Don't make me go back

After the school gave the guaranteed admission spot to the girl who bullied me, I decided to tank everything. Physics competition? Nope. Representative speech? No way. The seven-school joint exam? I handed in a blank paper.

But when the school board came to visit and my dad, who's a board member, asked to see me, I couldn't exactly skip that. So I went straight up to him and complained, "Dad, the school's playing favorites."

It all started when the joint exam scores came out. I got a 2280 (perfect score is 2400), the highest in our grade. But instead of congratulations, I got sneers. My teacher, Mr. Henderson, grabbed my score sheet and told me to go to the office. Ashley Parker, the principal's daughter, was also there, giving me a smug look.

Mr. Henderson got straight to the point. "The early admission decision is out." His eyes flicked between Ashley and me. Then he smiled at Ashley. "Congratulations."

I waited for him to finish, my face blank. "What about me?"

His smile faltered. "Katie, I wanted to talk to you about… your options. I know you work hard, and you've won awards, but Ashley… well, she has…"

I finished his sentence. "Ashley has mediocre grades, bullies her classmates, and throws her weight around."

Mr. Henderson was speechless. Ashley was furious. "Katie, what the hell are you talking about? Haven't I taught you a lesson already?"

I gave her a cold look. Her "lessons" included locking me in the bathroom, putting bugs and a dead mouse in my desk, and throwing my books and supplies in the trash. Mr. Henderson knew about it.

I pointed at her arrogant expression. "Even so, she still gets the early admission?"

Mr. Henderson stammered, giving Ashley a look. Then he turned back to me, trying to placate me. "With your scores, you can get into any college…"

I cut him off. "Didn't the announcement say the top scorer gets priority for early admission?"

He frowned. "Well, yes, but you don't really need it, do you?"

Yes, I did. I had a deal with my dad. If I got early admission, I could study music instead of business management.

I looked at Mr. Henderson again. "Three years, five national awards, sixteen state awards, countless school awards, always top of the class. Even so, she still gets it?"

He was sweating now, lips trembling. Ashley snapped, "Just give it up already! It's just one spot. If you piss me off, I can make your life a living hell!"

I ignored her, staring at Mr. Henderson until he finally said, "Rules are rules, but… The decision is made. Just focus on the SATs. It won't make much difference."

I nodded and left. Ashley followed me out. "Katie, some people are born with silver spoons in their mouths, and some people are born to shovel shit. Blame your loser dad."

I called my "loser dad." He didn't pick up, but texted me, "Just arrived at the US Embassy. What's up, sweetie?"

I thought, Oh, nothing, just someone calling us losers.

He sent me $500. "Treat yourself. Daddy's got a meeting. I'll bring you souvenir...