Chapter 44
Amber ranked last again–dead last, scoring zero this time. The school summoned her guardian, and Jocelyn arrived, gently stroking Amber’s hair to comfort her.
Jocelyn shrugged and said, “Madam, how can you blame Amber for her poor grades? Studying isn’t the only path in life. I respect her. If she wants to get zeros, then zeros it is.”
Emboldened by Jocelyn, Amber retorted defiantly to the teacher, “Yeah, I just hate studying. Why blame me for failing? Maybe it’s your lousy teaching.”
The teacher was both stunned and furious, saying, “Do you think it’s proper to say something like this! She’s in her senior year. This is a critical juncture. Her studies should be the absolute priority. Instead of doing everything possible to help her improve her grades, you’re here arguing with me.”
She prided herself on being a seasoned teacher who treated every student equally. The class had a great learning atmosphere. Everyone managed to stay above the passing line. Everyone, that was, except Amber.
If it hadn’t been for Amber getting a zero on this test, the teacher wouldn’t have called her guardian. But to the teacher’s utter astonishment, this was how the guardian behaved. How could someone like this properly raise a child? She was clearly the one corrupting Amber,” the teacher wondered.
Jocelyn smiled and said, “Madam, how we raise Amber is none of your business. Just do your job properly. Amber doesn’t like studying. She just needs to be happy. I’ll always respect her choices and never force her to do anything difficult. If there’s nothing else, we’ll be leaving now.”
The teacher’s rage reached a peak.
Jocelyn led Amber out of the school. As they reached the school gate, Amber glanced up and asked in a small, hesitant voice, “Jocelyn, was I wrong to talk back to the teacher like that?”
Jocelyn looked at her and gently asked, “Amber, why would you even think that way?”
Amber hesitated, her pretty eyes looking up at Jocelyn. “But all my classmates say the teacher is really nice. They all like her.”
Jocelyn said gently, “Amber, don’t be silly. They’re just jealous.”
Amber looked puzzled. “Jealous of me? Why?”
Jocelyn patiently explained “Your classmates are too afraid to stand up to the teacher’s authority, but you have the courage. Remember not to listen to their nonsense. Just trust me, okay? You can tell this teacher isn’t a good person. I’ve told you before that some teachers use after-school tutoring as an excuse to keep students behind and abuse them. So if a teacher ever asks you to go to his or her office or keeps you after class for homework, you must fight back. Shout loudly that you don’t want to. Got it!”
Amber nodded blankly. “Okay, I get it. I’ll always trust you, Jocelyn, no matter what.”
Jocelyn gently took Amber’s hand. “Come on, you didn’t have your fill of fun at the gaming café last time, did you? Let’s go have some more fun. Amber, remember one thing. Your happiness matters most. If anyone makes you unhappy, don’t hesitate to stand up for yourself.”
Amber wanted to mention that the gaming café didn’t accept minors, but seeing Jocelyn’s knowing smile, she swallowed her words.
Amber obediently followed Jocelyn inside and sat down to start gaming with her.
Noticing Amber looking thirsty, a boy nearby bought her a bottle of water and, with a friendly smile, handed it over. “Thirsty?” he asked. “I just got this. The seal’s still intact. It’s yours.”
The little girl looked so lovely, with her short bob, delicate skin, and pretty features.
Remembering Jocelyn’s words, Amber violently slapped away the water bottle and snarled, “Are you trying to mess with me! Take a good look at yourself, you worthless creep. I’d never be interested in you. Don’t even think about it. I’ve seen plenty of lowlifes like you before.”
The man, still utterly confused after being hit with a verbal tirade, stood up, picked up the water bottle from the floor, and muttered, “Are you crazy!” and walked away.