Chapter 21
The next day was the first day of school Stanley wanted to avoid Harriet following them, us he left early with Quinlyn
As soon as they got in the car, Stanley handed Quinlyn a hole of milk Thrink up help you grow tall he said with a
op fill
Sall hungry from the previous day’s swimming, Quinlyn quickly drank her milk and ate three pieces of bread
She glances at Stanley, lounging in his seat and scrolling on his phone, and then at the driver. Thon’t you know how to drive she asked, asuming Stanley would know how since Joseph did
Stanley’s face tuned red at the insinuation
He sat up and thumped his broad chest. “Hey, I’m just a kid here,” he said Joseph’s the real problem. He acts all nice, but who knows what kind of mischief he gets into when no one’s looking? You gotta watch out for him.”
Quinlyn chewed on her lip, thinking about Joseph’s smooth driving. She realized people weren’t always what they seemed.
Stanley noticed her doubt and grinned “Don’t sweat it,” he said, mulging her playfully. Tm gonna nail that survival training this semester. You’ll see. He knew he needed to step up or risk losing her admiration.
Quinlyn still didn’t get the whole rivalry thing between the boys, but she looked up at him. It could be dangerous out there” she warned.
Stanley laughed and tousled her hair. “You’re looking out for me, he said. “Don’t worry. At our fancy school, they treat us like we’re made of gold. They won’t let anything bad happen unless someone’s asking for it.”
Quinlyn just nodded, feeling out of her element. She’d never been to a school like this before, so she kept her mouth shut.
Manldon International School was a big deal–kindergarten through high school, all in one place. The elementary and high school sections were close but not exactly together.
Stanley had arrived early with Quinlyn to help her settle in, but as soon as they stepped out of the car, Joseph was already
there.
“Quinlyn. Stanley, what a coincidence,” Joseph said with a bright smile, standing next to a Rolls–Royce and holding a little girl’s hand
Stanley groaned and rolled his eyes. “Of course you’d show up,” he muttered. tugging Quinlyn along
“Hey, wait up, Joseph called, catching up to them. He crouched down and smiled warmly at Quinlyn. “Quinlyn, meet Mandy. She’s Claude’s daughter and your new classmate. I think you two could be friends”
He turned to Mandy and said softly, “Don’t be shy. This is Quinlyn. She’s super nice”
Quinlyn looked at Mandy, who was dressed like a tiny princess–just like Harriet–but seemed far shyer. As Quinlyn reached out her hand. Mandy quickly hid behind Joseph
Stanley let out a frustrated sigh. “What’s the deal with this kid? Quinlyn won’t hurt her. Why is she so scared?” he muttered, clearly annoyed. He hated dealing with kids–they were always so loud and annoying–except for Quinlyn, who was
different.
Joseph tried to calm Mandy down. “Hey, Mandy, it’s okay” he said gently, but Mandy just clung to his leg even tighter
He shook his head, looking defeated. “Mandy transferred here last semester. She’s still adjusting and really hates coming i school. I thought having Quinlyn as a friend might help her feel better, he explained, realizing he might be wrong.
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Chapter 21
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“Quinlyn isn’t here to babysit anyone, Stanley
daily, pulling Quinlyn’s hand and leading her away.
As Quinlyn walked with Stanley, she glanced over to where Mandy had been looking and saw a guy in a crisp suit, looking sharp
He caught her eye, smiled, and walked over. “Hey, you’re new here? I’m Eugene Lambert. I teach fourth grade, Class 1. Heard we’ve got a new student today. That’s you, right?”
Eugene had a clean, friendly vibe. He smelled like fresh soap and crouched down to Quinlyn’s level, all smiles.
After a beat, Quinlyn blurted out, “Do you also get into mischief when no one’s looking?” Her voice was clear and to the point.
Eugene’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He choked and his face turned beet red. “What did you just say?” he spluttered. then looked to Stanley for an explanation.
Stanley, who was supposed to be the voice of reason, felt his cheeks burning. He dropped his gaze and shot Quinlyn a sharp look. “What are you even talking about?”
Quinlyn just tilted her head, totally puzzled. ‘Didn’t you say that yourself? Joseph acts nice, but he gets into mischief when no one’s looking,” she said, scrutinizing Eugene. They’re kinda the same.”
Joseph, who’d just caught up, froze in his tracks. Quinlyn had a knack for making everyone uncomfortable in a single breath.
For the first time, Stanley felt that Quinlyn’s quick thinking was more trouble than help. He awkwardly scratched his head and forced a laugh. “Gotta run, I’m late for school.
“Mr. Lambert, you’re here, so I’ll leave the kids with you. See you this afternoon,” he said, dumping the kids on Eugene and sprinting away.
Joseph watched Stanley leave, then turned to Eugene, handing over the two kids. “Mr. Lambert, she’s just a kid. Kids don’t always think before they speak. Please don’t take it personally. I’d really appreciate your help with them,” he said politely.
Eugene smiled. “You’re too kind. It’s my job. If I could help these kids become as outstanding as you, that’d be my lifelong
achievement.”
“Mr. Lambert, thank you for your kind words,” Joseph said, nodding.
After a few minutes of chatting, they said their goodbyes. Joseph walked toward his car, glancing back at Eugene. “Do I really come across the same way he does?” he muttered under his breath.
Meanwhile, Quinlyn stepped onto the campus of the elite school for the first time, her hand held tightly by Eugene.
She couldn’t believe her eyes. The floors were spotless, the hallways adorned with vibrant art posters, and the classrooms were bright and modern.
The students moved about in stylish uniforms, and the multi–purpose rooms were filled with musical instruments, computers, and art supplies–things she had never seen in her old school in the borderlands.
Quinlyn felt like she was in a whole new world. Her old school had been a few cramped, dingy rooms, but this place was like a fairy–tale castle.
She looked around, feeling like everyone’s eyes were on her. She wasn’t wearing a uniform, and her plain clothes and weathered, skinny frame made her stick out like a sore thumb.
“Are you nervous?” Eugene asked, gentle and kind
Quinlyn shook her head, bewildered by the question he had just asked.
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Chapter 21
Eugene smiled and stepped closer. “New students often feel out of place here. It’s a private school–most kids are from wealthy families, and everyone, including the teachers, is always in some kind of competition.
“If you look ordinary, wear plain clothes, or have a distinctive accent, people might not warm up to you right away
Eugene kept his tone light, but he was talking about some serious stuff for such a fancy school. He chuckled and said, “Don’t worry about it. If you run into trouble, just come to me. I’m here to help.”
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