Seth opened the door to the principal’s office. He greeted the principal, but the latter looked busy reading some documents. Seth said his greetings again. The principal—Mr. Tanner—looked up to his direction and gave Seth a stern look.
“Take a seat, Seth Wiley. We have to—oh, why are you here Mr. Gilbert Hugo?” The principal noticed Gil standing beside Seth. If the principal gave Seth an unwelcoming stare, he did the opposite to Gil. The principal looked happy to see Gil. “Are you here because your father has something to say to me? Go ahead. You can—”
“I am here for Seth Wiley, Principal Tanner.” Gil said those words in a serious voice.
The principal looked confused. “What do you mean, Gilbert?”
“Seth did not cheat on the exam. He became number one because of his hard work. You are accusing an innocent person based solely on a parent’s inability to accept the fact that her child is dumb. Don’t be ridiculous, Mr. Principal. You’re better than this.”
The principal nodded his head. “So, Gilbert Hugo, you are here for that. But, I believe that doesn’t concern you. You are not related to the issue at hand.”
“I am family.” Gil uttered. “I am Seth’s family.”
When Seth heard what Gil had said, he wanted to embrace his boyfriend right then and there. Honestly, the cheating issue had him feeling down. He worked hard to achieve first place, why would someone question it? Seth was sure that the cheating issue had circulated among the students by that time. Would he be condemned again like in his previous life? No. This time, Seth was not alone. Gil was with him.
“Family? How come?” The principal asked. “Does your dad know about this?”
“The old man’s got nothing to do with this. Don’t mention him again.”
“I’m afraid you need to step out of my office, Gilbert Hugo. Or your father will know about this.” The principal warned.
Gil laughed. “I don’t care.”
Seth finally stepped in to the conversation. “Gil, it’s all right.”
“What are you saying, Seth? I can—”
“It’s all right.” Seth gave Gil’s arm a squeeze. “I did not cheat. I can prove my innocence. Thank you for always taking my side. I appreciate everything that you do. But, this time, let me face this on my own.”
Gil heaved a deep sigh. “If that’s what you want, I will respect your decision.” Gil turned to the principal and said: “You have to be fair, Principal Tanner. You have to listen to the voice of reason.”
“Go back to your classroom, Gilbert Hugo.” The Principal told Gil.
Seth smiled at Gil. The latter left the office with obvious hesitation on each step. Seth took a deep breath when he was finally alone with the principal.
“You may take a seat, Seth Wiley.” Principal Tanner motioned for him to sit on the couch. The principal sat across him. “You are already aware about the issue at hand, is that correct, Seth Wiley?”
Seth nodded his head in affirmation. “Yes. I heard Chuck Mallory’s mom is telling everyone in this school that the reason I am number one in the recent midterm exams is because I cheated. I am denying their allegation against me, Principal Tanner.”
“The school decided to investigate the cheating issue.”
“Did you tell my mom about this?”
“My secretary already talked to your mom. We will be having a parents’ conference with your mom and Chuck Mallory’s mom tomorrow.”
Seth clicked his tongue. “I can prove that I didn’t cheat, Principal Tanner. I can retake the exams right in front of you. There is nothing to investigate.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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“Jjc sbe afii wf tbk sbe klii mbcvema atf lcnfralujalbc?”
“Rb. Po sbe’gf afiilcu atf ageat atja sbe vlv cba mtfja, kfii sbe mjc yf ja fjrf. Rbk, ub yjmx ab sbeg mijrrgbbw.”
“Ktja’r la?” Vfat kjr vlrjqqblcafv.
Uglcmlqji Kjccfg vlvc’a rjs jcsatlcu. Lf pera wbalbcfv obg Vfat ab ifjnf atf boolmf.
Seth stood up. He left the principal’s office with a heavy heart.
However, just when he was about to return to the classroom, someone grabbed Seth’s arm. When he turned to look who grabbed him, he saw an unfamiliar woman. Her face was red in anger. She looked crazily mad.
“Finally, I know what you look like Seth Wiley!” The woman’s voice was so loud. “You cheater! You despicable tyrant! How could a peasant like you dare to rob my son of his top spot?”
“I didn’t rob your son of anything, lady.” Seth’s voice was firm. “I did not cheat. I deserve the top spot because I’ve worked hard for it. It is not my problem if your son’s capabilities fell short against me. Just accept the fact that Chuck is not number one anymore. And please, let me go, you are hurting me!”
“No!” The woman squeezed Seth’s arm with force. “How dare you speak to me like that? Who are your parents? Do they know that you’re a cheater and a liar?!”
“My mom raised me well. Unlike you, my mom is respectful and kind. Just let me go, old lady.”
“Old lady?” Chuck’s mom became rabid. “How dare you? How dare you!” She was now hitting Seth’s shoulders. “Do you know who I am? Don’t you dare compare me to your peasant mom!”
“We may be poor, but we have manners.” Seth uttered to the woman. “I don’t know you personally and I don’t have any desire to know you at all.”
“You bastard! You cheated on the math quiz bee, too, right? There’s no way you’re smarter than my son. You did it again during the midterm exams. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? I will not tolerate your schemes anymore.” The lady continued on hitting Seth.
“Let go of me! Let go—”
“Who the fuck are you?” said an angry voice. Seth was relieved to see Gil running toward his direction.
“You didn’t go back to the classroom?” Seth asked.
“No. I was waiting for you. I just went to the toilet for a short while. Who is this lady?” Gil dragged the lady away from Seth. Chuck’s mother was shouting nonstop.
The teachers finally caught up to the situation. They immediately got hold of Chuck’s mother. Seth and Gil were instructed to go back to the classroom, which they didn’t do. Gil thought of going to the nurse’s office to see the condition of Seth’s arms and shoulders.
Luckily, there was nothing major. Seth had a light bruise on his arm because of how forceful Chuck’s mom was when she was squeezing Seth’s arm.
After applying some medicine to Seth’s bruised arm, the nurse told them to go back to the classroom. Seth and Gil obliged. The latter was suspiciously quiet on their way back.
“What are you thinking, Gil?” Seth couldn’t help but ask.
Gil shook his head. “You won’t like it if I tell you.”
When they reached the classroom, Seth opened the door to find his classmates quietly listening to the teacher’s lesson. No one looked at Seth’s direction as if he was not there at all. Chuck was also sitting quietly. Even the friends Seth acquired thru the study group were mum.
“You did nothing wrong…” Gil whispered to him before they both sat down to their respective seats.
Paul glanced at Seth’s direction. His classmate gave Seth a smile. However, it didn’t last because Paul’s attention returned to the teacher.
Seth just shrugged. What would he expect, right? High schoolers really had a feeble mind.
*****
The next day, Seth was accompanied by his mom—Monica Wiley to school. Everyone was staring at them curiously.
“Don’t mind them, dear. I know you didn’t cheat. I witnessed your hard work. Chin up, my dear Seth. I will always be proud of you…” His mom whispered to him.
“Thank you, mom…”
They went to the principal’s office together.
Principal Tanner was already talking to Chuck’s mom when Seth and his mom arrived at the office. Mrs. Mallory immediately gave them a disgusted look. She glanced at Seth’s mom from head to foot. Then, she smirked and said:
“Now I know. The son is despicable because the mother is too busy making a living. Look at those cheap clothes.”
“Please refrain from insulting my mother, old lady. You’ll regret it.” Seth warned Mrs. Mallory.
“Are you threatening my mom, Seth Wiley?” It was Chuck—looking smug and triumphant.
“I am just stating a fact.”
“You hear this brat?” Mrs. Mallory said in a high pitched voice. “Truly disrespectful.”
“Principal Tanner…” said Monica Wiley. “I can accept the insults thrown at me. But I can guarantee you that my son Seth did not cheat. I am here to support my son. He is innocent and whatever the other party is accusing him, it’s not true.”
“Hah! Poor people acting with dignity? It makes me vomit.” Mrs. Mallory mocked. “Don’t tolerate your son’s bad behaviour. It’s enough that you’re dirt poor, don’t add bad parenting on your character set up.”
Principal Tanner let out a cough. “Ladies, this is not the right place for your bickering. Let’s talk about the issue at hand.”
“Just tell these poor people that Seth Wiley cheated on the exam. That’s the only result I want to hear, Principal Tanner. Suspend him or might as well expel him from this school. Poor people don’t deserve to be studying here in your prestigious school.” Mrs. Mallory uttered in a condescending tone.
“The teachers who administered the exams are very consistent in saying that Seth Wiley didn’t cheat. They observed that during the exams Seth was very focus and not even once bothered his teachers or classmates. As per our investigation, Seth Wiley did not cheat. The number one spot in the second year rankings rightfully belongs to him.”
“That’s absurd!” Mrs. Mallory shouted. “My baby saw Seth cheating during the exam. My baby won’t lie to me! Expel that Seth Wiley right now!”
“You believed your son without any concrete evidence?” Monica Wiley asked Mrs. Mallory. “Just like that, huh? Do you really know your son at all? I don’t think so. Aren’t you ashamed, Mrs. Mallory? You want to ruin my son’s future just because of child’s whim?”
“Don’t talk to me like that, you peasant!” Mrs. Mallory turned to Principal Tanner. “You suspended Chuck for two weeks for petty reasons. I stayed quiet even though my family was overly offended. Now, you’re saying you cannot do the same to that disgusting student? I cannot accept this, Mr. Principal. My husband donated a huge amount of money to this school. How can you treat us like this? How can you side with these lowly people—”
The door opened without any warning. Mrs. Mallory was about to destroy the intruder with her harsh words but her eyes bulged in surprise and she couldn’t do anything but to swallow everything she wanted to say.
“Sorry for being late…” said the intruder.
“Dr. Carl Hugo!” from being a monster in front of the Wileys, Mrs. Mallory became like a tamed sheep upon seeing Dr. Hugo. “Why are you here? I mean, it’s nice to see you, doctor. My family will be forever indebted to you for what you have done to my father-in-law.”
“I am here for my wife and son.” Uncle Carl walked toward the direction of the Wileys. He kissed Monica on the cheek and gave Seth a pat on the shoulder.
“W-w-w-what do you mean w-w-w-wife and son?!” Mrs. Mallory was in disbelief.
“Yes. Monica and Seth are my precious family. If someone would insult or threaten them, I won’t be quiet. You know what I mean?”
Mrs. Mallory face was red. “But, doctor, my family didn’t hear about you getting married.”
“The wedding will be held before the year ends. Besides, I didn’t plan for you or your family to know about my incoming wedding. After what you did to my future wife and son, there’s no way in hell that we’ll invite you to the ceremony, right?”
Mrs. Mallory looked pitiful. “Dr. Hugo, I—”
“You know, I won’t stay still. I heard everything you said to Monica and Seth. I hope you’re ready for the consequences of your words and actions.”
“I-I-I am sorry, doctor!” The Mallorys looked defeated.
Uncle Carl ignored her and turned to Seth. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Uncle Carl smiled at him. “To brighten up your mood, look at the window. You’ll see something beautiful…”
Seth did what he was told to do. What he saw outside the window made the heaviness in his heart go away in an instant. Gil, together with their friends from the study group, were holding banners and posters that stated that Seth was not a cheater, that they believed in him, and many more encouraging words for Seth. Gil was holding the biggest banner out of all of them. Written on it were the words: I am proud of you, Seth. You are awesome!
“You can join your friends, Seth.” Uncle Carl urged him. “Leave the adults here. We’re going to have a long talk.”
“Thank you, Uncle. Now I know what it feels like to have a dad.” Seth left the office to be with Gil and the others.
A lovely smile formed on Seth’s lips. He was having the time of his life. His family, friends, and Gil were there to support him.
Finally, it was Seth’s time to live the life he always deserved.
*****
Author’s note:
Hello! Thank you for reading up to this point 🙂
Unfortunately, I need to take care of some personal matters, so I won’t have time to update HSR for a month.
Sorry for the trouble :'( Promise, I’ll be back!
See you next month <3
aww seth finally got his happy ending! cant wait to see more seth and gil scenes they’re soo cute!!
That was great, the banners the other students made.
Good luck with IRL.
!!!!!!!!!!! yay!!!! I’m glad it went well!
And good luck with your personal matters!
I don’t know what your occupations are but, courage! Thank you for this beautiful chapter! Unsurprisingly the woman got a slap ahaha XD
Very nice. Looking forward to your return. Thanks for the chapter.
I am glad I wasn’t wrong that this story is a great read. Go, Gil and Seth 🖤🖤🖤
oh freakkkkk😑