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Gerard had initially made a reservation for eight tables, but with most of the villagers heading across the street to join the other party, four tables remained empty. Coincidentally, Carlisle’s schoolmates arrived just in time to fill the vacant seats.
Meanwhile, Carlisle was seated in front of a camera, preparing for his interview with Riverland TV Station. The reporter, Isabelle Clarke, held Carlisle’s score report in her hands, her expression one of shock and disbelief. She had heard the rumors, but seeing the score for herself was another matter entirely.
“Is this really the same student who finished his SATs in 30 minutes?” Isabelle muttered under her breath. The sight of a score of 1400 left her stunned.
“Isabelle, it’s almost time,” the cameraman called out, having finished setting up the equipment.
Taking a deep breath, Isabelle straightened herself. Her previous mocking demeanor was gone, replaced by professionalism. She adjusted her microphone, facing the camera as she began her interview.
“Good afternoon to all of our viewers,” she started with a smile. “I’m Isabelle Clarke, and today we’re bringing you a very special interview. If you recall, we reported on a student before the SATs, a student who famously submitted his papers in just 30 minutes. Well, today, we’re interviewing him after the results are in. Let’s find out what became of this student.”
She continued speaking to the camera, but Kelly, standing just outside the private room, was focused on something entirely different. She bumped into Fletcher, who was leaving the party with a cigarette between his lips.
“Uncle Fletcher, the party’s about to begin. We’re waiting for you before we start eating!” Kelly said, her tone sweet but with a hint of urgency.
Fletcher pulled another 100-dollar bill from his pocket, smiling perfunctorily as he handed it to her. “Kelly, Carlisle got into university, too. It doesn’t matter which party I attend. Here’s my congratulatory money for you. Keep it.”
Kelly’s eyes widened in shock. “What? Carlisle got into university?” Her voice trembled, disbelief written all over her face. How could that be? How had Carlisle managed to qualify?
Fletcher nodded, his expression softening. “Not only did he get into university, but he was accepted by Riverland University.”
Kelly felt as if the ground had been ripped out from under her. Her knees went weak, and she struggled to process what Fletcher was saying. “Wait… Are you… Are you serious?” she stammered, her voice barely audible.
Fletcher gave a deep sigh, clearly not interested in prolonging the conversation. “A reporter from Riverland TV Station is here interviewing him. Go inside and see for yourself.”
Before she could say another word, Fletcher shoved the 100-dollar bill into her hands and moved away, looking for a waitperson to ask for directions to the restroom.
Still in a daze, Kelly entered the private room. The atmosphere inside was filled with chatter, but her focus was on the scene unfolding near the window. She tiptoed over to get a better view and saw Carlisle sitting across from Isabelle Clarke, the camera rolling as Isabelle held up Carlisle’s score report.
“To all of our viewers out there, do you see this? These are the results of the student who always finished his exams in 30 minutes—a score of 1400!” Isabelle said, her voice filled with awe. “And according to our interview, this student applied exclusively to Riverland University, and his score has surpassed the university’s admission requirement by 60 points!”
Kelly’s eyes went wide, and her breath caught in her throat. The room seemed to spin around her. Her heart sank as she realized that Carlisle had not only gotten into university but had done so with a score far beyond what she could have imagined.
Carlisle’s classmates, standing nearby, exchanged looks of admiration and respect. His achievement was impressive, but it was also a challenge to their own expectations of what success looked like.
As Sarah watched from the sidelines, she felt conflicted. Carlisle was clearly on his way to a bright future, and with the attention he was receiving, he was sure to attract interest from businesses and other opportunities. Could she, too, find a place in his life?
Meanwhile, Kelly made her way back to the hotel across the street, still processing everything she had just learned. As soon as she entered the hall, all eyes turned toward her, waiting for some kind of reaction.
Gerard, noticing her pale face, furrowed his brow. “Where’s Mr. Moore?” he asked, sensing something was wrong.
Kelly opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. She shook her head, her throat tight with emotion. She wanted to speak, but the lump in her throat made it impossible.
Maria, seeing her daughter’s distressed state, rushed over. “Are you alright, dear?”
Finally, Kelly’s voice broke as she whispered, “Carlisle got into university…”
Maria froze, her jaw dropping. “What? He really got in?” she exclaimed, struggling to believe it.
Kelly nodded, her face pale and filled with disbelief. She couldn’t wrap her mind around it. How had this happened? How had Carlisle gone from the boy who was always overlooked to the one who now had a future at Riverland University?
The room was still for a moment, before murmurs spread among the guests. The shock was palpable, and Kelly’s emotional turmoil was only just beginning to sink in.
