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!"

professor declared. "This sets

"This work... the innovation, the technical precision. It exceeds professional quality. Your natural talent is

in forty minutes with perfect scores across the board," Ryan informed

smiles. They’d spent the whole time preparing consoling speeches, even rehearsing exactly how to comfort

examination room with Danielle, leaving Audrey behind, alone with her thoughts. Something wasn’t sitting right. How the

at the top of her class, but even she had

scores!" Vivian hugged

to celebrate

bitterly. ’When I

but... growing up where she did, with such limited education-how did she manage perfect scores? Maybe she had... help