Chapter 200: Exoneration (5)
"So Ari, we’re down to our final question. Being not only the valedictorian of your class but also the person with the highest GPA and the highest AP exam scores in the school’s history is an amazing accomplishment. Is there anyone you would like to give a special shout-out to as your high school journey comes to a close? It could be a teacher, an administrator, or even another student who you feel has impacted you positively," Alicia Gray, the president of the school’s journalism club, asked Ari as she interviewed him for the article that would be published.
Conscious of the camera recording her every move and the handsome boy across from her, who looked even more handsome than she remembered, as he was dressed in a white button-up shirt, gray slacks, with his hair pushed to the side, exposing that striking face.
As Ari’s slender hands gripped the silver microphone in front of him, Alicia blushed hard, breaking the journalistic protocol, and avoided the sea green eyes staring intently at her.
"Not really, but shout out to Principal Matador for making an exception for me and working with my schedule. I was fully prepared to drop out, so I’m glad we found a happy medium, and I was able to achieve these things, I suppose. Although I really don’t want to give a speech at graduation, and wish there was a cash prize or something."
"Oh. Uhm, is anyone else? Like a friend, or a teacher? Someone who really helped you out?"
"Hmmm, I guess I can give a shout-out to all the teachers who wrote me a last-minute letter of recommendation. Thanks to them."
"Oh. I see." Although she felt a bit disappointed for some reason, Alicia forced a smile before continuing, "Well, thank you for taking the time to interview with me."
"No, thank you for making time for me at the last minute. I appreciate it. And sorry for probably rejecting you earlier in the year if you asked me to do this, my life was a bit more chaotic than it is right now."
As Ari smiled at her, Alicia’s face turned an even brighter tomato color, and she began fanning herself before squeaking out.
"No problem. Can I please have a photo? I promise not to spread it! And I’ve been voting daily on the show, and I hope my article helps prove your innocence!"
"Really? Thank you for doing that. And sure. A picture is fine."
Ari quickly stood up, making a peace sign and smiling as Alicia snapped several selfies with him.