COURTNEY's POV

I dropped out.

Wow, I can't believe I really did it.

It was a difficult decision, yeah, but I felt like it was the right thing to do. Well, is there anything else I could have done?

I don't think so.

Was this an impulsive decision?

Maybe?

But, regardless, I have no regrets at all. In fact, I was satisfied with the decision I made, probably one of the best as well. After all, what I told Mr. Duval was the truth anyway. I don't deserve to be where I am right now, and I don't deserve to graduate.

I still remember the look on his face when I told him I wanted to drop out of school. He was surprised and confused, but also disappointed. I didn't wait for him to respond or say anything, I just quickly left his office and never looked back.

Is it weird that rather than feeling worried about what others might think of me, I felt relieved? It was funny because I didn't care any bit what others would say about me. For sure this would come out, and no matter how I think about it, how it will affect my image, I just really don't care.

But of course I feel sad. Graduating high school was my ultimate goal. It's a huge accomplishment and a moment of pride. That was the reason I did what I had to do anyway. But knowing I did it the wrong way will just haunt me forever every time I look at my diploma.

Still, I feel really great, like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Wow! So, this is what it feels like to be a bigger, better person, huh? To take responsibility for my mistakes and learn from them. To do the right thing, even when it was difficult.

No regrets, just a lesson learned.

I wonder if Mr. Duval has already told my dad the news. I know he would be disappointed, but I hope somehow, he feels proud of me. After all, that's what he wanted me to be right? To be the best version of myself and down to earth. Hopefully he'll also see it that way.

Anyway, recalling all the things that have happened to me, I wonder how I absorbed everything in just one day! I confronted Troy, set things straight with Olivia, confessed my wrongdoing to Mr. Duval, and took responsibility for the consequences of my actions. I finally freed myself from all the pressure of the situation I was under and the guilt that weighed me down.

But then, why do I still feel something is missing? I feel that I haven't set things straight for everyone yet. I still have another person to deal with.

Chad.

The question is, is there a need to be?

Like what he said, whatever I do, it won't change anything now. I think this is one of those situations in which you have to just let go and accept the situation as it is.

Bitter-sweet ending, I guess?

My contemplation was interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing, and I knew who it was. My friends. Calling to check up on me and make sure I was doing okay. Maybe they already heard what had happened and that's why they kept calling? I felt bad for not telling them about this. Knowing them, they would just stop me from doing it anyway. But this was the kind of decision I wanted to make for myself.

I wanted to ignore their non-stop calling, but at the same time, I didn't want them to worry too much about me. So I quickly sent a group message and told them I'd fill them in with the details tomorrow.

I closed my eyes and tried to return to my pondering and reflecting. But I was distracted again as my phone buzzed with notifications of their replies. I sighed and turned it off.

I took a deep breath and tried to find my inner peace. But, as if I couldn't catch a break, a knock on the door startled me, making me jump in surprise.

You have got to be kidding me!

"Miss, someone is here to see you." I heard John say from the other side of the door.

Don't tell me my friends could not wait and ambushed me here? I groaned as I got up from my bed.

I reluctantly opened the door and faced John. His face scrunched in worry as he saw the state I was in. My face probably looked so distressed at the moment. This is one of the reasons why I was not in the mood for visitors! I looked like crap.

"Are you sure you'll meet your visitor in this condition?" John gestured at me, indicating my disheveled hair and wrinkled clothes.

I walked past him and said, "Yes, I'm sure. I'll be fine." I just want to get this over and done with.

Why do I have such impatient friends? I dragged my feet downstairs and continued to pout. Just when I was halfway down, my eyes widened at the sight of my visitor.

I can recognize that back even in my sleep!

I quickly turned around and rushed upstairs. I grabbed John's arm and pulled him with me inside my room. "Why didn't you tell me that my visitor was Chad!"

"You didn't ask." John responded like it was the most obvious answer in the world.

"Oh god, oh god, oh god!" I paced back and forth, biting my finger. I could feel my heart beating furiously and panic rising inside me. I had not expected Chad to show up, and I had not prepared myself for this! I was feeling overwhelmed and I didn't know what to do.

"Should I send him away?"

I quickly answered "No!" I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves. "Let me think first."

What's his reason for being here? Am I in trouble? Is he mad? Maybe Olivia told me off or said something bad about me again. Or maybe he's here to talk. About what? What's his reason?

Oh for the love of God, Courtney! We'll never know unless you face him!

Yeah, it's true. I have been brave lately anyway. I can face him. I can do this.

Yeah, I can do this!

"Tell him I'll be there in five minutes."

* * * * * *

I must say, that was probably the most nerve-racking five minutes of my life. My mind raced with many possibilities why Chad was here as I got ready to face him. I was surprised that I survived it!

But here I am, ready to face him again. I took a breath and walked towards him as I tried to steady my heartbeat. I was shaking, but more determined. As if sensing my presence, Chad turned around to greet me. And with just one look from him, my heart was pounding excessively and my stomach was twisting in knots.

"Hey." He greeted me, his voice his usual gentle tone. "Sorry I showed up without calling first."

"It's okay." I said.

I only managed to say two words, only two words! After all the confrontations I did today, my tongue felt like it was tied, and I couldn't get any more words out.

Great, just great!

Chad kept his eyes fixed on me and I felt my face flush! God I wish he didn't notice it!

"Anyway, Mr. Duval called me today at the principal's office. He--"

"Why?" I hurriedly asked in a worried tone. "What did he say?" I followed up, feeling so concerned.

Please don't tell me he tried to punish him as well? Did I ruin his future? But I made it clear that Chad had nothing to do with my shenanigans and cheating!

My worry washed away when I heard a small and subtle laugh from Chad's lips. He straightened his back and said, "He told me that something important happened and you can't attend your classes. So, as a student assistant, I need to come over and tutor you until the final exam. He said it's part of my duty and this would be good for my record."

What!

My mouth was probably open in shock at what Chad said. I wasn't sure if what I heard was right. Didn't I just tell Mr. Duval I dropped out? What is the meaning of this?

"Are you okay with it?" Chad asked.

I said nothing, just staring at him in confusion, trying to make sense of it all. I was tempted to tell him the truth; I dropped out. But at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder why Mr. Duval was doing all this.

I hate lying to Chad, and pretending as well. But what if Mr. Duval has a plan?

Maybe he still wants me to learn even though I dropped out? It's not as if I gave up high school entirely, right? I can still re-enroll here or transfer at another school for my senior year. Maybe this is his way of helping me prepare for that?

I guess Mr. Duval hasn't disclosed it to anyone yet as Chad clearly didn't have any idea.

Well, since I already confessed all of my wrongdoings, and have already paid the price for them, having Chad to be my tutor is not a harm, right? Besides, I think this is the universe's way of giving me good karma for making amends.

A treat?

"Yes," I finally said. This is actually good for my future.

"Great." Chad smiled and nodded. I felt like I was in a dream! "I think you need to submit a book or movie report for one of your classes, right? I have to do one, too. I chose a movie review for that and there's this amazing film showing in one of our local theatres."

Chad took a step closer to me, and I felt like my breathing stopped as I looked into his eyes.

And, to make things even more crazy, what he said next made me weak in the knees and my heart skipped a beat. "Do you want to start the tutoring session today and watch that movie together?"

-END OF CHAPTER 61-

A/N: Is this really for studying purposes? What do you think Mr. Duval is planning though? Hahaha! Anyway, I'm so curious! What do you think the ending will be? Share your thoughts!

Completed version is already available on my Patreon Account: notjustarandomgirl

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