Chapter 132

Chapter 132

To Janet, the tacky attempts to win her over were nothing more than a minor distraction.

The group of boys, feeling the sting of her indifference, trudged over to Emily and offered the drinks to her instead. Emily gave them a slow, condescending once-over before brushing her hair back with a practiced grace.

“I’m not that cheap,” she said, her voice dripping with displeasure. There was no way she would accept a consolation prize that had already been rejected by Janet.

The boys exchanged a look of disbelief. “Are you sure you don’t want them? It’s sweltering out here.”

Madelaine stepped in, shooing them away with a disgusted sneer. “Oh, please, just leave us alone. Why on earth are you offering us something Janet didn’t want? Do we look like her cleanup crew?”

“Actually,” one of the boys snapped back, his patience finally breaking, “it’s because you two are the only ones here worth the rejected goods!”

Madelaine gasped, left utterly speechless by the insult. Emily merely waved her hand dismissively, though her eyes flashed with anger. “Forget them, Madelaine. I need to focus. My 100-meter sprint is starting soon.”

Despite the torrid weather, Emily counted herself lucky to only be involved in one event. While she wasn't a natural athlete, she was confident her competitive drive would secure her at least a bronze medal.

The sports day officially began after a booming announcement from Mr. Wilson, the sports teacher. Since Janet’s events were scheduled for later in the day, she settled under the shade of a tree to watch her classmates.

It was a grim display. Most of Class A were academic overachievers with embarrassingly low stamina. They were being decimated by the more athletic students from the other classes.

Gordon was the sole exception, clinching a dominant gold in the men’s 100-meter sprint. Soon after, amidst rapturous cheers from Class A, Emily managed to cross the finish line in third place.

“Gordon and Emily are amazing!” the class chanted, their spirits finally lifted.

The students from Class B, however, weren't impressed. They rolled their eyes and whispered loudly enough to be heard. “I can’t believe they’re cheering for a bronze.” “Class A is just a bunch of dorky nerds with zero lungs.” “Gordon’s the only one who actually belongs on a track. The rest of them are just... stationary.”

Ignoring the remarks, Emily checked the time. Janet’s events were approaching. Feigning a supportive sisterly bond, she cried out, “Guys, let’s go! We need to root for Janet!”

Internally, Emily was gloating. The high jump, long jump, and the brutal 2000-meter race were all scheduled for two in the afternoon—the peak of the heatwave. She relished the thought of Janet staggering across the finish line, sunburned and exhausted, beneath a sun that felt like a physical weight.

While Emily was basking in her spiteful thoughts, she was taken aback to see Mr. Wilson and a group of boys approaching Janet with genuine concern.

“Janet,” Mr. Wilson advised kindly, “it’s time to start your warm-up. The high jump is first. Don't feel pressured, though. No girl from Class A has ever won a medal in high jump. Just do your best.”

Abby chimed in, her face bright red from the heat. “Janet, if you think you can’t make it, just duck under the pole! That’s what I did last year, and the teacher just laughed it off.”

“Exactly,” another classmate added. “Don’t force yourself. It’s too hot for heroics.”

Watching the swarm of support around Janet made Madelaine’s blood boil. “What do they see in that country girl?” she seethed to Emily. “I hope she trips and breaks her legs over that pole.”

Emily’s jaw tightened. She had barely enjoyed her bronze medal for five minutes before the entire class had pivoted their attention back to Janet.

Janet looked at her circle of supporters and gave a small, rare nod of appreciation. “Thanks, everyone. I’ll try my best. I’ve never actually tried high jumping before, but... I think I can nail it.”

“I trust you, Janet!” Abby’s eyes shone with unwavering determination.

“Go out there and shine,” Gordon added, patting her shoulder.

When Janet finally reached the track, she looked at the high-jump bar. The judges had set it at a height that reached nearly to her ears. It was a height intended to weed out the amateurs immediately. Janet stared at the bar, a silent calculation running through her mind. If she cleared this, the entire school wouldn't just be awestruck—they would be terrified.