Chapter 3

His name was Ryan Woods. He was the real legend at Riverside High School.

Back in middle school, Ryan had snagged a gold medal in the national physics competition. By freshman year, an elite university's gifted youth program had already sent him an offer. He only stayed in town to finish high school because his dad got sick.

He barely ever showed up to class, spending most of his time in the labs.

The only connection I ever had with him was seeing his name at the very top of the wall of fame every time I walked past the lab building.

I followed him to the lab.

On the way, I could feel Sophie and Ethan's eyes stabbing into my back like needles.

Once we were inside, I finally couldn't hold it in anymore. "Why did you pick me?"

Ryan set a stack of papers on the table. "Because I read the lab report you turned in last week."

I froze.

I'd pulled two all-nighters to finish that report. But the teacher said my idea was decent, then used it as an example for the competition class.

I figured no one would notice.

Ryan flipped to a page and pointed at my work. "Here, you used the most straightforward method, but the result was the most reliable. In a competition, being steady is more important than showing off."

No one had ever described me like that before. Not dumb, not average, not a burden. But steady.

I looked down, feeling a lump in my throat.

Ryan glanced at me. "If you want to prove yourself, here's your chance."

I asked, "What if I can't do it well?"

He replied calmly, "Then keep practicing until you get it right."

From that day on, I went to the lab every day after school.

Ryan always took his time explaining things.

He never made fun of me for being behind, and he never got impatient when I asked simple questions.

He'd slide the scratch paper over to me and say, "Do it again."

A week later, Eleanor handed out the mock exam papers in class.

When I saw my score, I froze.

I got a 92.

It was the first time I'd ever scored above ninety in physics.

Someone in the class gasped, "Vera? How'd she score that high?"

Eleanor looked conflicted.

Ethan glared at me, his brows furrowed.

Sophie stared at my paper, her fingers twisting the corner.

After class, Ryan came in through the back door and gave my desk a quick tap. Ryan said, "You missed eight points. Go over them tonight."

I grabbed my paper and followed him out.

Ethan called after me from behind, "Vera."

I didn't turn around.

But Ryan paused, tilted his head, and asked, "You coming or not?"

"Let's go," I said.

When the competition roster was posted, Sophie's name was there, too.

She wasn't one of the physics competitors, but she got on the team as a "lab presenter."

It didn't surprise me when I saw her name on the list.

Sophie was never good at solving problems. What she excelled at was making everyone feel like she was someone they had to favor.

Ethan was on the list, too.

He was standing in front of the bulletin board, and when he saw Ryan and me walking over together, his expression iced over. "Vera, are you going to compete?"

I shot back, "Why can't I?"

He frowned. "This isn't some regular test. Don't confuse being stubborn with actually putting in the work."

Ryan chuckled.

Ethan shot him a look. "What's so funny?"

Ryan replied slowly, "Just laughing at how you always butt in."

The hallway fell silent for a second.

Ethan looked pissed.

Sophie quickly tried to smooth things over. "We're all here to make the school proud, so let's not argue."

She turned to me with a gentle smile. "Vera, I heard the lab competition needs some hands-on work. Your hands used to shake a lot. Maybe I could help you out with the demo?"

I looked at her. "No, thanks."

She looked hurt. "I want to help you."

"Is your idea of helping me taking my name off or stealing my results?"