Chapter 26

Helen found Jenson's childishness somewhat endearing. Why should it matter to him whether she joined the Math Olympiad? It was as if her loss would be his. "Give me back my book!" Helen was getting angry. But Jenson, the simpleton, didn't care. "I won't give them back! Just won't!" Helen laughed, and her anger started to fade. So he wanted to play? She'd play along. "So you're sure I'm going to embarrass myself? What if I'm the champion?" Helen's words made Jenson laugh uncontrollably. He knew the caliber of students who participated in the Math Olympiad. They were born to excel in academics, never pausing in their studies, which is how they reached such heights. And here was Helen, a country girl who got lucky to win a minor school-level competition. She was thinking too highly of herself. The difference between her and those born for academics was vast. "Helen, don't even talk about getting first prize. Even if you win any prize, I'll let you say my name backward." Jens