Esterhall High School.
Elizabeth revisited her old high school, and as she entered the office, a teacher recognized her instantly, breaking into a welcoming smile. “Elizabeth, what a surprise!”
It was a busy day with no breaks for the senior students, keeping the core subject teachers and their inquisitive students busy around the clock.
A teacher quickly brought Elizabeth forward and proudly presented her to those students around. “Everyone, this is Elizabeth Campbell, someone you should all look up to.”
Elizabeth had actually completed her high school education in Orkset, yet her legend lived on at Esterhall High. Her academic feats were well-known throughout Esterhall as she was celebrated for her outstanding achievements.
She had scored perfectly on standardized tests and ranked among the top in university entrance exams, with a record-breaking score in literature. Almost a decade had passed since she graduated, yet no one had managed to break her records.
Upon noticing Elizabeth, several boys were visibly impressed. While they had heard of her beauty, seeing her in person was another story.
Her old ID photo in the school display case depicted her as a younger, more innocent version of herself, slightly more round-faced and dressed in a school uniform.
Today, she looked absolutely stunning, possessing a radiant beauty that seemed almost celestial, as if she had leapt from the pages of a novel. Her eyes sparkled with a warmth and clarity that was enchanting.
The young boys, taken aback by seeing such an inspiring figure in person, bashfully looked away, too shy to make direct eye contact.
“Thank you for your donation, Mr. Garcia…” The principal entered, accompanied by someone.
Elizabeth looked up, and to her surprise, she recognized a familiar face. “You?”
Daxton was there, dressed neatly in a white shirt, his gentle smile making a light and positive impression on everyone present.
Elizabeth recalled that Daxton had grown up in Orkset and wondered about his connection to the schools in Esterhall.
The principal looked between them, puzzled, and questioned, “Elizabeth, Mr. Garcia, are you acquainted?”
Daxton addressed Elizabeth. “I accompanied you to visit your mom’s grave once and heard about the tough times you and your grandmother faced when you were young. It moved me to start donating to the schools here. It was too late to assist you directly, but I hope to ease the path for students who might be in similar situations as you were.”
Warmth flooded Elizabeth’s heart, bright as the noon sun. Daxton had always been quietly philanthropic, known since their university days for his empathetic nature and discreet acts of kindness.
Smiling, the principal commented, “We owe a lot to Elizabeth for Mr. Garcia’s ongoing support over the years.”
The teachers chuckled and encouraged the students gathered around. “Come on, show some appreciation to your role model.”
Feeling an even deeper respect for Elizabeth, the students who had benefited from the financial aid collectively exclaimed, “Thank you!”
Moved by the gesture, Elizabeth humbly replied with a smile, “All the kindness is really Mr. Garcia’s doing. I’m just the messenger.”
The students then turned to Daxton and respectfully said, “Thank you, sir.”
“Just doing what I can,” Daxton modestly replied. “Seeing you all committed to your studies is the best thank you I could receive.”
He gave an encouraging pat on the shoulder of one of the students.
As Elizabeth began to part ways with the teachers, Daxton chimed in, “I can drive you.” Elizabeth was about to decline when Daxton leaned in and whispered, “Would you mind helping me avoid a social drink with the principal and others? I really can’t handle my liquor.”
With no alternative, Elizabeth replied, “Okay.”
As they left the building and approached a sleek black Bentley, Elizabeth remembered a recent visit to the cemetery.
She asked, “Did you go to the cemetery yesterday?”
“I usually manage my donations online, but since I was in Orkset and had some time, I thought I’d visit your mom’s grave and see how the students are progressing,” Daxton explained. Then he added humorously, “I wanted to make sure my donations weren’t going to waste.”
Elizabeth bit back the polite reply she had prepared at his lighthearted comment.
Unaware of her contemplation, Daxton opened the car door for her, suggesting, “Please, get in.”
“No need, I live nearby and the car can’t fit down the alley, so I’ll walk…” Elizabeth’s words were interrupted by her ringing phone showing an unknown number.
“Hold on,” she said to Daxton, showing him the phone and stepping aside to take the call. “Hello, who is this?”
“Elizabeth, you must help Scarlett!” said a voice of a middle-aged woman from the other end.
