Disguised As A Boy To Attend Belmont High School
Chapter 103: A Year Of Change

Chapter 103: A Year Of Change

"Oh my God! This is driving me crazy!" Lara exclaimed, her face a picture of shock as she sat down beside Olive. "What do you all expect me to do now? Change and hide my family background just so Anabella won’t find out?"

"No, darling, you don’t have to do that," Mark reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder and gazing into her eyes. "We’re just saying you should stay out of trouble. I don’t want anything to happen to you when I’m not around. So please, keep a low profile. Don’t get into fights."

"But why didn’t you tell me all this?" Lara demanded, shrugging Mark’s hand off her shoulder as she turned her gaze to Olive. "Why didn’t you tell me there’s a bitch bullying people?"

"What could I say? Besides, I told you I’m only interested in my studies now. Get an A, graduate high school, and go to college," Olive sighed heavily. "The bullying doesn’t matter to me."

"Uhmm... I’ve got to go now. Class is starting soon," Mark said, giving Lara a quick peck on the cheek. Despite her shrugging him off earlier, he understood she was just angry. "I’ll see you later, and please stay out of trouble. I love you," he added, hurrying out of the assembly hall.

"We should go together. Wait for me!" Lara called out, quickly packing her bag. "Why is he in such a hurry? We’re all in the same class, after all. Let’s go!" she added, grabbing her bag, but Olive pulled her back down into her seat.

"What is it?" Lara yelled, raising an eyebrow.

"He’s going to the special class. The 3RM and Anabella only attend that class. Only when the teacher is done with them will the other students be taught," Olive replied with a smirk.

"What the heck? Are you telling me that other students have to wait until the special class is over?!" Lara asked, trying to make sense of what she was hearing.

"Other students in Lucas and the 3RM’s year, not the entire student body of Belmont. Both scholarship and paid students in their year have to wait before being taught. It’s only for this class, though; other classes aren’t like that. I’m afraid this is the new rule. It started the day we got back from vacation with the 3RM," Olive replied with a heavy sigh. "I’m afraid Lucas’ mother doesn’t like the idea of her son interacting with the scholarship kids, and I guess she kind of suspects that Lucas is into me, like he’s gay. I think that’s why Belmont is a mixed school again. Well, I don’t know. It’s just a thought," Olive explained, her expression downcast.

"This is fucking crazy. Everything is driving me crazy," Lara groaned in frustration. "But it kind of makes sense. Mrs. George actually turned Belmont into a mixed school because her son took a bullet for you? Her son took a bullet for a guy—who everyone sees as a scholarship kid—so she thought you two were kind of dating. And the fact that he also invited you to the 3RM vacation house..." Lara’s eyes widened in realization.

"Well, I don’t know, but I love that Belmont is a mixed school now. And if I’m right about Mrs. George, then I’m glad Lucas has proven to her that he isn’t gay through Anabella. Now I’m free from Mrs. George’s watch and can focus on my studies without any problems," Olive replied.

"This is so fucked up, to be honest!" Lara exclaimed, though her expression softened. "Anyway, since we’re waiting for the teachers, let’s just go and grab some breakfast."

Olive nodded in approval, and they both made their way to the cafeteria. As they walked, Lara caught sight of a cafeteria where some students were busy eating, but Olive walked past it until Lara pulled her back.

"Where are you going? You’ve passed the cafeteria. Don’t tell me you’re thinking about Lucas and Anabella, which is why you didn’t realize we’ve already reached it?" Lara asked, raising a confused eyebrow.

"No, I’m not thinking about anyone. It’s just that we haven’t reached where we’re going yet, which is why I didn’t stop," Olive replied, her voice serious. Noticing Lara’s confusion, Olive continued, "Everything is different now, Lara. Scholarship and paid students are separated. Although some paid students will study with us since the 3RM and Anabella have a separate special classroom, the 3RM doesn’t have a separate cafeteria, so they come to this one to eat."

"Are you telling me that only the 3RM and paid students are allowed to eat in this cafeteria now? No scholarship students?" Lara asked, shocked.

"Yes! Even though Mark pays for your school fees, it’s not advisable for you to be seen in that cafeteria by Anabella. I don’t want you to regret coming to Belmont on your first day," Olive replied with a heavy sigh. "Everything’s changed now. If you want to have peace, just stick with me."

"OMG. I’m going crazy. All of this happening on my first day is enough to drive anyone mad. Like, what the fuck? And what’s gotten into you, too? You’re not always like this. You’re fiercer than me, but look at you—you’re totally different from what I know you as," Lara exclaimed, hands on her waist in frustration.

"I can’t afford to lose my scholarship because I want to be fierce. I only have a year left to leave Belmont and go to college. I told you I want to focus on my studies at this point in my life. I don’t want any distractions whatsoever," Olive replied, her voice laced with seriousness. "Just like Henry warned you earlier, if you want to study here at Belmont in peace, then know your boundaries."

Lara could only stare at Olive, shock written all over her face. She thought Olive and Lucas’ fight was just between them, but she hadn’t realized the bullying system was back in full force, affecting all scholarship students.

Noticing Lara’s reaction, Olive sighed and gently pulled her along.

After walking a bit further, they soon arrived at a cafeteria with the sign "Scholarship Students" hanging above it. The cafeteria for scholarship students was a humble, no-frills space tucked away in a corner of the school. The walls were a drab gray, and the tables and chairs were worn and scratched. In contrast to the sprawling, well-appointed cafeteria for paid students, this space was cramped and functional. A single serving line offered a limited selection of plain institutional-style meals: pasta, sandwiches, and salad. The air was filled with the scent of the food. Fluorescent lights overhead cast an unforgiving glare, making the space feel even more utilitarian.

Despite the bleak atmosphere, the scholarship students made the most of their mealtimes. They chatted and laughed, sharing stories and jokes to pass the time. The space may have been uninviting, but it was theirs—a small sanctuary from the pressures and hierarchies of the rest of the school.

"This is so fucked up! I should have just stayed in my former school," Lara murmured under her breath, her eyes wide with shock.

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