Chapter 33
Judys POV When I first realized Carol was no longer my friend , back in middle school , it was a few days after the spelling bee contest .
She only missed one letter in the word Necessary and it cost her the competition .
It was only a small competition for middle schoolers , but she took it to heart , and she never forgave me for taking the prize from her .
She acted like she was still my friend though ; she congratulated me and even hugged me .
The school was going to host a mock ceremony for the reward a couple of days later .
My adoptive mother had me wear a pretty dress and even helped me write a speech .
Not many people know this about me , but I suffer from a condition called dyslexia .
Reading and writing was difficult for me .
I often get my letters mixed up ; reading out loud during school was a complete nightmare for me .
entire life .
Most knew I had trouble reading out loud , but they never understood why .
I hid this condition my I prepared for months for this spelling bee , and I wasnt expecting to win .
Thanks to years of training and therapy , I can manage my dyslexia way better now .
It only made me work that much harder and I managed to hide my condition from almost everybody .
The only ones who knew about this disorder were Nan who had been my best friend since elementary school , my adoptive parents , and unfortunately Ethan .
I confessed it to him after he marked me .
I didnt want there to be secrets between us .
Carol , like the rest of the school , only knew that I had trouble reading and writing , but she didnt know the reason .
She also knew how hard I prepared for that spelling bee because we often trained together .
After I won , she spent time with me while I repeatedly went over the speech my mother and I made for the award ceremony .
I had a bit of trouble reading it out loud , but I eventually got it down and I was confident in my ability to read it in front of others .
When I was announced as the spelling bee winner during the mock award ceremony , and was about to make my speech , I noticed that every word on the paper differed .
Someone had switched it out and made most of the words unreadable .
I stood in front of the school , stuttering over each word and struggling to comprehend what was on the paper .
I had never been more embarrassed .
The kids were brutal and started to laugh ; my eyes found Carols , and she smirked at me .
At that moment , I knew this was her doing .
Then , some of the new friends she made walked up to me and dumped a bucket of glue on my head .
Before the principal could intervene , it was Carol who stood in front of me .
You stole my prize .
You dont deserve to win .
I saw your notebook .
You had every word written down and memorized .
You cheated ! She sneered .
Then slje threw handfuls of glitter at me , branding me as a cheater .
I didnt cheat … I only studied .
She could have done the same thing .
I needed the extra help , and I utilized the material given to me .
The entire school erupted in laughter and chanted that I was a cheater .
They also made fun of me for not being able to read .
The principal ushered Carol and her friends away , and Nan came to my side to help and defend me .
Nan was already my friend prior to this , but that was the day she became my truest best friend .
That was also the day I told her about my dyslexia .
Carol only got a slap on the wrist because of her famous mother and rich father , Chapter 0033 I vowed to never feel that vulnerable again .
My parents got the into therapy sessions where they helped me with my condition and I studied twice as hard every single day .
I hadnt thought about that day in a long time .
But as I stood in the middle of the stage , staring at all my peers , they were all silently watching me , wondering what I would do at that moment .
Would I defend myself ? Would I tell Carol that I deserved this scholarship ? I was speechless , just like that of the spelling bee ceremony Carol , this is quite a serious accusation , the dean said , folding his arms across his chest .
This is hardly the time and place for a scene .
I have proof that Judy doesnt deserve this reward , Carol said , stopping next to me .
She is a fake … a fraud .
I was stunned and speechless .
I know everybody was waiting for me to say something in my own defense , but I couldnt .
I was numb and confused .
I couldnt believe this was happening.
The dean also seemed to be at a loss .
He soon cleared his throat and straightened his posture .
How about we speak in my office , he finally stated .
It would be better if we did this more privately .
Fine by me , Carol said , narrowing her eyes as she glared at me .
I would be happy to show you the proof .
The dean nodded and ushered us out of the ceremony room .
He paused by his assistant who was watching us with large eyes .
He whispered something to her , and she nodded her understanding .
I followed the dean , keeping my head low as everyone murmured around me .