Chapter 30: Myrna Is Coming

Luther told Elaine that Myrna would be attending Melcester Central High School. He added cautiously, “I know about that kid’s grades. She was an average student at her previous school. I’m afraid she might struggle to keep up and even do worse at Melcester Central. Besides, Stephie studies there; they might influence each other negatively.”

Luther didn't want Myrna to attend Melcester Central because he feared she might embarrass him. Although his acquaintances knew Myrna wasn't his daughter, she was still a member of the Stark family. If Myrna got into trouble, the entire family would be implicated.

On the way back, Stephanie and her classmate told Luther that Myrna had jumped into the water and saved someone. Myrna was incredibly brave; she performed artificial respiration and even administered some first aid. Luther didn't know Myrna had any medical knowledge. He worried that if the person died, Myrna would face serious consequences. And if the person's parents called the police, Luther might be embarrassed.

Luther pressed his lips together and said directly, “Ms. Fowler, can you say something to the office of academic affairs?”

“About the transfer student…” Elaine sounded hesitant.

Luther frowned and asked in a deep voice, “Ms. Fowler, what’s the problem?”

“Mr. Stark, I’m afraid I can’t help you.”

Luther was surprised. “Why?”

“It was decided by the principal. I heard the transfer student’s family has performed significant service to the country. The school can’t refuse such a student. I’m just a teacher; I can’t stop her from coming to Melcester Central High School.”

Luther looked gloomy. He remembered his mother's words: Myrna's grandfather was a renowned painter and an acquaintance of Oliva. So, Harold might have made significant contributions to education in River Town.

Luther was upset. He’d thought Harold was just a teacher in a poor area; he hadn't expected this to be such a major issue.

“Ms. Fowler, is there anything you can do?”

Stephanie was a good student and would almost certainly be accepted into Hebbury College of Art. Elaine hesitated, then said, “Mr. Stark, there will be a placement test for the transfer student. If she’s assigned to Class B, I’ll try to get the director to place her in a different class. That’s the only thing I can do.”

Luther hung up. Amy and Stephanie were waiting in the living room. Seeing Luther end the call, Stephanie’s excitement was evident.

“Dad, how did it go? What did my teacher say?”

Luther sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Myrna’s grandfather is a well-known educator. Myrna is going to Melcester Central High School. Stay away from her at school. I doubt you’ll be in the same classes. It’s a large school; you won’t run into each other easily.”

Class S was on the third floor; Classes A and B were on the same floor. Stephanie had thought her dad could convince the school not to accept Myrna. When Luther confirmed Myrna’s acceptance, Stephanie’s disappointment was clear, though she hid it well.

“Melcester Central High School has excellent facilities. Even if Myrna is in Class S, it’s still better than River Town.”

Amy’s gaunt face gave her a severe look. Leaning on her walking stick, she snorted, “She’s both poor and needy. What a troublemaker!”

Myrna was unaware of the events at the Stark house. After some time on her computer, she went downstairs for dinner.

The next day, Myrna got up very early. She had a placement test that morning; afterwards, she would be officially enrolled. She didn’t need to bring anything. She gathered her belongings haphazardly, grabbed her phone and some gum, and headed out.