When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira's gaze was malicious, as if she were ready to pounce.

Evelina took a step back, "Lemmy, why are you glaring at me like that? It's not like I'm the one who knocked your stuff to the floor." Lucian approached with concern, "Lemmy, what's up?"

With considerable effort, Lemira suppressed her rising anger, "My stationery's busted."

"How can it be busted?"

Lucian glanced at the stationery, his face going pale, "You head inside, I'll run to the store and get you some new stuff right away." Regret gnawed at Lemira. She shouldn't have decided to stay with the Langstons.

She had been careless this time. Determined, Lemira planned to call Orion, having little faith in Lucian's promise.

Evelina chimed in, "Lucian, why not lend Lemmy mine in the meantime? I'll wait for you to bring the stationery." "No need, I'll buy her new ones."

Lucian turned to Lemira, "Lemmy, trust me, head inside, or you'll be late for the test."

Finally, Lemira gave Lucian a look before turning and walking towards the school to wait in the exam hall.

The day brought heavy rain and traffic jams, indeed leaving them almost out of time. But Lemira had a sinking feeling.

Evelina, passing by with her umbrella, feigned concern, "Hope Lucian makes it back before the test starts."

holding her large black umbrella, silently watched ahead, ignoring

bit resentful; she had hoped Lemira would only discover the faulty stationery during

Lemira sure was lucky.

heavier. Lemira

answered instantly, "What's up? You should

broken, waiting for Lucian to bring new ones, but he's

"Go wait in

teacher reminded her to enter the classroom, and she

finding her seat in

rang. The principal hurried in, stationery in hand,

en

was surprised to see the principal delivering it but had no

Lemira breathed a sigh of relief

hall, she looked up at the clearing skies,

heavy, and the driver took a wrong turn;

too late by then."

his face etched with guilt. Lemira

had grown accustomed to disappointment from