Maple Academy was one of those institutions that Mirabe had heard about, one that was undeniably founded on the almighty dor–a private, elite school if there ever was one. With a staff of seasoned professionals and a rigorous academic hierarchy, only two types of students walked its hallowed halls; genuine geniuses and the filthy rich.
In short, if your pockets were deep enough, you were in.
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“Have you already greased the school’s palm?” Mirabe asked, breaking the silence with a stern look that seemed to pin her parents to their seats.
Caught off guard by their daughter’s seriousness, the couple exchanged a nce.
“<b>Yes</b><b>.</b>”
“No.”
The first was a firm affirmation from Delh; the second was a denial from Shawn. Their failure to present a united Tront led to another silent exchange, this one tinged with mutual disapproval.
Mirabe watched them with a half–smile that somehow made Delh squirm. Feeling guilty under her daughter’s gaze, Delh nudged her husband with her foot, signaling him toe up with an exnation.
Taking his wife’s cue. Shawn cleared his throat, straightened up, and with an earnest look on his still–handsome face. said. “If you end up choosing this school your mother and I do indeed have ns to… facilitate your eptance.” Hearing this, the seriousness on Mirabe’s face softened. “Good that you haven’t paid yet. I’ve already picked my school.”
Though they were far from destitute, Mirabe saw no need for backdoor dealings.
“You’ve chosen a school already? Which one?” Delh asked eagerly.
Mirabe’s gaze lowered slightly, her reply concise. “Parkside High School.”
Delh and Shawn were taken aback.
Parkside High School? Had they misheard<b>? </b>
Delh coughed, seeking rification. “Sweetie, did you just say<b>… </b>Auburn High School?”
Mirabe set down the school brochure, her head tilting slightly, a smile ying on her lips. “No, Parkside High School”
“But, honey, you’re joking, right? Could you repeat that for me? Which school did you pick?” Despite being charmed by her daughter’s nonchnt demeanor, Delh still suspected she was hearing things.
Mirabe’s eyes sparkled with earnestness. “It’s not a joke. Only Parkside High School meets my selection criteria.”
Delh’s expression shifted at her daughter’s words. “I know Parkside is the best, but it’s beyond our reach, sweetie.” She was well aware of her daughter’s freshman year grades. They were far from ster.
“Parkside is full of top students from all over. With your <b>grades</b><b>… </b>even if you get in, it might not be <b>a </b><b>good </b>thing for you,” Shawn added, his expression turning grave at his daughter’s ambition.
Delh <b>nodded </b>in agreement. “Exactly, <b>your </b>father’s right. We don’t expect you to be <b>a </b>top student; we just want you to be happy, even if it means <b>going </b>to an average university.”
After all, they didn’t need a fancy diploma for show. Emmitt, Zach, Nick, and Leo made up a quartet of prestigious university alumni, and that was disy enough.
So Delh picked <b>up </b>several other school brochures and Intended to hand them to Mirabe. “Take another <b>look </b>at these, Mira. If not, I’ll call Maple Academy right now, and we’ll settle on that one!”
“Maple is fine, darling. Daddy supports you.”
Watching her parents‘ discouraging response at the mention of Parkside High School, Mirabe pressed her temples with a hint of exasperation. “Just give me a moment,” she <b>said</b>, standing up to ascend the staircase.