After The First Grade Of High School,
Delilah's eyes drooped as she stared at her report card, the numbers and letters blurring together in a mess of disappointment.
She had failed awfully in her first semester exam, and despite a slight improvement in the second semester, her overall performance was still lacking.
Realization stung like a bee, she bit on her lower lip and couldn't help but blame herself for this report of mess.
Old Madam Chen's nagging still echoed in her mind, a constant reminder of her failure.
Delilah's father, Chen Xiao had returned to their former home, leaving her alone with her grandmother. Dear God!
To make matters worse, Delilah's poor academic performance meant she wouldn't be sitting with Fredrick anymore.
The sitting arrangement for the first grade was determined by the teacher and in Delilah's case, the position given to her as she school flower.
But, from second grade onwards, it was based on academic performance. Delilah's heart ached at the thought of being separated from Fredrick.
Meanwhile, Amy was over the moon when she discovered Delilah's poor grades.
She became even more condescending, always whispering negative comments about Delilah to Fredrick. "Stay away from her, she's bad luck," Amy would say, her voice dripping with malice.
But what Delilah, nobody knew was that Amy was merely a pawn in a much larger game. Wei Xinyi, the senior students' council president, had taken Amy under her wing, manipulating her to do her bidding.
Victoria's knowledge and charisma hid her true nature – a power-hungry individual who would stop at nothing to maintain her grip on the school.
Amy, along with her followers, was always seen with Victoria and her group.
They would often gather in the school's courtyard, laughing and chatting, while Victoria pulled the strings from behind the scenes.
Delilah had noticed the group's dynamics but had never suspected Victoria's true intentions.
As Delilah struggled to come to terms with her new reality, Amy began to suggest ways for her to "improve" herself.
"Wear big glasses, Fredrick likes nerdy girls," Amy would say, her voice laced with sarcasm. Delilah, weak and gullible, would follow Amy's advice, unaware of the underlying motives.
She was glad Amy was even talking to her, that's better than being bullied and insulted by her.
But despite Amy's efforts, Delilah's natural beauty shone through. The "nerdy" look only added to her charm, and she gained even more popularity among the students.
Delilah's character and kindness earned her the title of school flower, and nothing seemed to diminish that.
As the first semester of the eleventh grade began, Delilah found herself facing new challenges. She was determined to improve her academics and prove herself, would she be able to make it or fail again?
On a Friday, after school…
" Grandma, I'm home…", Delilah announced as she closed the door. She took off her school shoes and stockings, put on a pair of slippers and walked towards the stairs.
" Grandma?" She called out softly as she knocked gently on the door to Old madam Chen's room. However, she froze when the door opened itself like it wasn't closed from the start.
Old madam Chen sat at the edge of the bed in the room, she placed the handset of the telephone on its switch hook, looked like she was on a call before Delilah came in.
Old madam Chen turned to Delilah, "Go pack your bags, we are going to C city, and change your dress too. We'll be leaving soon", she ordered as she rose from her bed.
" Tian Tian!" the Old madam yelled, soon a middle-aged woman, Mrs. Feng Tian, the housekeeper ran in with two maids.
" Please, help me pack a few clothes", Old madam Chen requested.
" Yes, Old madam", Mrs. Feng Tian bowed as she moved briskly towards the walk-in closet in the Old madam's room to run her errand.
" Uhm… grandma", Delilah scratched her head. She was taken back when she heard they were going to C city.
That's the city she spent her middle school, and that's where she lived before she moved here.
"What is it, Delilah?" Old madam Chen asked while watering the bonsai tree by the window in her room.
"I'm just curious, why are we going to C city?" Delilah inquired, not hiding her confusion.
"Didn't I tell you to go change your clothes and get ready?" Old madam Chen turned to the girl, her eyes behind her glasses were becoming fierce, even though her voice was soft.
Delilah nodded, "Yes, you did, but do I really need to pack any clothes, I had numerous clothes at home before I moved here, and I am getting used to this neighborhood, everyone is so nice and friendly… Besides, who will drive us to C city?",
"Are you also going? Isn't dad in C city? Is dad coming? Moreover, I have class tomorrow and an evening class on Sunday, will we be back before then? I have many assignments. I also…."
Words spilled from her mouth at a rapid pace like a rapper, questioning, that Old madam Chen and Mrs. Feng Tian began to feel dizzy.
"DELILAH!" Old madam Chen snapped, sobbing dramatically in her heart.
"Please stop talking! Aiya!" she added, her left hand was on the window still and her right hand was on her head. "… just go change your clothes and pack your bags".
"But…", Delilah was about to say something when Old madam Chen cut her off before she could say anymore.
"No! No but, just do, go do all I asked you to do, okay?" Old madam Chen ordered, her voice brooking no objections.
"Okay", Delilah smiled sweetly before skipping out of the room.
"Ah. What a girl", Old madam Chen slumped onto the vintage rocking chair in the room.
Delilah doesn't talk much when she is out, well mostly because she is shy, gullible, clumsy, and timid.
Only those close to her, like family and friends knows how a talkative she can be.