Page 2 of I Despise You
She nods, not giving me any clues as to what the surprise may be. Maybe she’s gotten me a job. I’ve been looking for one for months now, but no one in our town seems interested in hiring a high school student, especially since my senior year is about to start soon.
I used to dream about going to college, but that’s an impossible dream now. There’s no way we can afford college, and I don’t think I can get any scholarships either. Besides, my mom needs me here.
My mom waltzes across the room and comes back with an envelope. She places it on the table in front of me, the corners of her lips quirking up.
“What’s this?” I frown at the envelope, picking it up.
“Open it.”
It’s just a plain white envelope, and I can’t tell what’s inside. A piece of paper, I guess. The envelope is too thin and light to contain anything else.
I pull out the paper and furrow my brow. A crest at the top says Richerville Elite Prep, but I have no clue what that is.
I skim through the text. My eyes rise to my mom’s. She’s unable to contain her happiness, and her grin widens.
“I don’t understand,” I say. “It says I got accepted to Richerville High School for my senior year, but I don’t know why.”
I’ve never applied to any high schools, and why would I? I already have one. Why would I be accepted to some private high school?
“Honey, Richerville Prep is everything you’ve always wanted, and it’s one of the best schools in the country.” My mom beams.
“Um, okay. That’s great. But I can’t—”
“This is my boss’ gift to us. Well, it’s for you. He wanted to give me something for all the years I’ve worked for him, and instead of a fancy vacation somewhere overseas, I asked for this. He’ll pay your tuition fee and cover all the other costs. It’s nothing to him, but to us, it’s everything.”
Richerville Prep.
Now that I think about it, I’ve heard that name before. Except, I’m sure it was Richerville University, not High School, so it’s probably not the same thing.
“Mom, that’s really nice, but I don’t need a scholarship for some fancy school. And your boss is a sleazebag. Who knows what he’ll want in return.” I don’t trust that snake of a man at all.
He’s all about money, and he’s paying my mom even less than she deserves for all the work she does for him. Hell, he calls her in the middle of the night too whenever he wants her to set up a meeting with someone overseas or something that he thinks can’t wait.
And I’m pretty sure he doesn’t care about anyone other than himself. Once, he even stole my mom away from my sisters and me on Christmas. I don’t want to give that man an excuse to pester my mom and demand even more.
“Honey, leave my boss to me. You don’t have to worry about any of that. And it’s not just some fancy school. It’s a very special fancy school. I’m sure you’ve heard of Richerville University.”
“I guess. But we can’t afford—”
“They offer a full scholarship to the best Richerville Prep student. Just think about it. It’s your chance to go to college. All your expenses will be paid for if you keep your grades up and—”
“The best student?” I grimace. “I don’t think they’d consider me, even if I go to that school for a year.”
“Actually, they would. I checked all the rules.” She grins again. “They’re not like other schools and they have their own rules. Your senior year counts the most. If you apply for the scholarship, you will have to take some tests with everyone else. I don’t think all the students will apply since most of them are rich and don’t need a scholarship, so that gives you a chance. I believe you can do it. Richerville University is very prestigious. With their diploma, all the doors will be open for you.”
I gape at her like a fish as all the information flows through my mind.
Is this real? Maybe I should pinch myself to check. My mom’s right. This is a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I won’t get again.
My freshman year was a disaster, mostly thanks to Timothy and his sudden departure, but now I could start it all over again.
“And they offer just one spot at the University?” I bite down on my lip.
The odds are so not in my favor. I don’t know anything about the school’s curriculum, or if I can ever be good enough to compete with Richerville Prep’s best students who have attended the school from the beginning.
“Yes, but don’t let that discourage you. If you really want something, it’s worth to try getting it.” She sits down across from me and reaches out.
I place my hand in hers and she squeezes lightly.
