Chapter 3

"Go back and write a thorough statement of self-reflection," Tanner continued. "Make sure your tone is sincere, and admit that you fraudulently obtained financial aid."

I couldn't write that. Writing it would be admitting that I scammed the college out of financial aid, and that stain would follow me for the rest of my life!

"I won't write it," I said, refusing. "I didn't commit fraud!"

Brooke let out a soft sigh.

"Patty, I've always believed that it's not your fault for being poor. Everyone understands and sympathizes with the fact that your family needs assistance. But pretending to be poor to fraudulently claim government assistance when you're clearly not struggling? That's a question of character and basic integrity."

Our classmates immediately exploded with righteous indignation.

"Exactly! Why not give the grant to someone who actually needs it? Brooke's family is struggling this year, too!"

"Why should someone pretending to be broke take up a spot?"

"Give it up already. Stop taking advantage of everyone's sympathy!"

The repeated chants of "Give it to Brooke!" felt like harsh slaps across my face.

I looked at Brooke standing in the middle of the crowd, pretending to decline their support, and found the whole thing ridiculous.

She said her family was poor, yet I'd personally seen her buy designer cosmetics without even batting an eye. Now, she was backing me into a corner just to get her hands on the financial aid slot.

Tanner raised a hand to quiet the room. His expression was stern as he announced, "Based on the class' preliminary investigation, the allegations that Patty Thawne fraudulently obtained financial aid have been deemed true.

"Patty's financial aid eligibility for this academic year is hereby suspended, and any funds already disbursed must be fully repaid to the school's finance office within five days. Failure to do so will result in a direct entry on her permanent academic record, as well as a campus-wide disciplinary notice."

My parents had died when I was young, leaving my grandmother and me to depend on each other. Grandma's health was poor, and she relied on a constant supply of medication.

That financial aid was something we were counting on to get us through this year. It was the only thing keeping us afloat during these difficult days.

And now, all because of a terrible person's deliberate instigation, it was all gone.

Once the announcement was over, my classmates crowded around Brooke and began filing out of the room. As Chuck passed me, he deliberately turned sideways and slammed his shoulder hard into mine.

I stumbled backward and fell to the floor.

He looked down at me with contempt. "Out of the way, you fraud."

My eyes burned red. "You did that on purpose!"

But the crowd just burst out laughing as they continued to walk out.

Just then, my phone started vibrating in my pocket. It was Grandma calling.

I hurried to answer, doing my best to swallow my choked-back sobs and grievances, while pretending to sound as if nothing was wrong.

Grandma's elderly voice came through the phone.

"Sweetheart, one of your lecturers just called. They said you got into trouble and took money you shouldn't have from the college. Is that true?"

My heart clenched, and tears immediately spilled down my cheeks.

Grandma had lived her entire life honestly and humbly. Her biggest fear was that I would do something wrong out in the world and end up being judged by others.

"It's okay, sweetheart. Really, it's okay. If taking that money doesn't sit right with you, then let's just give it back. I'm still healthy enough to climb the mountain to dig for medicinal herbs or do odd jobs. We don't need to fight over that little bit of money from the college. We can live with a clear conscience…

"Don't make things difficult for the college, and don't let yourself suffer over this, either!"

Hearing those words, the dam holding back my built-up grief completely broke, and tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.

With bloodshot eyes, I fought back a sob and protested, "No, Grandma! Absolutely not!"

How could I let Grandma, who was nearly 70 and already suffering from so many health problems, keep climbing the mountain to gather herbs in the wind and rain?

"Grandma, I'm mailing you medication tomorrow. Make sure you take it on time. Take good care of your health, and please don't push yourself anymore, okay?

"I'm not at fault in this matter. I didn't scam anyone, and I didn't spend money recklessly. Don't worry, Grandma. I'll handle this myself. I'm definitely going to clear my name!"

…

I didn't sleep a wink that night.

The next morning, my phone vibrated like crazy. Message after message poured in from strangers.

[Pretending to be poor to scam money is so disgusting. What a waste of public resources!]

[You have no conscience, you lying fraud!]

[Living it up using financial aid? People like you should just drop out of college!]