21 Haste Makes Waste

Ivy was surprised and cursed Emily inwards. She then kept her distance from him.

Soon enough, Emily was done and now the both stood there, until the assistants would count up the points and declare e winner. Emily was really upset with Cyril. "Good luck, you'll need it." Emily sneered in a melancholy tone. This caused another burst of hateful comments in the crowd.

"Agh! This Emily is too much!"

"Pride hath a fall."

"She is totally insane, how ill-mannered."

"She has more pride than all of us combined!"

"Exactly!"

"Huh, putting up such a fuss."

Shortly afterwards, many people started booing in response to Emily's comment towards Cyril. Hearing this, Cyril was also upset and became anxious as he realized his mistake. But now, he couldn't do anything.

"Everyone, please calm down! Let us announce the points." The instructor ordered. At once the crowd stopped chattering. It was pin drop silence. The sounds of wind blowing and rustling of leaves could only be heard.

"Since Cyril finished first we will be announcing his score first. He has successfully scored 97.5 points!" The instructor announced. The crowd suddenly burst into applause. Cyril courteously bowed and waved towards the crowd. He then side glanced at Emily who stood silently, her arms crossed over her chest with a poker face. He tried to hide his guilt and smirked obnoxiously at her.

Emily rolled her eyes. "Emily on the other hand…" The instructor started speaking and the crowd again fell into complete tranquility as Linda and Aiden nervously waited for the instructor to continue. "Emily has successfully scored 99 points!" He announced with immense pleasure and happiness.

This time, the spectators remained hushed. No one could believe it. Cyril, the master of archery, lost against Emily, a rookie who started archery a day ago?! Linda and Aiden were so happy, they were jumping in their seats. My bestie! She did it!

Emily uttered only a single sentence, "Haste makes waste." Before turning around to leave without looking back, not having any desire for acclamation. Her voice was filled with coldness and gloom. The crowd was still in a daze, until as they all started whispering among themselves.

"Woah! She was so amazing!"

"How could she beat him so easily?"

"Duh, what did she just say? 'Haste makes waste'!"

"Oh, yes! Couldn't you see, Cyril was shooting one arrow after the other while Emily took her time?"

"She is indeed clever!"

"And also talented!"

This time the comments praised Emily. Many students realized Cyril's mistake and nodded in agreement. Aiden and Linda both rushed to find Emily. Finally, they found her near the gate leaving. Linda looked at the time on her phone, it was three o' clock. There was still an hour left, so clearly Emily was going because she was in a bad mood.

"Emily!" Aiden and Linda called out to her at the same time. Emily's cold gaze softened a little, seeing people close to her. She smiled wryly and asked, "What happened?" Linda jumped and hugged Emily tightly, "Emily! Please don't be sad. Don't take any of the peoples' mean comments to heart, especially Cyril's!" "Okay, okay! Let me go, I am suffocating!" Emily laughed.

Aiden rubbed the back of his head, not knowing how to console her. "Uhm… You did amazing!" Emily smiled, "Thanks!"

The trio were engaged in chatting, when they turned around to see someone calling for Emily. As soon as Emily realized that the person was Cyril, she frowned, "Didn't learn your lesson? Want a rematch? Come on, let's go." She started to leave but then Cyril grabbed her arm and stopped her, "No! Wait!" He then paused, panting for breath. Emily freed herself from his grip and said, "How much did you run that now you are gasping for breath?"

Cyril was embarrassed at her remark. Hah, you chose the wrong person as your enemy, Aiden jeered in his heart. "Please, Emily. I am so sorry for what I said earlier. I didn't mean to…" He started apologizing but Emily cut in, "Then what did you mean?" Cyril was speechless, he was defeated, both in the competition and argument. He hung his head in loss. "Please forgive me. I was just too hyped up by the crowd…" He tried to explain when Emily interrupted once again, "Were you hyped up by the crowd or was the crowd hyped up by you?"

Cyril was at loss, once again. Aiden couldn't help but laugh inside. He covered in mouth and cracked a smile. While Linda just stood there and stared at him, completely disappointed by his 'idol'. "What can I do to make it up to you?" He pleaded innocently. "I forgive you." Emily simply said, not bothering to answer his last question. Cyril instantly smiled, "Ah, Emily! You are so kind!" Instead responding to his remark, she tilted her head, "I'm not the only one who you owe an apology."

"Oh, yes! Linda, I am really sorry for offending your best friend. And especially, for ruining my image as your idol." Cyril expressed his regret. Seeing him turn towards her, Linda did not further argue and accepted his apology. Finally, when it was all settled and Cyril excused himself and went back to practicing. "Let's go, Emily. I'll drop you off, my dad is here." Linda stated. Emily nodded.

"Don't forget to come to the gym today. You didn't even come yesterday!" Aiden laughed. "Oh, I had to write an essay." She replied, winking at Linda. The two girls waved goodbye to Aiden and Linda dropped Emily to her house.