- what?” he stuttered. The awkwardness in his voice event earned Atlas’s attention. “Why are you looking at my bag?”
“Nothing. I was just wondering what’s inside.””
Slater intuitively glanced at her bag and wondered the same. “Do you want to see what’s in my bag?”
“Huh?”
54 Last semester’s top student
“If so, then let me check “ours.
Atlas: “?”
“Why do you want to see what’s inside my bag?” Penny clasped her bag closer to her body. She brought some precious snacks today. “I didn’t say I want to see what’s inside your bag. I’m just wondering.”
“It’s just books and notes and some things,” said Slater. “I’m also curious about what’s in your bag.”
Most importantly, he was curious if she was bringing her weapons again. Since what happened yesterday was something very troubling, Slater was afraid Keith gathered whoever lower section he could to pick on her. It was much better if she was
well–equipped.
“My bag has… some things,” they were too many to mention.
Slater studied her face and nodded. “Okay. Now that you know what’s in my bag and I know what’s in yours, stop staring now.”
“Stingy. Hmp!” She blew the stray hairs off her face.
Slater and Penny quickly looked away from each other to stare at the windows on their side. Atlas, who was seated behind them,
tilted his head to the side.)
“What’s that bag talk just now?”
Why were they so curious about what’s inside each other’s bags?
Atlas darted his eyes between the two, only realizing now that Slater wasn’t deliberately annoying her. Although there was this strange wariness in Slater’s voice he didn’t sound like the usual
54 LASTST Her’s top student
that carried dismay or anger.
Did son
ing happen between them?” he wondered but didn‘ dwell on it so much. Atlas has more pressing matters to focus c
Soon enough, their van reached the drop–off area which was outside the school. Normally, students were dropped off right i front of their respective buildings. The academy had a big drive with many routes to each building. However, the Bennets get of outside the gates to avoid the traffic inside the premises and als as a means of exercise for them.
So once they got out, the three quietly walked on the pavement. passing through the cars that were moving at a turtle pace.
Since Penny, Slater, and Atlas’s classes were in different building she expected that they would separate, eventually. Much to her dismay, when they reached the small circle, Atlas and Slater were still following her.
“Huh?” she stopped and looked back at them. “First brother. Third brother, your building is over there.
“I’ll walk you into your building first.” Atlas said casually. “I need to check the school’s main bulletin as well.”
“Me – me too!” Slater chimed in. “Ill walk you to your building first. My class is just right next to your building, so I want to see the bulletin.”
Penny blinked and blinked, nodding in understanding. She didn’t bother and just shrugged.
“Okay.” Penny took a large skip, creating a big distance from them.
54 Last semester’s too
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