"Years since our school had a top scorer!" Lionel grinned, drawing out the suspense. "Who could it be?"

Xenia piped up, "The head of the study committee, obviously."

"Yeah, the top three student for years. It has to be him," others chimed in.

The top student stood, shaking his head. "Not me."

A murmur rippled through the room. "Then who?"

Just then, reporters filed in. Lionel announced, "Noelle!"

Silence. Then Rachel shrieked, "Our queen! You're the city's top scorer! Oh my god!"

Stunned silence followed. Xenia stared, speechless. How?

Rachel sneered at Xenia and Betty. "Some people were so supportive earlier, weren't they? 'If you don't do well, I'll repeat the year with you!' Seriously?"

Betty burst out laughing, "Oh my god, that's hilarious!"

Xenia's face drained of color. Betty couldn't contain herself, "Noelle cheated! There's no other way!"

Xenia echoed the thought.

Lionel's glare cut through the room. "What's wrong with you two? Noelle's improvement was incredible! Instead of celebrating, you question her? Is this what I've taught you?"

Tears welled in Xenia's eyes, but no one offered comfort. The class celebrated Noelle.

More reporters arrived, followed by Bruce and the principal. Bruce, a kind old man, smiled at Noelle. "Never expected this!"

Noelle smiled back. "Thank you for the stationery."

Bruce chuckled. "My pleasure. But your talent made you the top scorer."

A reporter thrust a microphone forward. "Noelle, your grades soared! Who do you thank?"