Chapter 3: Make it to the Top!

It can’t be! That house was brand new. Dad worked so hard for it, and now it’s gone just like that? No way!

It can still be saved! It should be saved!

Without a second thought, Seraphina bolted out of the classroom, clutching her bag tightly. Vivian, Fiona, and Sean immediately followed, along with Sean’s twin friends, Dave and David. 

As they ran outside, people stared at them curiously. From the high school building, Jayden peered out of the window. He noticed the frantic group running out, and his mind flashed back to Seraphina's bold confession of her feelings earlier.

“Isn’t she the one who boldly confessed her feelings just a while ago?” one person remarked.

“Look, it seems like her house is one of the ones burning in the news,” another said, glancing at their phone.

“Oh my gosh, what a disaster! How unlucky she is!”

Seraphina ignored their whispers and kept running. Her mind was solely focused on the house. The blood and sweat her father had poured into building it—she couldn’t bear to see it all go to waste.

Meanwhile, the five friends glared angrily at the onlookers, signaling them to stop their judging.

When they arrived, the scene was devastating. A crowd had gathered, and firefighters were at work. Many houses had been burned or destroyed, leaving only ashes behind. The air was filled with the sounds of crying and the desperate shouts of the residents.

“No…” Seraphina’s voice wavered, tears welling up as she surveyed their charred home. Almost three-quarters of it was reduced to ruins

“Seraphina! My child!”

Seraphina turned towards the source of the voice. It was her father, Arthur. His face was blackened with soot from the fire, and he was still wearing his apron, clearly having rushed from the restaurant. He immediately enveloped her in a tight embrace. Despite the dirt and the worn-out clothing, his grief was palpable.

Seraphina remained calm because she knew her father was deeply hurt by what had happened. They had just bought this house two weeks ago, and now it had suddenly turned to ashes.

Vivian and Fiona hugged Seraphina. Meanwhile, Sean and the twins were crying as if they had lost their mother.

After several hours, Seraphina managed to gather some leftover belongings. Among them was a photo frame containing a picture of her late mother and her father. In the photo, her mother, Emille, was pregnant with her.

“Honey, Emille, I’m sorry we’ve lost our home again. But don’t worry, I’ll find a way, okay? Everything will be alright,” Arthur said tearfully, wiping the dust off the photo.

“Dad, don’t apologize. Mommy would understand. What happened was an accident. We’ll be okay, alright?” Seraphina comforted him. Her eyes were sad as she looked at her mother's picture.

Her mother had died in childbirth, and many said Seraphina was just like her. Besides inheriting her hazel eyes and brown hair, she also had her mother’s personality, although she was a bit clumsy.

Vivian, Fiona, Sean, and the twins, Dave and David, helped them, so they finished quickly. They were excused from classes because of what had happened. By 3 o’clock in the afternoon, they were done, and the friends went home.

“If you need anything, I’m here, Sera. Father-in— I mean, Uncle, don’t worry,” Sean said before Vivian interrupted and pulled him away. They waved goodbye and left.

---

Seraphina and her father stayed at DSavory Restaurant, which her father owned. Many customers frequented the restaurant, and it was one of the most popular spots visited by locals and tourists alike.

"Sera, I'm sorry we have to sleep here again. Don't worry, I'll find us a place to rent soon," Arthur said, now sitting and holding a glass of water.

Seraphina shook her head, pausing her table wiping, and said warmly, "Dad, don't apologize. It's actually nice to sleep here. Don't stress about it, just rest for now."

Arthur was touched by Seraphina's words. He stroked his beard, glancing at Seraphina, "Thank you, Sera. You should rest too; you have school tomorrow. By the way, how was school today?"

Seraphina suddenly felt a chill. Bitter memories from that morning flashed through her mind, breaking her already shattered heart.

"I-it was okay. As usual… fun!" Seraphina said, trying to reason.

If she could slap herself for her stupidity, she would do it ten times over. She was hurt and humiliated.

I don’t like dumb girls.

Argh! It's echoing in my mind again. It hurts! So harsh!

"Really? You, Vivian, and Fiona are graduating this year. Have you thought about what course to take in college—"

*Ring ring ring* 

Arthur's words were cut off by the ringing phone. He stood up and gestured to Seraphina that he would answer it.

Seraphina watched her father, pondering his question. About college... she had no idea. She didn't know what path to take.

God, why am I so unlucky and dumb?

She sat down and stretched her arms. She couldn't hear her father's conversation with the caller, so she let it be.

She felt overwhelmed by everything that had happened that day. From being rejected to their house burning down, it felt like fate was playing with her. 

A few seconds later, Arthur emerged, "Sera! We have a place to stay starting tomorrow. My close friend Magnus called and offered us to stay with them while we look for a place to rent. So, come home early tomorrow, okay?" he said, heading to the bathroom, clearly elated.

Seraphina nodded, feeling a sense of relief and joy. Finally, despite everything, there were still good people willing to help. Although she didn't know Magnus, she felt happy and grateful.

---

The next day, since DSavory Restaurant was within walking distance from school, Seraphina walked there. As she walked, people stared at her, clearly gossiping. She quickened her pace, covering her face with her hand.

Gosh, these people!

"Coins for a cause! Let’s help our dear classmate, Seraphina Dawson!" Sean's voice echoed from a distance, amplified by a microphone.

At the entrance, Sean, Vivian, Fiona, and the twins were there. The twins held boxes for donations, approaching students for contributions.

Seraphina wanted to disappear. Her face was a mix of shock and embarrassment at what she saw.

"Hey! Stop that! Sean! Stop!" Seraphina tried to stop Sean, but he struggled against her.

"Look who's here! Despite what happened yesterday, she's still here. *sob* She's such a brave and diligent girl." Sean began to shed tears, feeling even more hurt upon seeing Seraphina. But Seraphina, feeling annoyed, grabbed the microphone.

"Sean! Please, don’t embarrass me any further," Seraphina said firmly.

"Oh! It’s Jayden! The genius of the campus!" Dave suddenly exclaimed, causing everyone to look at him.

Jayden stood expressionless, clearly not interested in arguing. He was about to leave when Sean pulled him back.

"Sean!" Seraphina shouted.

In Sean’s eyes, there was pure anger, as if he was stabbing Jayden with his gaze. "You! This is your fault! So what if you’re smart?" Sean began.

The students stopped and stared at the scene. Jayden just looked at him with disinterest, wanting to leave. He removed his headphones.

"Did you say something?" Jayden coldly asked, as if he hadn't heard anything earlier.

"You're deaf! It's your fault that Sera's having all this bad luck! She doesn’t deserve this!"

The surrounding students laughed. Sean’s friends, especially Seraphina, were flabbergasted.

"Ah, I see. So you're saying it’s my fault their house burned down?" Jayden said plainly, though he seemed amused by Sean’s logic.

"Sean! Stop! Don’t make it obvious we’re from section F, okay?" Fiona whispered.

Jayden took out his wallet. "Oh, so you're from section F. I’m sorry I don’t want to waste my time talking to people like you. Hmm, so you need some donation... here." He said, handing over a bill.

Seraphina couldn't believe Jayden’s behavior. She never imagined she would fall for someone like him. For four years, she realized she had loved the wrong person.

She put the microphone to her mouth and stepped forward to face Jayden. "I know you’re smart. So, what if we’re from section F? Does that make us less human, just to be insulted by you? At least my friends are willing to help me! What about you? What are you section A people doing? Is studying all you know? A person's worth isn't based on their section. If ranking is the basis of respect, then I’ll prove to you that even from section F, we can make it to the top!"