chapter 3
Sitting in the SAT exam room in the afternoon, I pressed my lips together, looking serious.
When the exam bell rang, the other test-takers immediately started answering questions, afraid to waste a second. But I sat upright, completely still.
The proctor noticed my unusual behavior and kindly reminded me, "The exam has started, hurry up and begin answering."
I nodded, but the pen in my hand didnt move at all.
I thought, "Since Ellen will know whatever answers I write, I might as well not write anything."
I looked at the sky, the ground, the leaves outside the window, but not at the test paper. I refused to believe she could still know my answers this way.
Sure enough, as soon as the exam ended and before I even left the room, Ellen rushed over like crazy.
She grabbed my neck and snarled angrily, "Why! Why didnt you write a single word! Are you crazy!"
I turned red as she choked me, but for the first time, I smiled victoriously. "Yes, Im crazy. This way, you cant copy my answers anymore!"
Our argument drew everyone's attention in the hallway. The invigilator quickly pulled Ellen away and asked in confusion, "How do you know Shirley handed in a blank paper?"
Ellen hesitated, then shoved the invigilator aside and shouted, "It's none of your business! Get lost!"
Before leaving, she pointed at my nose and threatened viciously, "I'm telling you, for the last exam this afternoon, you better take it seriously! Or else you'll regret it!"
The classmates nearby started whispering, clueless about what had happened between us.
I straightened my clothes and left the exam room calmly.
She told me to do well, but I won't.
So for the second exam in the afternoon, I still handed in a blank paper.
Despite the invigilator's repeated attempts to persuade me, I remained unmoved.
After the exam, Ellen indeed appeared at the exam room door again.
But this time, a teacher protected me, so she couldn't get close to harm me. She could only sneer from a distance, "Shirley, playing these little tricks won't work. Our family has plenty of money. If I don't do well on the SAT, my parents can just send me to study in the UK. But what about you? If you can't get into Harvard, your parents can't afford the medical bills, and your whole family is doomed!"
I lowered my head and stayed silent.
When visiting my parents in the hospital, my mother Maria May, lying on the hospital bed, tightly grasped my hand and asked, "Shirley, your school teacher just called and said you handed in blank papers for today's exams. Is that true?"
I didn't dare to look into her eyes and fell silent.
My parents are construction workers. Three months ago, there was an explosion at the site, and they were both seriously injured. My father is still in a coma, and although Maria is conscious, she can only lie in bed, unable to move.
The site owner ran off with the money, so we have to cover all the medical expenses ourselves.
My whole family pinned their hopes on me because the school promised that as long as I got into Harvard University, they would grant a large scholarship.
With this money, my parents could have surgery. This SAT is really crucial for our family, and Maria is also very concerned about how I did.
Looking at Maria's anxious, reddened eyes, I honestly nodded and said, "Yes, I handed in blank papers for both exams today. Mom, don't worry, I'll make sure to gather your medical expenses on time."
Although Maria was puzzled, she didn't ask further when she saw how firm I was. Before leaving, she reminded me again, "Shirley, our whole family's hope rests on you."
I nodded firmly and said, "I know, I won't let you down."