All Chapters of Why the Top Scorer Kept Failing: Chapter 1 - Chapter 7

My mother's eyes were bloodshot as she suddenly dropped to her knees in front of the Crestwood University admissions officer.She trembled as she begged, "Please, sir, I'm begging you! Let my daughter go to university. We'll figure out the money—whatever it takes!"The admissions officer didn't even flinch.My mother threw herself to the floor, scraping her forehead, and grabbed his pant leg.Her cries choked her words as she sobbed, "Please, sir, she can't miss this chance. My husband and I have worked ourselves to the bone, and our greatest wish is to give our daughter a better life. Don't let her suffer like we did. Please have mercy!"My father dropped to his knees as well.His back was bent with age and labor. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and offered one to the admissions officer with trembling hands."Sir, I may not be educated, but my daughter is the top student. She has to go to university! If she doesn't, her whole future will be ruined.

Still, no school would take me.I had nowhere to go and became the talk of the town. Unlike before, I didn't cry or throw tantrums. I kept a calm exterior.Worried that the repeated setbacks might break me, my mother stayed by my side every night, using gentle words to lift my spirits. My father, too, did everything he could to cheer me up.They encouraged me to give it another shot."Chloe, don't be sad. Your dad and I will support you if you want to try again," Mom said."Yeah, Chloe. Don't worry about money. We've got you covered. You can do it," Dad added."No matter what, we'll stick by you until you get into university," Mom said firmly.I looked at them and shook my head with a smile. "Mom, Dad, don't worry about me. I'm not going to do it again."They thought I was afraid of the financial burden and tried to reason with me over and over.But I refused.After all the ups and downs, the hope and disappointment, I was mentally and physically exhausted.I knew the truth.

I was the only person in the country who got that score. My parents were ecstatic, and I was just as thrilled.The day I filled out my applications, my parents were so happy that they pulled me into a hug, their eyes shining."Chloe, you're going to get into a top university this time!""You're the only one in the country with a score this high. Every school will be fighting to take you!"I looked at them seriously and asked, "Mom, Dad, which university do you want me to go to?"My mother thought for a moment. "I'd like you to aim for Westbridge University."My father said, "I vote for Northfield University."In the end, they told me it didn't matter what I chose. They would support me no matter what.Seeing how happy they were, I added both Westbridge University and Northfield University to my list right in front of them.After that, all that was left was waiting.By the time early decisions and regular admissions were finished, I was lying in my room playing video games.I