The final bell rang, and the entire school seemed to exhale at once. The hallways buzzed with a mix of relief and exhaustion as students spilled out of classrooms, some cheering, others dragging themselves to their lockers with hollow eyes. The weight of exams had drained the life out of everyone, leaving behind tired faces and groans of frustration.
Eliza slumped against her locker, rubbing her temples like it would erase the equations still haunting her brain. "If I see another textbook, I might actually set it on fire."
Ava, sprawled beside her, let out a long-suffering sigh. "I don't even think I wrote real answers on the last page of my math test. Pretty sure I just scribbled 'help me' and hoped the teacher would take pity."
Eliza sighed, nodding in complete agreement. "I'm already seeing math equations when I close my eyes. It's like they're burned into my brain."
"I don't even remember half of what I wrote," Ava admitted, looking truly haunted. "Like, what if I answered a history question with a science formula?"
Eliza snorted. "That's still better than Lucifer. I swear I saw him sleeping through half the exam."
Speak of the devil, Lucifer sauntered over, looking annoyingly carefree, an eyebrow quirked in amusement. "Wow, what's with the funeral vibes? Should I come back later after you're done dying?"
Ava glared. "Shut up, you jerk. Not everyone can pass by napping through class."
He grinned, twirling a pen between his fingers. "Aw, you think I passed? That's adorable."
Eliza rolled her eyes, stuffing her books into her bag. "If you pass, it's proof miracles exist."
Ava sighed, shaking her head. "I don't even care anymore. Whatever happens, I just want you guys to know it's been an honor failing alongside you."
Eliza placed a solemn hand over her heart. "May our suffering be legendary."
Lucifer chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You guys are so dramatic. Maybe I should start planning a memorial for your grades."
Ava threw a crumpled paper at his face. "Shut up."
Despite the jokes, the tension was real. Everyone knew what was coming next.
Results day arrived faster than anyone wanted. The school was tense, students whispering anxiously in groups as they made their way toward the bulletin board where the grades were posted. Some looked ready to faint, others were biting their nails, and a few were pacing back and forth like their entire future depended on this.
Eliza took a deep breath, gripping the straps of her backpack as she approached the crowded area. Ava was practically clinging to her arm, face twisted in pure distress. "Eliza, I can't do this. I physically cannot. My legs are weak. Just check for me. If I fail, don't even tell me. Just let me live in ignorance."
Eliza sighed. "Ava, get a grip. If I have to suffer, you're suffering with me."
Lucifer appeared behind them, lazily sucking on a lollipop like he had no care in the world. "Aw, holding hands already? How cute."
Ava shot him a glare. "Shut up. You didn't even study. I'm petitioning to have you banned from passing."
Eliza rolled her eyes. "If you're done being annoying, can we please get this over with?"
Lucifer gestured grandly. "After you, Drama Queen."
Eliza took a deep breath as she finally reached the board, eyes scanning the names. Her finger hovered, moving down the list until she found her name.
Her shoulders sagged with relief. "I passed," she muttered, almost disbelieving.
Ava practically shrieked. "I PASSED?!"
Before Eliza could react, Ava tackled her in an overenthusiastic hug, shaking her like a ragdoll. "WE'RE NOT FAILURES! HOLY—"
Lucifer, barely holding back a laugh, leaned in over Eliza's shoulder. "Damn. I really thought one of you would crash and burn."
Ava shoved him. "Die."
Eliza bit her lip to stop a smile as her eyes trailed down the list. Her breath hitched when she spotted his name.
She exhaled shakily, tension melting from her shoulders. "Guess miracles do exist," she teased, glancing back at him.
Lucifer groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Thank god. I thought my mom was gonna kill me."
Ava snorted. "I was fully prepared to attend your funeral."
He shot her a glare. "You guys are the worst."
Students around them continued celebrating (or crying), some rushing off to call their parents, others already planning post-exam parties.
After escaping the chaos of the crowded hallway, the trio found solace beneath their favorite oak tree on the school grounds. The sun cast a warm glow, and the gentle rustling of leaves provided a soothing backdrop. The air smelled of freshly cut grass and the slight crispness of an approaching summer.
Ava stretched out on the grass, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Alright, we've conquered the exams. Now, we need to do something epic to celebrate."
Eliza raised an eyebrow. "Epic, huh? What did you have in mind?"
Ava sat up, her excitement palpable. "Let's go on a road trip! Just the three of us. No plans, no schedules—just freedom."
Lucifer chuckled. "A road trip? With what car?"
Ava waved her hand dismissively. "Details, details. We can figure that out. Imagine it: cruising down open roads, blasting our favorite songs, discovering hidden gems along the way."
Eliza's eyes sparkled at the thought. "It does sound amazing. An adventure before we all head off to different places."
Lucifer leaned back against the tree, stretching his arms behind his head. "I'm in. But I'm not sharing my snacks."
Ava laughed. "Deal! This is going to be the best summer ever."
Eliza grinned, the exhaustion of exams slowly lifting as excitement took its place. Maybe this summer was going to be unforgettable after all.
To be continued....