Chapter 1

The stolen Scholarship.

Zachary held the rose flower and the box of chocolates in admiration. He just could not get it off his head that he was finally going to propose a relationship with Emily. He was going to express his feelings for her. He had been nursing this feeling for a very long time and was looking for the right time and opportunity to tell her how much he had loved her. He only prayed that she also feels the same way he does.

Well, judging from the way she looks and cares for him, he had concluded that she loved him too.

On sighting the school bullies, Duncan and his cohorts, he immediately hid the items inside his mini bag and headed towards the School auditorium where the graduation ceremony would be held.

One of Duncan's friends tapped him on the shoulder. "Look over there, it's the loser, Zack. I think he hid something inside his bag. Let's go confront him."

"There won't be any need for that." Duncan replied to his friend, dismissing his suggestion with an evil smile plastered on his face.

Surprised, they stared at Duncan. It was unlike him to let Zachary be as he would always bully him on every encounter.

Little did they know that he had his reason for letting Zachary off the hook for today, being their last day in Plainview high school.

The School Auditorium had been set up and brightly lit. It was fully decorated and manifested the full glory of a place where a ceremony would be held. 

The tip up chairs were neatly arranged and the stage fully set with the best lighting and sound systems. Since it was a special day for some students and an annual ceremony, both the management and the students had prepared some much for it.

With the ceremony already commenced, students, school management and Parents/guardians were all seated. 

Zachary sited Emily from afar. With so much excitement, he ran to sit close to her.

"Hi." They greeted each other and watched as things unfold.

Soon, it was time to call out the best graduating students and give them their awards.

Zachary Straightened up.

Since he was the best graduating student, he would be called out first while Emily was the second best.

He smiled at her and she nodded as a response.

As the announcement was being made by the school principal, Zachary was already halfway up his seat.

"The best graduating student of Plainview high School is none other than…" He hesitated before calling out the name.

"Emily McDonalds."

Zachary's jaw dropped.

He sat back on his seat and closed his eyes for a second to process the whole thing.

Opening back his eyes, Emily already started towards the podium to receive her award. With the crowds cheering, she turned and gave Zachary a sinister smile.

Zachary scowled. He wondered what was really going on. Could it be that Emily betrayed him? The girl he has spent all his time loving and doing all he could to please her.

He was even looking forward to becoming her boyfriend. Zachary was thrown into a deep confusion. Something had happened behind his back and he was going to find out why his position was given to someone else. And to Emily of all people, the girl a lot of students had concluded to be his girlfriend judging by how close they had been.

Emily was given the microphone to address everyone as the best student and she proceeded with a large smile on her face.

"Ladies and gentlemen and my fellow students of Plainview high School. I am so elated to stand at this podium to receive this award. I dedicate this award to my Father for all his support and guidance, and to Mr. Nicholas, our principal.

"I would also like to encourage every student here, especially those who are yet to graduate, to ensure they study hard and stay committed and dedicated in order to achieve their desired goal. Thank you." She stepped down from the stage leaving the crowd clapping and cheering.

Her father smiled and nodded at her.

As Emily spoke those words, Zachary stared at her in disbelief. He thought he was dreaming, but on a contrary, everything was happening before him.

He looked around and saw a mixed reaction from the students, especially as they had seen the results pasted at the school billboard. Some were confused, while those who did not like him were laughing at him mockingly.

Still in his confused state, he heard his name.

"The second best graduating student goes to Zachary Gabriel." The principal called out. He did not hesitate this time.

Zachary hesitated before he stood up from his seat. As he marched towards the podium, people cheered as usual but a lot of students were puzzled.

Standing at the podium, with his head still preoccupied. His eyes met with Emily amongst the audience and she looked away. 

Emily's father was among the special guests of honor and was seated at a specially reserved seat. He was a patron in the school and had supported it alot and financially.

After the graduation ceremony and with everyone dispersing, Zachary approached the principal, Mr. Nicholas.

"Excuse me Sir." Nicholas turned around and found Zachary standing before him with a grimace.

"I don't understand what really happened, but I was expecting to hear my name as the best graduating student. I worked so hard for that position and we both know that that was my real position. It was even pasted on the school billboard. 

"How come my position was given to Emily?" He asked, expecting a genuine response.

Mr. Nicholas cleared his throat before speaking.

"Uhmm… Uh…" He stammered, thinking of what lie he would use to dismiss Zachary.

"Uhm. You see, there seems to be a mistake with that result on the billboard. I'm sorry I did not inform you on time." He kept calm for a while, like he was thinking what to say. 

"Emily is the real owner of that result." He continued.

"But Sir…"

"Excuse me please." He sped off immediately just to avoid any more of Zachary's pesky questions.

Zachary stood there motionless and heartbroken. He had worked so hard to be the best. 

On seeing those results at the billboard, he had been relieved that he won't have to bother about college fees since becoming the best graduating student comes with a scholarship award. 

Now it seems fate is playing a trick on him.

"Aw!" 

He heard someone speak behind him and turned to find Emily shaking her head as she made a pitiful face.

"Poor Zach." She gave out a wicked chuckle. Duncan approached them and stood beside Emily with a mocking smile plastered on his face.

"Did you ever think I would let a broke loser like yourself take that position?" She looked at Duncan and they both laughed at him.

She made a 360 degree turn to Zachary's dismay and said.

"Take a good look at me, do I look like one who would be in a relationship with a pathetic person like you. I'm sorry Zachary, I've been using you and you thought I loved you." 

She chuckled. "Wrong move Zach, Wrong move."