Chapter 1

"Ms. Elizabeth Miller, to the Principal's office... now!" my Science Teacher yelled as my classmates were laughing at me.

Even though I had already lowered my head, I could hear them whispering something about me. I tried hard not to cry. This is too much for me, but I must continue.

I mustered all my courage in the hallway leading to the Principal's office to tell what really happened at the laboratory. But I keep hearing other students' whispers.

"What a shame, I think she fell for it again."

"Yeah, she's such a slave! What a loser!

I overheard two other students conversing and laughing, which I'm sure they did on purpose.

"Ms. Miller, this is your third visit this week," the Principal said as I entered her office. Okay, I'll have to be brave and tell her the truth.

"I did not..." they didn't let me finish what I was saying, instead hushed me and stared at me.

"Mr. Brown informed me that you disobeyed his instructions at the Science Laboratory. What if your stupidity causes harm to the other students?" What she said has deeply hurt me. I wasn't even given the opportunity to defend myself.

"I am calling your parents." she hissed.

"No, please, listen to me first, please!" I pleaded. I don't want to bother my parents; they're already struggling with their business, and I'm doing my best not to give them any more headaches.

"I am already tired of hearing student complaints about you. How will you defend yourself?" the principal asked.

"It was all a ruse! I had no idea the liquid they had given me wasn't water! I have no idea what kind of substance they gave me to ruin the entire project!" The principal was looking at me with disbelief; I believe she doesn't believe it. However, it was the truth!

"Ms. Miller, stop lying; you're obviously blaming your classmates. Sorry, but I'm calling your parents right now!" she picked up her phone and immediately called my Mom.

As I waited for my Mom, I sat in front of the Principal's Office. An hour later, I saw her approaching me with an angry expression. I can't even speak; all I know is that I have no one to defend me.

"Hello, Mrs. Miller." The principal smiled as she greeted them. My mother sat in the chair directly in front of the principal's desk, and I stood behind her.

"I'm so sorry for what my daughter caused," my mother immediately apologized. I couldn't say anything.

"I'll give her a warning, but if this happens again, I'll suspend her," she said, and she meant it.

It is unfair. Nobody has asked me what happened. The teachers turned a blind eye to what was going on.

A prestigious school full of wealthy students, but their attitude does not fit.

My mother nagged at me at home, as she always did. I never said anything back to her, and I never told her what happened. As I previously stated, I don't want to add to their problems, but I am now one of them.

"Fine, I'll just go on my way." she stopped and sat beside me.

"How? We can't even send you to that school without your scholarship."

Have you ever wondered how I got into that particular school? Scholarship, indeed. A full-fledged scholar. That is why I am the only one in that 'prestigious' school who is treated differently. We don't have the money, but I have the brains. My parents barely make ends meet.

"I still have that scholarship, so you don't have to worry about school; I'll just go and find a job, at least to lessen your burdens, and help you and Dad in the future," my mother cried after I said that.

I am the oldest of three daughters. My father's car dealership is in jeopardy, and my mother's diner is running out of customers. My only thought is to work and study hard so that my two other siblings can have a better life than mine.

I dashed to my room and packed my belongings; I'd already informed my Bestfriend that I'd be staying at her house for a few days. She immediately agreed and offered me a permanent stay at her home.

I hugged my father, mother, and two younger sisters before leaving our home.

"I promise I'll be back," I say calmly. As I hugged them all tighter, I could hear them crying.

I tried not to look back at them as I walked down the side street. I must have been a fool to do this, but it is for the best..