Bab 2: The grown stranger
Seventeen years had passed since that fateful day when a hidden secret had irrevocably bound their lives together. James, the boy they had raised as their own, served as a constant reminder of the dreaded lie. Clara couldn't live with the guilt any longer, and she hoped to see her daughter again.
In his early years, James had enjoyed a life of privilege in a prosperous community. Unbeknownst to him, he had lived under the umbrella of a monumental secret. Clara had made this choice to secure their future by deceiving her husband, who had yearned for a male heir to his multi-billion-dollar company.
Now a teenager, James woke up late for school, dreading another detention. He hated school and everything education because he knew already and couldn't comprehend the importance of education, knowing that his future was already secured as the heir to his father's wealth and company, so what was the point of going to school?
Clara's voice echoed through the house, scolding him for his tardiness. She couldn't tolerate his constant disregard for punctuality and threatened to seize his phone. James brushed off her warnings, confident that he could replace his phone if needed. He went downstairs and to the garage. He had a Tesla waiting for him, a symbol of his privileged life.
At school, James attended the Phillips Exeter Academy in Boston, an elite institution known for its academic excellence reserved for the children of the wealthy elite. He put on his impeccably tailored school uniform, a symbol of privilege that set him apart.
His morning rush made him late for school again, earning him a detention. However, his carefree attitude remained unshaken, as he believed that material possessions would always be within his reach. And the amount of detention he has wouldn't stop him from getting his father's possessions.
His detention started quite early, as he was picked to be the student who would show the new student her way around the school. Emily was a bright student, and her academic excellence and prowess gave her a spot in the school scholarship program, which was only given to students with a point average of 9.8 on the scoresheet. Emily emerged as the best student with a score of 9.9 on the portal. Her great intelligence earned her a spot in the school, and when she started school that day, she was quite unlucky to get a tour guide like James. He was a very tough and arrogant boy.
The principal called James to her office and introduced the pair to each other. The towering Principal Henderson greeted James and Emily as they entered the revered halls of Phillips Exeter Academy. He had a reputation for being a tough, unyielding man who enforced discipline with a heavy hand. His imposing manner and razor-sharp glance appeared to tear away any pretense.
Principal Henderson greeted the young heir to the academy's money with, "Ah, James." And who could it be? His tone was tinged with hardly disguised scorn as he turned his attention to Emily.
I'm Emily, sir," Emily responded, feeling the pressure of the principal's attention on her. I was hoping James could show me around the campus because I'm a new student.
Principal Henderson's lips formed a tight line as his demeanor remained unwavering. He made little attempt to hide his disinterest in Emily's presence and appeared unimpressed. He said, his voice dripping with cynicism, "A new student, you say?" James, it seems like you've been given quite the duty. Show her around, but don't take too long. We must adhere to a rigid schedule.
James acknowledged with a nod, but he couldn't help but be uneasy about the principal's unjustified animosity towards Emily. He was nevertheless resolved to carry out his duties and guide her through the academy's maze-like hallways.
Emily noticed James was uneasy as they started their tour and made the choice to introduce herself. She smiled and added, "Thank you for showing me around, James." Although Principal Henderson wasn't exactly friendly, I appreciate your assistance.
James was able to muster up a modest smile in appreciation for Emily's generosity. Don't worry about him, he said in a low voice. He occasionally tends to be severe. However, the institution itself is excellent, and you'll make some lovely friends here.
Feeling a little more at ease, Emily nodded. James continued to show out numerous sites, such as the library, the cutting-edge science labs, and the lovely courtyard where students frequently gathered. He also told Emily stories about the school's past and customs to help her feel more at home in her new surroundings. He told her that he was only doing this for her because of the principal and not like he would have ever done this.
Emily felt a little irritated at first about his character and told him he was a jerk. They got into a little word fight, and they soon collided with each other, causing their lips to press against one another. Emily was so irritated that she scrambled back to her feet and wiped her face off with wipes. She wiped her lips off his scent, and she quickly ran to the bathroom. James, on the other hand, smirked and cleaned off the grease from her strawberry-flavored lipgloss. She got back in a jiffy, and it was a bit awkward for the pair, but they didn't let what happened get in their way as they continued their mission.
James gave her a few stares as they walked through the hallways. He felt a little spark between them, but Emily was quick to put off the spark when she told him out of anger that he was a douchebag. They had a little argument again, and that was how their relationship was. They loved to insult each other all the time. He made her start at this institution, which was even more difficult.
Soon after they were done with the introduction, they both found their way back to the classroom, where they were having art class. This was the only class James was interested in because his father's company was an art company, and he would need to learn much about art to be able to carry on the legacy. On the other hand, Emily was already conversant with art, as she painted and drew during her leisure time. Emily was a very good painter; she would capture the hearts of everyone looking at her art, and she wasn't backing down now as she registered for the art class too. Now that the pair would have a class together, could this get any worse?
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