I had succumbed to anticipation as I impatiently waited for the teacher to return with our results. I knew that if I didn't get straight A's I would have been in deep trouble. Because of this, I had become restless. I fiddled with my short and knotty hair as sweat began pouring down my face. Occasionally I would scratch my head and rapidly tap my feet but the cold stares from my fellow pupils so those actions came to an abrupt end. Despite this, my nerves weren't calmed. I refused to take my eyes off of the door as I impatiently twiddled to pass the time. Fortunately, the teacher returned to the room being escorted by our class president as he shared out the papers.
My heartbeat instantly began increasing and it pulsated so loudly that I was pretty sure that everyone could hear. My eyes were fixed on the paper that awaited me. I was perspiring so badly that it worried the class president and he immediately gave me my results upon seeing my anxious state. I took a deep breath in an attempt to soothe my nerves. Although I was so eager to see these results earlier as soon as it was placed in front of me I found myself inhibited by fear for the slight possibility that I didn't attain an excellent grade.
My anxiety had now completely shifted to pure concern and try as I might I couldn't move a muscle. Since Ayumi sat close to me she witnesses me panicking and instantly placed her hands on my shoulder with a firm grasp and directed a bright smile that reassured me and aided me in regaining my composure. I decided to just rip the Band-Aid and just look at them. Reluctantly and gradually I scanned the printed piece of paper. As I look through it worriedly I had realized I was fretting for no apparent reason as I ascertained that I had indeed had straight A's.
In a pure reflex, I shifted my attention, who I didn't realize at first, was sharing my nervousness and also saw the results I had received. My spirits had risen the moment I glanced at her smile of pride that she had graced me with. I couldn't understand why I would doubt my extremely hard work, especially after I sometimes went nights without any sleep. I slightly felt self disappointed for doing so but almost as soon as that sensation had been made present it almost dissipated because of the exuberance that exuded me. I couldn't wait for school to be over so I could share the news with my mother and maybe the grades would please my father enough to forgive me. I knew this was highly improbable but can't a boy have his hopes?
The bell rang and with no hesitation, the classroom that was once filled with young teenagers was now empty. As I was walking through the crowd I heard and saw the reactions of my fellow students. I later realized that our class had the top scores for Literature, Art, and Computer Studies gained by Ayumi, Samantha and Alexander respectfully. And I placed second in the ranking of scores which satisfied my high expectations. Unfortunately, the person that placed higher than me just had to be Ryan. During our little celebration among our little group, the arrogant pest skulked his way into our conversation just to establish his dominance and goad me as doing so gave him pleasure.
"Guess who placed the highest amongst all of our year. I'm sure even you imbeciles can figure that out." he boasted. "I wonder who?" I asked sarcastically while Samantha was giving him a cold stare and Alexander clenched his fist. "No offense but no one invited you into our conversation," Ayumi stated assertively. Hearing this enraged him. "I thought I told you to keep your stupid girl in check!" he raised his voice in a condescending tone. My anger began showing as I'm reluctant to tolerate a friend being mistreated. "Well, this stupid girl beat you in Literature." Sarah, Ayumi's friend from Literature, said in Ayumi's defense.
"And didn't Alexander ace you in Computer Studies?" Shane questioned. "And don't forget Samantha got the better of you in Art," Vickie replied. A smile appeared on my face seeing him finally being kicked off of his high horse. The now furious Ryan gritted his teeth and stomped his feet as he threw a temper tantrum. Eventually, he stormed off in a foul mood while we laughed at his childish and immature response. After we recovered from laughing Ayumi and I bid farewell to the others and made our way home. We commenced our conversation as usual giggling and teasing Ryan for his frustrated state.
"That was the most laughs I've had in a while," Ayumi said still chuckling. Her laugh was so sonically pleasing. "And normally it's such a drag being around him but that was a very satisfying experience." She stared at me for a bit while pausing for a bit. "I don't think I've heard you laugh before. Plus you seem more relieved than earlier," she commented. "You're quite perceptive when you're ready Yumi," I responded. "Well I'm an up-and-coming author, it benefits me to understand the difference in people's reactions so it will be easier to convey my writing with compassion," she stated firmly.
I felt elated at how far she had improved as a person. She never disappoints me to smile and lift my spirits and she's a great company to have. "Welp, this is my destination. See you, Ken." She waved goodbye as she backed me and left for her home. I felt a bit disappointed that she didn't hug me but I was still too happy from earlier to let that bother me. I had begun walking while I was interrupted by her firmly embracing me from behind. Her momentum from sprinting towards me almost made us fall but I was able to efficiently shift my weight to prevent that from happening.
"Thought I forgot?" she asked with a smile on my face. "Honestly yes and if anyone sees us right now they might get the wrong message." "You right," she said while freeing me from her grasp. She ran inside and slammed the door. I was smiling the entire wall home. My results were as I expected, Ryan got put in his place and got to spend some time bonding with Ayumi. It seemed as if everything was going right for me and nothing could ruin this moment for me. Or so I thought.
As I approached the door to my home, I could hear my mother having a conversation with a monotone-sounding man. His shadow pierced through as I curiously opened the door to ascertain who she was chatting with. My jaw dropped instantly. I had become frozen. My bag was dropped from complete shock. "Surprised to see me, son? How were your results?" my dad questioned but I was speechless. I hadn't seen him for what seemed like an eternity. My happiness skyrocketed as I rushed and embraced both of my parents. "I missed you dad!" I shouted struggling to hold in tears.
After caressing my shoulder he left from my side and searched my bag. He picked up my results and quickly read them through. "See dad I got straight A's again, aren't you proud of me?" I wondered with anticipation for his answer. "And I made it on the basketball team," I added. He looked at me with a look of disappointment as he ignores all of my excellent scores and focused on the fact I ranked second instead of first. "See what I mean! Basketball and friends are an unnecessary distraction. You should be first among your year. I didn't raise a second placer." My bright smile had shifted into a frown. My endeavor was demeaned despite I studied so diligently while still balancing talking to friends, basketball, and sometimes helping out my mother. He wasn't even excited to see me after he abandoned us for almost a year.