The whole class had sunk into silence as Kate stood in front of the students with her presentation spread behind her. The teens gawked with enlarged eyes, the teacher beaming at the girl, and Kate felt the familiar sensation surging through her – realization that her work was once again best of all, her all-nighters had paid off, and she had amazed everyone around.
“Great job, Kate,” the teacher let out, unable to suppress the tones of astonishment. “Thank you so much for this unforgettable presentation about World War II.”
Nodding, the girl closed her laptop and headed back to her seat. As she walked through the isles of desks, her eyes sneaked toward the boy sitting at the front, her proud gaze piercing right through him. With her green eyes sparkling – that screamed, “I am the winner,” – Kate sat at her desk and crossed her legs, putting up her chin.
“Martin, you are the next,” the teacher said, and the boy who Kate kept staring at stood up.
“Thank you,” he replied with a low, confident tone and walked up on the platform before the class, poised smile dimpling his cheeks.
He opened his laptop and clicked on it, a black screen spreading behind him with thick white letters written across it as if engraved on a stone: Written and Directed by Martin Hart.
“I filmed a short movie to present what living during World War II was like,” Martin emitted, courage curving his lips, a sense of victory dancing in his chocolate-brown eyes.
He tapped on the starting button, and the students unconsciously leaned forward, their pupils dilating from awe. The teacher glued her eyes on the screen, her mouth slightly open as if the words of surprise rushed to it but unable to escape. Only a few seconds lasted before the whole class got immersed in Martin’s movie.
Kate gripped the edge of her shirt, blood boiling in her veins. Her glare, peeling off of the screen, moved onto Martin and ran into his winner’s face. He stood next to the screen, watching only Kate. His eyes, shining like silver dots, lanced through the girl like laser bullets stabbing through prey.
Gritting her teeth, Kate trapped her jealousy and anger inside, clenching her fists and digging her nails in her palms. She had to admit – Martin’s film was indeed amazing, detailed, and realistic. But how did he come up with this idea? She had lost against Martin, her worst enemy, her rival who always competed with her for the best student status.
In an hour, when the class ended, and the teenagers began rushing out of the classroom with loud, careless chatter, Kate stood up, grabbing her bag.
“Second place again, huh?” she heard a boastful voice from the back and turned, seeing Martin standing with a smile stretched from ear to ear.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” Kate replied tightly. “We have another presentation next week.”
“You won’t be the first, just like always,” Martin scoffed, running his fingers through his dark curls.
“You should be the one preparing to lose,” Kate walked up to him, shortening the distance into a few inches as she waved a paper into his face, number 100 glowing in red on it. “I’m the only one who got the perfect score in the literature test. As I remember, you got 97, right?” she titled her head, annoying the boy.
Martin inhaled, wrinkling his nose. Sly smile splitting her lips, Kate turned.
“Pulling all-nighters won’t help when you’re talentless!” Martin’s words followed her.
“One short film won’t help when you’re a literal loser!” she shot back without turning and walked out of the classroom, feeling Martin’s furious glare still pinned on her back.
As soon as the boy disappeared from her sight, Kate’s smile melted, her features twisting with irritation. Her consciousness had already accepted that she wouldn’t be sleeping for the next few nights, preparing for the next presentation. She had to be the best, perfect, flawless. The scholarship in a foreign university was waiting for her, and she had to be the one taking it.
The night quickly came, seeping through the open windows. Dark enveloped the school, and the full moon hung on the starless sky.
Exhausted, Kate had decided to continue studying in the school library. She walked into the dark room, full of bookshelves engulfed by gloom and utter silence. Suddenly, she discerned a string of light cutting through the murk, and at the window desk, she saw Martin. With four books spread in front of him, his eyes kept jumping from one to the other, lamp brightening his pale face. He was the only one in the library, and Kate tutted, about to break the hush when suddenly Martin’s phone rang. His face lit up as he answered it.
“Hi, mom,” he said, and lurking from behind a dark corner, Kate saw a woman on his phone screen. “How’re things in Spain?”
“Hi, honey,” she replied with a tired and melancholic tone. “I’m fine. I don’t want to scare you, but I’ve been fired, but don’t worry, I have an interview for a new job tomorrow.”
“Mom,” Martin exhaled and dropped his head. “I’m so sorry. I wish I could help…”
“You’re already helping by being such a good son, studying so hard,” the woman smiled, tears brimming her eyes. “I wish I were there, with you. I’ve always been an absent mother, and I regret it so much.”
“You had no other choice,” Martin forced a smile. “I promise we’ll be together soon.”
Suddenly, someone called from behind the woman’s back.
“Honey, I have to go; I’ll talk to you later,” she muttered and hung up.
Martin stared at the black screen for a few seconds without a trace of his usual proud smile on his lips. His bloodshot eyes turning moist, he rubbed them, then inhaled and returned to the books.
With her heart shrinking from pain, Kate stepped back, quietly leaving the library as the image of sadness flooding Martin’s face stuck in her mind.
The sun shone through the windows, the yellow beams flickering on the walls. The teacher had handed out the tests, and everyone had grabbed the pen. Looking up, Kate saw Martin glimpsing back at her with a provoking gaze, smirking at her. Kate’s face didn’t change as she watched him without any grimace. Confused, Martin furrowed before he turned and began writing. Kate did the same, but while answering the questions, all she could think about was Martin and his secret.
A few hours passed before Kate stepped into the library, heading toward the desk where she knew she’d find the boy. She wasn’t mistaken. He sat, concentrating on a book in his lap.
“Hey,” she flopped next to him.
Startled, Martin flinched and looked at her perplexed.
“Hi,” he uttered. “What are you doing?”
“Studying,” Kate took out her books.
“There are 5 empty desks,” Martin scooched over, trying to avoid Kate.
“I like this one,” Kate smiled and began reading.
Martin stared at her for a while as if trying to read her thoughts before he gave up and continued studying.
Kate could feel his eyes peeking toward her as they read in silence, and hours went by. Students slowly emptied the library, leaving Kate and Martin alone.
Her phone chimed, and Kate quickly read the message.
“You have a sister?” suddenly Martin asked awkwardly and then blushed. “I saw it on your phone.”
“Yeah, she’s my best friend,” Kate giggled. “Do you have siblings?”
Martin shook his head, his eyes turning nostalgic as he fell quiet. Sun had begun setting, and dark started enveloping the room. His eyes sparkled like stars.
“I can’t imagine my life without my family,” Kate’s voice dropped to a whisper. “They are the closest people I have.”
“I feel the same, but my mother is my only family,” a sad smile ran across Martin’s lips.
They eyed each other, and for the first time, they looked like two ordinary teenagers and not rivals. Kate felt warmth pouring into her when a genuine, sweet smile appeared on Martin’s face.
The next morning, while the noise filled the hallways, Kate knocked on the door and peeked inside. The school counselor twinkled at her and pointed at the chair.
“Kate, please come in.”
She went inside and sat on the chair, aware of what she was about to hear.
“I’ve called you about the scholarship,” the woman started. “We’ve reviewed your academic work, and it’s perfect. Best in the whole school. And the Madrid university would be happy to accept you!”
“Madrid, Spain?” Kate asked.
“Yes, is there a problem?”
Martin’s words flashed by in her mind. That’s where his mother lived – Spain.
A smile rose to her lips as Kate exhaled, serenity washing over her eyes.
“Aren’t you interested in Martin Hart?” she asked.
“Yes, he’s one of the best students too but,” the woman got confused. “Don’t you want the scholarship?”
“This one is destined for Martin,” Kate answered calmly. “He’s the most creative and talented person I know. You won’t regret it. And me…” she stood up. “I’ll have other opportunities.”
“Are you sure you want to give your spot to Martin?” the counselor looked up at her.
Kate nodded.
“I’m sure,” she opened the door. “Thank you.”
As Kate walked down the hall, edging away from the students, a smile didn’t leave her face. She felt so light, as if her body had turned into a feather. Regret didn’t stain her heart. She knew this decision was her real victory.