As each month passed the finals were close to commencing. Of course, I did hardcore studying every night to prepare for it but I couldn't shake a sense of concern that was lingering in my sub-conscience. Despite my father had been absent in my life for almost a year I knew if he returned home to anything but straight A's he wouldn't be pleased. In his eyes, I'm a prodigy and he believes that staying around Samantha and Alexander would impede my growth and development. His thoughts couldn't have contrasted with mine more. If it wasn't for those two and Yumi I wouldn't have improved my character at all.
They showed me that life is meant to be enjoyed and because of that I knew I needed to excel to prove my father was mistaken. Opening my father's eyes to his poor judgment would undeniably bring so much satisfaction so I diligently continued my studies until the day of finals. I walked into the exams with unusual confidence. Socializing, basketball, and other things I have to do brought struggles at some point in my life but when it came to academics I had little to no fear. Ever since I was a child my perception and intelligence had exceeded my age.
I was no genius. Yet when it came to education I was able to absorb any information effortlessly and applied the information to solve any equation, riddle, question, or query that approached me with no trouble. I took my seat and as the invigilator passed around the sheets I inhaled intensely with my eyes tightly closed. When my paper was rested on my table my eyes opened instantly and anticipation to start the exam struck me. When the instruction to begin was given I scanned through each question to assess each of their difficulty before answering so I can know which to prioritize.
Within an hour I had nearly completed my first exam and was ready to check over to limit any errors that might have possibly been made. I used the rest of my time to catch-up on the times I sacrificed sleep so I could have more time to study. Soon the bell declaring the end of the Maths Finals roused me from my nap and I gathered all of my possessions and swiftly made it to the next exam. Each exam had the same experience. I quickly completed it, fell asleep, and then the bell signaling the end of the exam would wake me up.
After an entire day of exam-taking, finals had come to an end. As I walked out of the final exam room I let out a sigh of relief and stretched my limbs to fully awaken myself. I probably made some minor mistakes since I was a bit tired but other than that I had no doubts that I aced each test. Positive energy began flowing throughout my body as I walked to congregate with my friends. Along with them were some familiar faces around school. Even more happiness radiated from me knowing that I finally got to meet my friends' new friends.
"Hey, guys! Did you guys get through the finals?" "Yh bro, the Computer Science exam was a walk in the park." "The Arts finals was fun to do." "Literature finals was pretty fun." "I'm glad you guys made it through. I can't wait to be a senior. Also want to introduce me to your friends." "Well, this is my bro, Shane. He's a bit quiet but don't let that fool you. Once you get him riled up he'll be nothing but quiet." "Nice to meet you, Kennedy." Shane greeted me quite softly. "This here is Vickie, she's extremely smart and she enjoys Art just like me." "Hello, hope we can be friends." "This is my friend I encountered in Literature Club. She's pretty good and I learn a lot from her." "Hi, nice meeting you."
After I introduced myself to their friends I realized the time and knew I needed to head home. Yumi followed me and the two of us began walking home together. Unfortunately, before we could leave the school gate we crossed paths with Ryan. I tried to ignore him and resume walking but my efforts were in vain. "Hi there Kennedy. Did you enjoy finals?" "Well they were easy and I got to sleep so you could say that." "Wow must be nice. I struggled to make through it." He glanced over at Ayumi and soon he was filled with curiosity. "Who is she?" "I'm Ayumi. Nice to meet you." She reached out her hand being friendly but Ryan in response slapped it.
"Kennedy keep your girl in check. There is no reason for her to behave friendly around me. I'm better than both of you so start acting inferior as you should. The next time she treats me as an equal I won't be as forgiving as I am now. Later dimwits." My positivity had been ruined. I peered back at Ayumi and she was holding her hand firmly. I asked to examine it and there was a bruise mark on the surface. "I'll be fine we all get hurt from time to time. This is no different." She stated with a smile. I reached into my bag and grabbed a set of bandages and wrapped them around her hand.
After that, I proceeded to walk in front of her without looking back once or uttering a word. Anger had overcome me. It was fine when he mistreated me but I couldn't accept him mistreating my friends. Then I felt a warmth on my back which dissolved all of my anger. "Are you mad at me Ken?" I turned my head only to see Ayumi crying while resting on my back. I turned around and hugged her firmly as I apologized to her sincerely. I felt stupid because of my actions, especially since it made her cry and as I wiped away her last tear I was stunned by the glow of her eyes, and for some reason, I couldn't resist staring at her.
Eventually, I was able to stop myself as we resumed our walk. "How do you know him, Ken?" "Well, we attended the same middle school. He used to be tolerable in the early years of middle school but suddenly I noticed him changing. Each day his superiority complex developed more and more. Soon he viewed others as inferior to him so I refused to stay around him. I was the only one he saw as his equal but after leaving his side he saw that as a brutal betrayal and held a grudge with me ever since. He even learned how to play basketball so he could prove to me who is superior so I could return to his side again."
"It must have been rough dealing with him." "Yeah, but once high school started I barely saw him so it wasn't bad. Unfortunately, the few times I came across him were very annoying experiences. Luckily I chose better friends to be around with. Let's change the subject for a bit. Have you started improving your story writing because I'm excited to read a book of yours?" "Well summer break is soon arriving so how about one day in summer I'll invite you over and you can read a book." "Deal." The conversations I had with her were dear to me as with each one I was able to be closer with her. I greatly anticipated summer break so I could finally read one of her books.