Her pencil glided across the pages in neat lines, the intense scratches since she had to try and keep up with her racing mind when she got caught in her work. She glanced up see Noah staring at the laptop screen with a hand to his chin, and his brown drawn together in an apprehensive expression.
Alice didn't mind working only on technology since it was quicker to get work done, but if she had the time, she would prefer to stay on paper. Her thoughts were more connected on paper that way.
She didn't do much, only if Noah asked, and did her own work in the mean time. Alice jotted down the textbook definitions, tipping the pencil back on her lips, as she scanned the pages, rereading the material. She highlighted the textbooks some more with a bright lavender color to trace her thoughts.
It was a tedious process, but she enjoyed how the colorful highlighters made the drab homework more lively. Her gaze darted up for a second, and Noah was still working, and she didn't want to disturb him.
Noah typed on the laptop, punishing the keys with the sharp sounds clacking about. She paused and kicked back in her seat to rest since she didn't want to pace herself too fast.
Alice covered her yawn with a discrete hand brought to her lips, yearning for her bed, but needed to finish the section before washing her hands on the topic. She suddenly got a flashback about how she came upon the entrance exam for INVU and smiled at the memory.
It was by complete mistake, but one would call it luck. She was in the public library when she was in middle school and came across a large body of students taking a test in the main hall.
The library had just gotten remodeled after four years of being shut down, and she was excited to walk inside. Her parents were busy, so she took the bus there on her own.
Alice was browsing the novels in the young adult section and stumbled upon a large hall that was tucked in the back of the library for hosting purposes. She merely peaked her head inside for a second since the door was cracked open, and the advisor who was reading a novel peered up from the pages. She had already got half of her body through the door, and if she took flight, it would cause more of a disturbance.
Then again, the students were so focused on test taking, they didn't even glance up once to see the stranger walk in. The advisor ended up asking her to come in to not distract the students further. She nodded and decided that she would apologize first before leaving.
Alice stepped closer to the advisor, but she dropped the report card that was wedged into her small backpack pocket which was the worst timing. It flew to the ground landing next to the advisor's feet.
He picked it up the crumpled sheet that she shoved into her backpack and glanced at it before handing it back to her. She was the top student in her class at that time, and she awkwardly shuffled her scuffed shoes and wrinkled skirt from playing soccer during physical education with the loud whistle of the teacher blaring into their ears.
The advisor pursed his lips before motioning for her to follow him to an adjacent room. She followed him confused, and he closed the door quietly behind them. The room only had a large conference table and chairs around it. He sat down in one of the steel blue office chairs, and Alice did the same.
"Have you heard of the INVU?" he asked, as he placed his hands together.
Alice nodded. There were very few people who haven't. The academy was famous for its prestige and rigor, hailing powerful people who were alumni from the upper-level school. The academy was mostly based on legacy from what Alice could see, but she had never thought about the school except in passing since it was an unattainable destination.
"Due to the inclement decline of the alumni not having ties with the school as they graduate, the enrollment numbers in the academy have gone down."
"I see," Alice murmured.
"My apologies," he said, as he straightened his tie. "I am the dean of administrations, Mr. Beckham. I have the pleasure of testing students in this area today."
She inclined her head in acknowledgment. "Hello, Alice Marozi. I live in the area but haven't heard anything about it."
"Yes. Letters were sent home or in an email for an invitation to come test. It was quite spontaneous and last minute."
Alice tipped her chin down, as he continued to ramble. She finally decided to cut to the chase. "Ah, am I in trouble? I hope that I haven't disturbed the students or you for that matter."
The dean waved his arms around. "Oh no. I actually wanted to ask if you wanted to take the entrance exam."
Alice lifted her head. "What?"
"Yes. I apologize for catching a glimpse of your report card, but you are a spectacular student."
Alice scratched her cheek. "Thank you."
"You are taking extremely rigorous classes for your grade and are at the top of your grade at that. Do you mind showing me your student ID?"
Alice took out her wallet from the front pocket of her plain black backpack and pulled the slim card out of the ID case before placing the card on the table. Mr. Beckham lifted the card in the air to inspect it.
"I'll look into your information," he said, as he took out his laptop.
She was beginning to sweat from the nervous energy building up in her body. Was he doing a background check on her? Just for intruding? Alice balled up her skirt in her hand, while Mr. Beckham pulled up her profile and scanned the information for a few minutes.
"The invitations for the entrance exam are only guidelines to what the academy is looking for in students," he said out of the blue. "I am sure that you would succeed if you took the exam."
"Ah, I'm sure I will," Alice half-heartedly answered. She felt bad for taking his time, and she was embarrassed for getting dragged back to the room for an investigation of her character.
"I would love for you to take the test, Ms. Marozi."
She shook her head, thinking it was his pity statement. "It's okay."
"No, I would sincerely love to see you take the entrance exam for INVU."
"I certainly appreciate the offer but..."
Alice paused debating if she wanted to voice her family's financial status. It wasn't anything to be ashamed of, but she didn't want to be looked down upon either. But it was better, to tell the truth rather than an intricate lie that might follow her out.
"Um, I can't afford it."