Chapter 54 - 54: Evaluation Exam Week

(Michelle POV)

As the days of the evaluation exam draw nearer, I felt the pressure in the overall school atmosphere become thick. Students, particularly freshies like me were all busy cramming and reviewing every knowledge that they can. The library and the tianhao building were always full, and even on the vast open school grounds, I saw students in groups having their books out.

Given this, I felt like I was the only lazy student around. So, in the end, I gave in to peer pressure and decided to study like some good student again. 

On Monday, during my first class, Math 11, our professor gave us a mock exam where I actually did pretty ok, getting a grade of 78. After that, it was ES class where I again saw Steven, Lara, and Andy. The past few days, nothing notable happened between us. We're fast friends, and we eat lunch, talk about some of our subjects, become normal friends that only hang-out during break times when we have the same subject. 

Anyhow, we will be hanging out during Andy's birthday and the evaluation exams are coming so it's very much understandable. We're students we go to school and go home. Duh?

Come English period, I was again seated next to Anthony, and I don't know why but I always feel so hyper conscious around him. The moment of confidence last time, gone. I recalled us video chatting yesterday, but he did not mention it. Anyhow, it was a hi- hello- goodbye given our class schedule.

On Tuesday, my 4 ½ hour break, was spent with me hanging out with some of my blockmates. They were all pretty nice to me, don't know if because I have been nice to them, or because they all saw that I'm friends with Andy? Ok, maybe more on because I'm friends with Andy based on how the girls were all asking about him. I just gave them smiles, being mysterious. What? I can't really reveal too much about him, even though I know a lot from social media in the future. Like first, it might not apply to now, and second, what if he hears about it and think that I'm a stalker? No thank you.

Anyway, we had a group project which was announced last week when I was absent. Thankfully, my blockmates saved me and I became groupmates with Marts, Vitto, Camille, and Joanie. They were people that were pretty ok with me in our block, so I was fine with it. Oh, they were so amazed with my knowledge when we discussed about choosing a topic for our paper. Hah! Economics was my forte! They're actually lucky to pick me!

Then came PE, when I looked at the covered courts, I did not see Anthony. It seems like their class had a free cut as the court was empty. Oh well. Too bad.

On Wednesday, my classmates, and other freshies were in a frenzy. Like a state of panic, I understood all too well. I did not of course let the pressure get into my system. Like, what for?

--

On Thursday, the departmental evaluation exam would finally be held. The schedules and room assignments were all posted outside the department of each respective subject that morning. After Economics class, me and my blockmates all went to see our schedules and room assignment. I saw that my English exam would be at 4:30-6:00 pm, at Sec A, later, while my Math exam would be tomorrow 4:30-6:00pm also at Kostka. 

Then, come 12, I went to my ES lab class. Andy and Lara greeted me, while Steven as usual, just gave me a nod of acknowledgement. Although he's not my husband in this timeline, I still hold fondness for him. 

There were days when I would feel like he's looking at me like the way Steve did in the past, but then again, it might just be my imagination and wishful thinking. Besides, with Lara who's also my good friend now, I can't possibly think of anything with him. Good thing they're not huge on PDA. I don't even see them holding hands. Like it's super rare. Sometimes, it gives the illusion that there's nothing between them but friendship.

Andy, I don't know what's up with him. I feel like he likes me, but he's not pursuing me. I don't know. Whatever was up with him, he's giving mixed signals. Anyway, I decided not to mind it, I have Anthony to think of. 

Lara, she's acting like we have been best friends since forever every time we're together. 

After our lab class, I didn't have PE as we have been given a free cut. So, the four of us all went to SOM mall and sat around a table. Each of us brought out our own notes and there was silence amongst us. When the time reached 4:15, we talked about where each of our exams would be held. Funnily, me and Steven would be taking it in the same building just different classrooms while Lara and Andy would take it in different buildings. 

Thus, at 4:20, we separated ways while me and Steven walked together to SEC A. I don't know why, but suddenly, I felt nostalgic again. My heart was beating fast, and from time to time, I would try to catch a glimpse of Steven's side profile. He was different but the same. The way he walked straight and tall, when he's all serious, really, he looked like a handsome CEO, well, the young version at least.

I shook my head. No, Michelle, he's not your Steve and whatever imaginary feelings you have for him is just a projection of your feelings to your Steve.

When we reached the SEC A building, although he was assigned in room 202 and I at 107, he deigned to walk me to my room. I was pretty surprised, but just let him. 

When we were in front of room 107, he paused and I said, "thank you, and good luck on your exam!" as I smiled at him.

He paused for a second, I'm not sure why, before he gave me a little nod, his lips were ever slightly tilted upwards and he said, "Thanks, same to you." Before walking off.

As he left, a smile was plastered to my lips, and I felt warm in my heart. I guess old habits die hard. 

-- 

I looked at the seating arrangement plastered on the whiteboard before taking my seat. I did not recognize anyone in the room. Wow, we've been shuffled pretty good.

After a few minutes, the examiner assigned to our class entered the room. He looked like a very strict man and while we were taking the exam, he always looked at us with suspicious eyes. 

Looking at the questions, I saw that it was not that difficult, but of course, I wanted to fail this stupid exam. If I pass, then no more Anthony time for me. So, I just answered in a way that I would get a 70 at least but still not get a grade over 75. The reason I wanted to get a grade as near to 75 as possible was because this would be considered as our 1st major exam in class.

At 5:30pm, I submitted my paper early and decided to go home. I was not in the mood to talk about the exam to anyone. Like, who cares? Ehem, ok, when I was a real freshie, I do, but now, I don't.

--

On Friday, it was the last day of exams. We were given a free cut for our Math class because of the exam later. I went on my day as usual. In ES class, Andy reminded me of his birthday party tomorrow. He was a bit hesitant, but then he asked me if I have an aversion to seeing people partying. To which I just said no. I did not tell him that I have never been to one, but hey, I have seen them in the movies, celebrity style in news, and I did enter a bar with Steve once. 

What does he think of me? Born yesterday? Well, I was kinda like that before but not the me now! I'm so ready to partyyy!!!! I'm so excited to go home and finalize what I have packed for his party. I mean, it would be an overnight on a luxury yacht and I'm just excited about it.

After class we went for lunch in the canteen where lots of students were in groups cramming for the exam later. 

The four of us looked at each other, and when it was time for me to leave, we all wished each other luck.

Arriving in class, I saw that Anthony was already there. He smiled at me but did not talk about the English exam yesterday. I bet he did not feel like he will pass, well, I know he won't, so I also did not mention it. Am I evil? I actually feel very good that he's going to fail because we will still remain as classmates for the whole sem. Really, if he passes the exam, I will totally bawl like crazy, because that would mean I failed for nothing! 

When class was over, he left to go to his class. I was left alone and went to the library to review for the exam later. I know I said I won't but what do I do with this free time if not at least study?

Time moved quickly, and at the end of the day, after taking the exam, I felt like a winner. What? I felt like I did better this time than when I first took it and I even did not spare the same effort!

--

TBC