Chapter 66-Are They My Friends?
Helanie:
I felt as if I’d grown wings. My heart swelled with pride and joy, a feeling so rare I couldn’t recall the last time I’d felt this way. The moment Emmet announced I had achieved the highest scores in both tests, I jumped up and hugged Lucy, who had already run toward me, arms outstretched. Gavin quickly joined, and we all shared a group hug that felt like home.
I have never had friends before or someone who would celebrate with my victory. So it meant the world when those two cheered for me.
As I looked around, I saw Kaye clapping steadily, Emmet giving me a proud smile, but Maximus and Norman stood silently, their faces unreadable. Why couldn’t they be happy for the candidate?
After we celebrated, the brothers left, while the rest of us headed back inside the shelter. The sisters didn’t stick around, though; I wasn’t sure where they went to spend their time, but I was relieved not to have to face them again.
Gavin and Lucy had ordered pizza to celebrate my victory. They were genuinely thoughtful. For the candidates who came last in this session, a pairing with those who also ranked low in other groups was in store. They would then face another exam, and finally, the candidates who ranked lowest would be let go. That’s why finishing the tests mattered so much. What surprised me most was how thrilled Gavin seemed, even though he’d come last in the academic test.
Lamar lay on his mattress, barely moving. I didn’t think he was actually asleep, but he was definitely pretending.
"Tomorrow is the final exam. It’ll be tough, but I’m certain you’ll do great," Lucy said, holding my hand reassuringly.
"What’s the test about though?" I asked, realizing that unlike everyone else here, I hadn’t trained for months in preparation. Most of them had spent ages gearing up for these exams, while I’d decided on a whim to join the academy.