Chapter 78
“That won’t do. Sherrie is starting her first day in this school. If we don’t show up, people will look down on us.” Mom turned down the idea.
Dad nodded in agreement, adding, “That’s right. Not only are we taking her, but we’ll also make sure everyone knows she’s our real daughter.“2
Celia clenched her fists, her face turning ugly, but she didn’t dare say anything.
***2
An hour later, the car stopped in front of the school gates. As the top school in the city, they maintained strict discipline where manners were paramount. The students lined up in an orderly fashion to enter the school grounds.
The school leaders were already waiting at the gates. There was even a banner hanging above, reading: “Welcome Chief Engineer Spencer.” &
Spencer?
The last time I came, the banner said Lutz. Had they changed it to Spencer because they knew I was the daughter of a Spencer?
It seemed so.2
After all, in order to enroll me, my information, including a photo, had to be submitted to the school.
“Dad, you’re so amazing. You’re just taking Sherrie to school, but the principal himself come to greet you,” Celia immediately flattered him, thinking the banner was for Dad.
Dad immediately straightened up, looking all puffed with pride, but there was a flicker of confusion in his eyes.
He wasn’t a Chief Engineer and even though St. Harrington Academy was one of the top schools in the city – almost at the state level the principal held such a high position that it would’ve been really strange for him to give Dad such a grand welcome.
Celia added, “Mom, Dad, you always said school was important, so I’ve always made sure to behave and do well. I guess this is the
school’s way of recognizing that. But don’t worry won’t let it go to my head. I’ll keep working hard!”
Mom nodded in agreement, “That’s great, Celia!” She turned to me, “Sherrie, you should learn from your sister.”
Dad didn’t comment because he knew that even top students from prestigious universities wouldn’t get this much attention. Or rather, they would be valued, but not in such a grand display.
Alden quietly walked over and whispered in my ear, “What’s going on?“{
“They’re welcoming me,” I said with a smile.X
And the funny thing? He actually believed me.
We walked over and Dad stretched out his hand toward the principal. “Mr. Fowler, I didn’t expect you to…”
But Mr. Fowler ignored him, walked right past him and approached me, bowing slightly as he extended his hand. “I heard you were home visiting family, so we sent an invitation, but you never replied. I never expected you to enter our school as a student. This is…”
Several computer science teachers immediately gathered around, shaking my hand before bombarding me with various technical questions.
Dad, Mom and Celia were completely stunned.
Alden, however, wasn’t too surprised. Instead, he looked at me with his eyes full of amusement. This man had a charming smile–really.
Dad couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Fowler, are you sure you’re not confusing me with someone else? This is my daughter.”
“I know,” Mr. Fowler said. 2
“That’s why I changed the name from Lutz to Spencer.” Mr. Fowler explained.
“I’m sorry, but it says ‘Chief Engineer. Are you sure, Mr. Fowler?” Dad was completely puzzled.§
Mr. Fowler didn’t reply directly, instead saying mysteriously, “Let’s go inside. This isn’t a place to talk.“N
We headed to the school’s small auditorium, where I was seated in the most important position.
Not only that, they had prepared a lot of desserts and candies for me.§
Dad asked again, “What’s going on?“{
Mr. Fowler, a little surprised, replied, “Mr. Spencer, don’t you know how outstanding your own daughter is?“\
1:01 PM
