The Edge of Tomorrow

‍My ninth-grade year! Most of the bullies were gone! My popularity had finally reset to baseline! I was a fresh fish swimming in uncharted waters, but there were still predators to dodge and places to avoid. Freshmen were not welcome in the back of the bus. Rumors swirled that seniors took great joy in “initiating” the new blood. Whatever you do—do not go into the locker room during lunchtime.

‍I was making new friends and meeting girls. I was invited to after‑school hangouts and swimming parties. Yet despite all the invitations, I found myself studying alone in my room to keep my grades up. I didn’t want to go back to tutoring with my grandma. The memories were good… but what would my friends think—popularity zero.

Each day was the same. I would arrive at school and hear about all the amazing adventures they were having. Who kissed who? They got into a fight? Oh, the savory flavor of fresh drama.

“Paul, come with us,” they begged.

I smiled. “Can’t. I have to study.”

“Study?” they laughed. “Just cheat. Here.”

‍They handed me a small sheet of paper with all the answers to the next test. My eyes lit up as I unwrapped a new idea like a present on Christmas morning. I could make good grades and hang out with my friends.

‍But… could I pull it off? If I got caught cheating, my mom and grandma would destroy me. My life would be over. Yet what was the alternative? Sitting in my room studying alone every day after school—torture. This was my opportunity to get the best of both worlds.

‍I nodded, accepted, and ran off with my friends after school. We played games, gossiped; even wrestled a bit. This was way more fun than studying—until test day finally arrived.

“Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:26-27