Chapter 13
“Jordan Hayes’ essay ‘Emergence’ has moved all the judges with its sincere emotion and unique perspective. This piece will be recommended for publication in “The New American Literary Review”!”
Applause thundered through Ashland University’s auditorium. Jordan stood on the award stage, under the spotlight, wearing a simple white blouse and jeans. Despite her modest attire, she radiated brilliance.
Emmett sat in the front row, his gaze fixed on the young woman on stage, his lips unconsciously curving upward. The wounded, wary girl from three months ago had transformed into á confident, poised woman.
ordan bowed slightly, her voice clear: “Thank you all for your recognition. This piece tells the story of a girl’s rebirth, and it’s also my thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
Her gaze swept across the crowd, meeting Emmett’s eyes. In that moment, they both understood what remained unspoken between them.
A week later, the latest issue of “The New American Literary Review” hit the stands, with Jordan’s “Emergence” featured on the ront page. The issue sold out almost immediately, and the editorial office received numerous letters from readers wanting to contact this new author.
Jordan, you’re absolutely AMAZING!” Her roommate spun around the dorm room, waving the newspaper. “Even my parents alled to ask if you were really my roommate!”
Professor Calloway says he’s taking you out to celebrate tonight. He even managed to reserve a private dining room at The Ashland Grand-it’s practically impossible to get a table there these days. Don’t you think…”
ordan’s face instantly flushed. “Don’t… don’t say such things…”
Fine, fine, I’m just saying…” Her roommate grinned mischievously, leaning closer. “We can all see what’s happening, but of ourse you and Professor Calloway have to wait until after graduation. Some old-fashioned folks love to gossip.”
Meanwhile, at the downtown shopping mall, Maxwell followed Vanessa mechanically, his arms laden with shopping bags.
Max, what do you think of this latest-style dress?” Vanessa twirled before a mirror, oblivious to Maxwell’s distraction.
Maxwell responded with a perfunctory sound, his attention caught by a newspaper at a nearby stand. The front page boldly lisplayed the title “Emergence,” with the author’s name-Jordan Hayes.
evely compelled to walk over and purchase the paper.
dax! Why are you buying a newspaper?” Vanessa approached with annoyance, but upon seeing the name, her expression changed dramatically. “This… this boring stuff isn’t worth reading! Let’s go to the next store!”
But Maxwell didn’t move, his eyes fixed on the text, reading the entire article word by word.
The image of the girl who “rose from the ashes” in the text overlapped with memories of Jordan’s defiant gaze.
‘This article… it’s quite good…” Maxwell’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “How did she…”
Vanessa’s nails dug into her palm as she suddenly doubled over. “Ahh, it hurts… Max, my stomach hurts so bad…”
Maxwell snapped back to attention, quickly supporting her. “What’s wrong?”
“Must be something I ate…” Vanessa leaned weakly against his shoulder. “Could you take me to a clinic, please?”
At the clinic, the doctor’s examination showed nothing abnormal, but Vanessa insisted on staying for observation. Maxwell sat beside her bed, still clutching the newspaper.
“Max…” Vanessa clutched his hand, her eyes swimming with tears. “Stay with me, please? I’m scared…”
Maxwell nodded, but his gaze drifted back to the newspaper.
“Stop looking at that!” Vanessa suddenly snatched the paper and tore it to shreds, her voice breaking. “I don’t want to see that name! She almost ruined my reputation, don’t you remember? Besides, she never had the chance to attend college, so how could she possibly write something like this? It must be someone else with the same name!”
The torn pieces fluttered to the floor. Maxwell stared at the fragments, an inexplicable irritation rising within him.
C
