Principal Tom held the answer key in his hand, carefully comparing it to the test a few times before finally writing a big "A" on Mike's paper.
This was a sample graduation exam for a twelfth-grade high school student, covering:
Math (algebra, geometry, trigonometry)
Natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics)
Humanities (world history, American history)
On a tough exam like that, Mike had nearly aced it. All he needed now was to make up the credits in PE and community service, and he'd be a shoo-in for a good college.
The kid was a total diamond in the rough.
"Have you ever thought about skipping a grade and jumping straight into the senior class?" Principal Tom asked, his eyes lighting up as he looked at Mike. "With scores like yours, you'd definitely get into a great university next year."
Tom had a good reason for pushing it—public high school funding was tied to performance. If Mike graduated with flying colors from Medford High, the school's budget would get a nice boost next year.
They'd already been riding high with little Sheldon as their resident genius, which brought in extra education dollars. Now with Mike on board? It was like hitting the jackpot twice.
"Sorry, but I want to experience a full high school life. Skipping a grade isn't really on my radar," Mike said seriously.
From what Mike knew, Sheldon—that walking goldmine—was going to spend two years in high school.
Mike was starting in eleventh grade, so normally he'd be at Medford for two years too. Perfect timing to milk Sheldon for all he was worth over those two years.
Plus, by the time he graduated in two years, he'd be eighteen and finally able to inherit the family farm.
With money in his pocket then, he could decide whether to stay or go—no rush.
Seeing that Mike wasn't interested in skipping ahead, Principal Tom didn't seem too bummed. The kid was at his school either way; graduating a year early or late wouldn't make a huge difference.
After thinking it over, he flashed a warm smile and said, "I respect your choice, Mike. Enjoy your high school years! Medford High welcomes you~"
He stood up, ready to high-five Mike as a welcome gesture.
But Mike's reaction was pretty lukewarm, so Tom awkwardly pulled his hand back under everyone's weird stares.
Next, after signing a few forms, Principal Tom told Mike, "Enrollment's all set. I'll have someone show you to your class so you can start getting familiar with the school."
School had already been in session for two weeks, so transfer students like Mike were coming in pretty late.
Mike had been planning to grab a big "farewell lunch" with Dennis that afternoon. Seeing how the principal was packing his schedule, he was about to ask for the afternoon off.
But out of the corner of his eye, he caught Dennis subtly shaking his head, so Mike swallowed the request.
On the other end, Principal Tom picked up the desk phone: "Ms. Victoria, could you come to my office? There's a new student who needs to be shown to class."
After hanging up, Tom explained, "Ms. Victoria is the eleventh-grade homeroom teacher. Oh, and that little genius Sheldon? He's in her class. You 'geniuses' will probably have tons to talk about."
As he said that, he glanced over at Connie with a knowing look.
American public high schools were all about freedom in teaching—classes split into electives and required courses. Most kids here were super lopsided in their strengths and just wanted to coast to a diploma.
Guys like Sheldon and Mike, who crushed every subject, were rare breeds.
Students like that usually got special treatment from the school—little perks and privileges.
...
A few minutes later, a tall, skinny middle-aged woman pushed open the principal's office door.
"Is he the new kid?" Victoria was dressed in an old, frumpy ladies' suit and came off as pretty stiff.
She frowned a bit when she saw how handsome Mike was, looking kinda annoyed.
Principal Tom knew Victoria had a quirky personality and smoothed things over: "This is Mike—excellent grades. He'll be in your class from now on." Then he introduced her: "This is Ms. Victoria, eleventh-grade homeroom teacher."
Victoria glanced at the principal, then said to Mike, "Come with me. You can still make the last period."
With that, she headed out the door without waiting.
Mike, Dennis, and Connie said goodbye to the somewhat helpless-looking Principal Tom and followed her out.
In the hallway, Ms. Victoria stood with her arms crossed, staring off at the floor a little ways away—like she was waiting for Mike, or maybe just zoning out.
"Ms. Victoria, mind if I have a quick word with Mike?" Dennis called out to her.
Now that Mike was officially enrolled, Dennis's job was done. Looked like he was getting ready to head out.
Victoria acted like she hadn't heard him at all, staying frozen in the same pose.
Dennis didn't get a response and stood there awkwardly.
Finally, he just took it as a yes and pulled Mike aside.
Over there, Connie glanced at Victoria, then caught up with Dennis and whispered, "I've heard Sheldon mention his homeroom teacher Ms. Victoria—she's a big feminist. Maybe they just aren't big fans of men in general..."
Connie was gossiping on the surface, but really she was easing Dennis's embarrassment and giving Mike a heads-up.
After dropping that tidbit, she raised her voice and added, "I'll be waiting outside. Dennis, if you want a ride, better hurry~"
She waved casually and sauntered off with a cool exit.
Dennis watched her go, then turned to Mike: "Connie's gonna be a great guardian, and the Coopers are good people... Knowing you're here with them, I can leave without worrying."
"You're heading back already?" Mike asked.
"Yeah, planning to hit the road around noon," Dennis explained. "You know my job doesn't give much time off. This trip lined up perfectly so I can get back and spend more time with Aunt Kelly."
Working at the Minnesota orphanage was semi-charity—low pay, tons of work.
The fact that Dennis had stuck with it for years said a lot: he was genuinely a good guy with a big heart.
"Safe travels. Tell Aunt Kelly hi for me when you get back..." Mike said. With the goodbye looming, thinking about how Dennis had looked after him this past month, he added, "And... thanks, Dennis."
"Kid..." Dennis stepped forward and pulled Mike into a hug. "You take care of yourself too. Anything comes up, call me."
Hearing that concern, Mike realized he actually had some real, simple ties in this world now.
After their farewell, Dennis waited until Mike joined Victoria before turning and heading out.