One week later...
Ray skimd through his study materials, writing down notes every once in a while. He would normally just highlight so keywords, but since it was prepared by his precious cousin, he wanted to preserve them as it was.
Looking at Ray, Renren shook his head mildly.
’He looks normal when studying,’ he thought. ’I hope he studies 24/7.’
In the eyes of the many, Ray was a genius. He was also good-looking and well-behaved — sotis. But in Renren’s eyes, Ray was like a kid. Renren was only a few months older than Ray, but Ray was acting like he was ten years younger than him.
"My brain is tired." Ray closed his eyes to give himself so ti to breathe. "Ten minutes break."
"Does this kid pose a threat to the star students?" asked Renren out of pure curiosity. "I’ve never seen you study this much."
"Well, he was already a threat even before we found out his sister is the biggest threat." Ray leaned back in his seat. "Considering the two of them, for sure, they’d try to get two seats."
"But he was older. Didn’t you say that?"
"I did, but who knows? That guy has been challenging us every sester unofficially. He might swallow his pride and ask his little sister to help him." Ray sighed. "I hope his pride overcos his determination to get into the star section."
What a cruel prayer that was.
Renren shook his head. "And Dean?"
"Hmm?"
"He hadn’t been attending the school. You should ask him to drop out."
’I thought my prayer was already selfish, but this guy...’Ray scrunched up his nose. "Ray, you know Dean and I aren’t in bad blood."
"I know, but he’s wasting a seat."
"That’s because he’s been more into so other stuff." Ray waved dismissively. "Anyway, do you — hmm?"
Ray stopped when they heard a knock on the door. Turning their heads in its direction, they caught Renren’s grandmother and Ray’s grandfather.
"Grandpa, why are you here?" Ray’s heart thudded a bit, his mind rearing into negative thoughts. "I’m studying with Renren! And I didn’t bother him!"
Ray’s grandfather, who was also the headmaster of the academy, glanced at his grandson in dismay. "I’m not here for you."
"Oh, good!" Ray patted his chest in relief.
"Renren, my dear, there’s sothing we need to tell you," said old Mrs. Pierson kindly. "Can you co with us for a mont?"
Renren studied his grandmother’s face and then Ray’s grandfather. It wasn’t rare to see the two of them together, but carrying that solemn and slightly conflicted look with a tinge of hope told him this was important.
"Okay." Renren stood from his seat and cast Ray a look. "Give a summary of that lesson. I’ll check it once I return."
"Wait!" Ray panicked. "Renren, how much ti do I have?"
Renren pondered for a second. "Depends how quick this would be."
Having said that, Renren followed the two elders out of the study room. As for Ray, he ntally panicked. Considering how long Renren lasts in conversations, Ray knew he didn’t have plenty of ti. Even Renren just shut up completely while talking to him, without any reason at all.
*
*
*
Seated in the family room, old Mrs. Pierson clasped Renren’s hand. She smiled gently and lovingly.
"Renren, there’s good news we want to tell you. Ray’s grandfather found soone who might help you get better," she said without beating around the bush, her voice laced with contained excitent. "She’s a renowned specialist abroad and fortunately, Ray’s grandfather is able to get in touch with her."
Ray’s grandfather nodded in satisfaction. "Renren, we were able to get a slot, and she said she was more than glad to help."
"Ah." Renren darted his eyes between the elders. ’That explains their expressions earlier.’
The elders suppressed their excitent and the rising hope in their hearts because of the biggest obstacle: Renren. This kid had given up all hope after the first few tries. Even when old Mrs. Pierson coaxed him, Renren already accepted his fate.
How could old Mrs. Pierson accept that?
She already lost a son. How could she let her grandson go first before her?
"Renren, let’s try this one, hmm?" old Mrs. Pierson coaxed, knowing this would be a long persuasion. "Let’s just see and try first before we refuse —"
"Okay."
Old Mrs. Pierson stopped and furrowed her brows. "What?"
Even Ray’s grandfather thought his ears deceived him. They ca here, expecting Renren to refuse imdiately. Hence, the two of them decided to coax Renren until the boy gave up.
"I said, okay." Renren offered a short smile. "I’ll try and hope I live longer."
"..."
For a mont, the elders didn’t know what to say. Ever since that incident that took Renren’s father’s life, Renren has never been the sa. If anything, Renren talked about death so casually and often said he accepted his fate. Renren also often says he didn’t mind joining his father soon. It was this that made his condition worse, since Renren’s illness was more of a psychological issue that affected his physical health.
Because Renren believed that he should be the one who should be dead and not his father, that part of his brain was slowly destroying his body. It was a rare illness, but it had struck Renren.
"Renren, did you just say... you want to ...?"
"I want to get better and live a long life, Grandma." Renren clarified with a smile. "So, I want to try even if there’s only a one percent chance. I’d take it."
Old Mrs. Pierson’s eyes swirled with countless emotions, which soon traveled to her heart. "Oh, Renren." She stroked his head, unable to stop herself from smiling and tearing up. "Yes, get better and live a good life. That’s right."
Ray’s grandfather nodded in satisfaction, pleased to see that Renren agreed without starting a long debate.
"Grandma, when is this?" asked Renren.
"As soon as possible," she replied. "We can leave tomorrow."
This ti, Renren’s eyes showed reluctance. So, she asked, "What is it, Ren?"
"Can we leave after Thursday this week?" he requested. "I still need to say goodbye to my friend."
"Oh, the Thursday girl?"
Renren nodded. "I want to tell her about it, or she might scold ."
"Scold you...?" old Mrs. Pierson and even the headmaster furrowed their brows. Even the elders couldn’t scold him, but he was afraid his friend would scold him.
Regardless of their inner questions, old Mrs. Pierson nodded. Because of Thursday Girl, Renren had been better and was taking care of himself. It was the reason old Mrs. Pierson had the confidence she could coax her grandson into agreeing with the treatnt and therapy.
Sadly, Renren didn’t want to tell her na, saying it was only for him to know.
"Sure, sure. Don’t worry about it. et your friend first," Old Mrs. Pierson smiled in understanding. "We’ll leave once you properly bid her farewell."
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