Chapter 16
It was just a few exam papers, not some secret martial arts manuals that couldn’t be shared. Let them look, it wasn’t a big deal.
After a full day of classes and just before the evening study session ended, Nathan’s Euranic and science exam papers finally made their way back to him after being passed around. Only his math exam papers were still missing.
Nathan asked around and found out that his math papers were with Cheryl.
Why did she have his exam papers? Nathan frowned. After thinking for a moment, he got up and walked over to Cheryl’s desk, asking her to return them.
He needed to show the exam papers to his parents when he got home. After all, they wouldn’t believe he had scored over 650 in the semester exams without proof.
As Cheryl pulled out Nathan’s exam papers, she asked, “Nathan, I’ve looked at your answer for the last question several times, but I still don’t quite understand it. Could you…. explain it to me?”
Her bright eyes were filled with hope and expectation as she gazed at him.
“Well…” Nathan hesitated for a moment but decided to refuse. “The math teacher will definitely go over this in class tomorrow. Just pay close attention then. I can solve the question, but honestly, I don’t know how to explain it to you.”
“Oh, alright.” Cheryl’s eyes visibly dimmed, and they even seemed to well up a bit.
The old Nathan would never have treated her like this. He wouldn’t have refused to explain even a single question to her.
He couldn’t even bother to give her the time of day now?
“Congratulations on doing so well this time. Here are your exam papers.” After handing them to him, Cheryl immediately turned her head away, clearly not wanting Nathan to see her
expression.
Nathan let out a breath when he returned to his seat. He had noticed all the subtle expressions on Cheryl’s face just now. It was hard to imagine that Cheryl would feel hurt and upset because of him. She was always so proud.
Nathan shook his head, feeling some unwanted emotions stirring inside.
The 18–year–old Nathan liked Cheryl, though the 36–year–old Nathan couldn’t understand why. But feelings were feelings; there was no reasoning behind them.
At that moment, the two versions of Nathan from different times began to conflict.
Hence, the older Nathan started to convince the younger Nathan. It went smoothly enough.
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After all, Nathan had always been a rational person, in both his past life and this one.
He could read the same book over and over, but that didn’t mean he’d get a different ending.
After the evening study session, Nathan walked home with Oscar.
On the way, Oscar asked what Layla wanted when she called him to the office earlier.
Nathan told him about how he had been chosen to give a speech at the motivational assembly, representing the entire senior year.
“No way, Nate. You’re about to become famous!” Oscar exclaimed, his voice full of envy.
At every grade–level review assembly after exams, he and Nathan could only stand quietly below the stage, watching the top students on stage giving their grand speeches and advice while they played the roles of Passerby Ossie and Average Nate.
Now, Passerby Ossie was still a bystander, but Average Nate had stepped out of the crowd.
“So, what did Cheryl say to you when you went to get your math exam papers?
“She asked me to explain a question to her.”
“And?”
“There is no ‘and.‘ I refused.
“Com’on, Nate. You didn’t have to do that. It’s just explaining a question. Even if you can’t be a couple, you can still be friends. If I remember correctly, Cheryl’s mom and your mom are really close friends. You and Cheryl are childhood friends.”
Hearing Oscar’s words, Nathan felt a flicker of irritation.
The 18–year–old Nathan started to stir again.
“Don’t you ever learn, you fool?” Nathan muttered under his breath.
