Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 13-1

Ryan watched Elara’s uncharacteristic enthusiasm with knowing amusement. "Just wait," he murmured, clearly privy to something his colleagues weren’t.

The other professors initially dismissed Elara’s excitement. ’Probably just a math whiz, they assumed -until Danielle finished every remaining exam in just thirty minutes.

They’d always flaunted Moreno’s elite status. ’How the hell could someone who hasn’t even bothered with the SATs be this good?’ they thought, convinced the math score had to be some kind of fluke. But as Danielle walked up, papers in hand, their doubt started to crack.

"You’re finished with everything?" Elara couldn’t hide her delight.

"Yes," Danielle said simply, as if completing several hours’ worth of tests in minutes was perfectly ordinary.

The other professors’ skepticism transformed into stunned admiration as they graded. The literature professor’s eyes widened. "Perfect score-this essay is publication-worthy!"

composition," the language professor declared. "This sets a new

notorious for never being satisfied, actually smiled. "This work... the

and Mrs. Darling, Danielle completed all exams in forty minutes with perfect scores across the board,"

stood frozen for a moment, then broke into delighted smiles. They’d spent the whole time preparing consoling speeches, even rehearsing exactly how to comfort

Something wasn’t sitting right. How the

top of her class, but even she had never nailed perfect

you’re incredible! Perfect scores!" Vivian hugged Danielle

girl! We need to celebrate this." Howard beamed

to find her parents lavishing praise on Danielle. ’It’s just an entrance test, she thought bitterly. ’When I aced my SATs, they weren’t nearly this excited. But I guess

"I don’t mean to be rude, but... growing up where she did, with such limited education-how did she manage perfect scores? Maybe she had... help