Jason nodded vigorously. ‘Yes. Emily worked so hard to prepare, and she was ready. Linda turned off the alarm so she wouldn’t miss the test.’
The officers exchanged glances, then turned to me. ‘Is that true?’ the male officer asked.
‘Yes,’ I whispered, feeling the full weight of the situation come crashing down on me. ‘I need to get to school right away, or I’ll miss my chance to take the exam.’
The officers nodded, exchanging glances. ‘All right, young lady,’ said the female officer, standing up, ‘We’ll take you there.’
Linda’s face contorted with disbelief. ‘Wait, are you really going to escort her?’ she stammered, her voice tinged with annoyance. ‘This is ridiculous!’
‘It’s our job to help people,’ replied the officer, coldly distancing himself from Linda. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse us.’
I turned to Jason, who was smiling proudly, like a little hero. ‘Thank you, Jason,’ I whispered, hugging him tightly. ‘You saved me.’
As I walked away with the officers, Linda’s face reflected rage and disbelief. The officers helped me into their patrol car, and we sped down the road with sirens blaring, pushing through traffic as we approached the school. My heart was pounding in my chest, but this time it was beating with determination.
We arrived at the exam centre when the doors were already closed. The police officers got out with me and directed me to the entrance.
One of the proctors noticed us and approached, looking confused. ‘Ma’am, the exam has started,’ he said, glancing at the officers.
The policewoman quickly explained. ‘This young lady’s alarm went off at home, but she’s here now. I understand you can’t make exceptions, but if she has the opportunity to take the exam…’
The proctor’s stern face softened as he listened. He looked me in the eye, as if assessing my sincerity, and then nodded briefly. ‘All right. Go ahead.’
‘Thank you,’ I stammered, hardly believing that I had managed it.
I sat down at my seat, still shaken, but not wanting to let the morning’s events get the better of me. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes for a second, and thought of my mother. This was my moment, and I wasn’t going to let anyone take it away from me. I picked up my pencil and began the test.
A few hours later, I left the viewing room, exhausted but relieved. The officers who had helped me were gone, but I felt their kindness in every step I took on my way home. Jason was waiting for me on the steps, and he jumped up as soon as he saw me.
‘Did you make it?’ he asked eagerly, his eyes shining with hope.
I nodded, and despite my exhaustion, a smile appeared on my face. ‘Yes, thanks to you.’
He hugged me. ‘I knew you could do it.’
My father was waiting inside. His face was pale, his mouth pressed into a grim line. He was waiting for me to come home and tell him everything. Jason took the initiative and recounted all the details of what had happened while I was away.
My father’s face reddened with anger, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Linda, who was trying to appear calm and unaffected. ‘Is this true?’ he demanded, his voice trembling with restrained fury.
Linda’s eyes darted between us. ‘I… I was just trying to save her from making a mistake. I didn’t want it to go this far,’ she muttered, finally looking cornered.
‘You destroyed her dreams because of your own selfishness,’ my father said coldly. ‘You won’t stay here another night.’
Linda’s face paled when she realised he was serious. She tried to protest, but he shook his head firmly. ‘Pack your things, Linda. This family deserves better.’
Jason and I stood at the door and watched as she finally left. There was no satisfaction in it, only a sense of justice and relief.