Before class, Juniper was summoned to Salma's office for having missed several consecutive tutoring sessions.
She stood with her feet together, back straight, and hands clasped behind her. It was the standard posture for a reprimand, yet on her, it looked almost defiant.
"The other teachers have a lot of complaints about you. They've come to me several times saying you're a delinquent who disrupts other students, and they want me to expel you," Salma said with a sigh, her tone patient and earnest.
"I had excused absences," Juniper replied with a slight frown, her words serious. "I submitted the forms."
Besides, she had been paying attention in class. But because of her past 'record,' the teachers had already labeled her a troublemaker. They watched her with suspicion, blowing every minor infraction out of proportion. The final exams hadn't even happened yet. How could they say she was a bad student?
"Juniper, are you having some kind of trouble?" Salma asked gently, her gaze soft and understanding rather than accusatory. She knew Juniper's situation well; the girl had a difficult life. If there was any way to help, she would do her best.
"Ma'am," Juniper said, shaking her head and lifting her pale face, her tone earnest. "On the quiz next week, if I get a good score, will the other teachers stop bothering you?"
"Hmm?" Salma was taken aback by the question and stared at her, momentarily speechless.
It was true. The teachers' complaints stemmed from their belief that she was a poor student who refused to put in the effort and was dragging down her classmates.
"I understand," Juniper said, reading Salma's expression. "Don't worry, I'll take the test seriously. I won't let you down."
Salma pushed her glasses up her nose, unsure what to say. Juniper had been attending classes for less than two weeks and had only been to a few tutoring sessions. No matter how seriously she took the test, her score probably wouldn't be very impressive.
"As long as you have a good attitude, that's what matters to me. As for your score… just do your best," Salma said, not wanting to put too much pressure on her. After all, the girl had grown up without family, living in foster care. She was bound to be fragile.
"I'll handle the other teachers. You just focus on your classes and don't worry about it."
"Thank you, ma'am." Juniper nodded respectfully. As she turned to leave, Salma spoke again. "By the way."


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