After helping the elementary schoolers with their homework, I waited at the bus stop.
It was 1 PM, and the bas was practically empty.
Took my usual spot toward the back and checked a text from my homernom tracker.
She confirmed I’d officially scured the highest humanities SAT in Minnesota tids year.
She was absolutely geeking out, noodding me with praise and
tioning that the last state champion from our school was none other than pax Later.
* gave me an instant migraine. I looked away from my phone and not the window.
Sering his name gave
Maple tree shadows flickered across my face as we drove past.
Once my breathing steadied, I looked back at my phone.
-WCCO wants to interview you for their “Minnesota Achievers segment. Since we’re all coming back to school Thursday for transcript pickup, would
that afternoon work?
1 texted back a simple “sure.”
When I got home, Rosalia was sitting cross–legged on the living room rug in that pink pleated skirt, with college brochures spread across the coffee table like she was planning an invasion.
Mam was next to her and waved me over when I walked in
“Liana, what are you thinking of majoring in?”
I kicked off my shoes, set down my bag, and said, “Pre–law.”
Rosalia snorted. “Liana, get real Your SAT scores aren’t anywhere near high enough for pre–law.”
Mom jumped in “Honey, Rosalia might go to Minneapolis Community College for elementary education. The requirements are pretty reasonable–maybe you should consider that too? You could teach high school English”
“No thanks,” I replied firmly. “I’ve already decided on pre–law. To going to be an attorney.”
Mom frowned with concern. “That major has really competithe admission standards, unless you’re looking at some random unranked college.”
“My scores are high enough.” I started to explain, but Rosalia suddenly grabbed Mom’s meum,
“Mom, forget about her for a sec. Help me figure out what I should major in
Just like that, she successfully hijacked Mom’s attention again.
It had been this way our entire lives
I’ve never been the bobbly, outgoing type, and that personality difference was especially obvious in our family dynamic.
I didn’t push the issue. I washed my hands in the bathroom and retreated to my bedroom
When Thursday came, Mom drove Rosalia and me to school to pick up our transcripts.
On the way. Rosalia rode shotgun, chatting with Mom
I was in the back, reviewing notes for my interview.
“Mom, our school’s top STEM student only ranked tenth in the state this year, which is worse than last year, But weirdly, the humantiles side produced the state champion. If I’d known they were focusing on humanities this year, I would’ve chosen that track,” Resilia uid
Mum locked suprised. “Really? In Minnetonka known for STEMT
Chapter 9
Rosalia complained, “We got a new principul this year. I think the teaching quality went downld frd chosen feslere
with Jax.”
She glanced back at me. “Liana, you’re so lucky you randomly picked humanities. Nose you actually cleared the minimum for a four yea
Treplied evenly. “Results reflect effort, not luck.”
Rosalia rolled her eyes and turned back at mul
After we arrived, Moms said. “Girls, text me when you’re done. Your Aunt Jessica and I are hitting the Mall of America
Rosalia and I headed in different directions–humanities and STEM were in separate wings.
When I walked into my classroom, everyone was chatting-
As soon as I stepped through the door, the room went silent for a beat.
Ifrore, thinking our teacher had arrived, and glanced back at the empty doorway.
The next moment, thunderous applause broke out
“Absolute legend! State champion
“You totally crushed it!!!”
“Congrats!!!”
I stood there stunned, then slowly realized what was happening. I felt embarrassed at first, then couldn’t help smiling.
Id never been particularly outgoing in class. Even as the French Club secretary, I’d kept a pretty low profile.
But now, facing this wave of celebration, I suddenly understood what people meant about the high school experience.
It made me smile without even trying.
