The Legacy of Seán – Part 1: The Orphan’s Plight

Chapter 3: The New Routines and Revelations | Episode 7

Two weeks flew by like a flash. Kevin tried to seamlessly integrate into his class, simultaneously striving to impress both teachers and his classmates alike. Kevin’s depth of knowledge in subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and other sciences was nothing short of extraordinary. He possessed the ability to tackle even the most challenging questions with such clarity and precision that it left his classmates in awe. Some were genuinely amazed by his intellectual capabilities, while others couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy.

Reynold, in particular, seized every opportunity to tease and taunt the boy. The young prodigy endured catcalls and ridicule for his overt intelligence in subjects even the seniors hesitated to tackle. Reynold and Charlie would bombard the boy with poking and paper missiles as he tried to maintain composure in his seat during lectures. The contrast between Kevin’s intellectual prowess and Reynold’s attempts to belittle him created a competitive dynamic within the class.

In order to avoid such bullying, Kevin spent his spare time mostly in the library during recess or after school. He was often seen deeply engrossed in studying or taking notes from voluminous books on science and whatever fascinated him.  The level of dedication and focus he displayed suggested a genuine passion for the disciplines. Those daunting and complex subjects appeared to be a source of genuine interest and amusement for the boy.

As the weeks progressed, a label began to circulate among the students – Kevin was being acknowledged as the nerd. Though Kevin was a refreshing departure from the conventional concept of so. 

Unlike the stereotypical image of a dishevelled and unkempt individual, Kevin presented himself as well-groomed, always clad in neatly pressed school uniform or full-sleeve shirts and trousers. His hair was diligently combed, deviating from the chaotic shock of coiffeur associated with the classic intellectual look. Neither did he don the large round spectacles often linked to geeks nor he acted like one. 

Kevin was a remarkably different kid. He was not only intelligent but also witty. He always wore a vibrant smile and a twinkle in his bright eyes. He never communicated in an Einsteinian language filled with facts, figures, or complicated gibberish. Instead, Kevin remained an approachable and engaging individual. This helped him gain friends inside as well as outside the school very quickly. 

There was one more thing that raised more curiosity among his new peers than his academic expertise. He was often seen adorning an unusual-looking metal ring with a green-coloured stone in his left pinkie. The delicate accessory was a stark contrast to the typical casual jewellery worn by students of his age and made him stand out as a singular anomaly. Though he never used to wear it to school, he loved to flaunt the glimmering trinket outside the periphery of the institution.

When the neighbours expressed curiosity by asking where he got that ring from, Kevin always pointed out that it was a family heirloom. The response only fueled the speculation further. The term family heirloom hinted at a generational wealth and history, adding more intrigue to the enigma that was Kevin’s family. A unanimous perception took root throughout the neighbourhood and the school, with students and their parents collectively believing that Kevin’s parents were affluent figures of high society.

However, even after repeated requests from his peers, Kevin never revealed the true identity of his parents. When approached with questions, he responded with a well-rehearsed line that hinted at a certain mystery surrounding his family: ‘Oh, my parents live in different places and travel a lot. They’re not around here much.’ His curious and persistent classmates began to notice the pattern.

Rumours began circulating, and theories were formulated. Some thought Kevin’s parents were spies, while others believed they were wealthy jet-setters. The more imaginative students even speculated about a hidden royal lineage. Whatever it was, many of his schoolmates expressed interest in befriending him and spending time with the little genius.

Annie, in particular, was so fascinated by this young lad’s talents and pleasant personality that she wanted to spend as much time as she could with him. So, she hung around with Kevin during tiffin breaks and after school. Annie contemplated inviting Kevin to her home to meet her parents and two elder brothers. The girl would recurrently describe her genius friend as a manifestation of exuberance leaving her parents to marvel at Kevin’s remarkable qualities. Nevertheless, she made it a habit of visiting her friend at his place every weekend to have tea and chat.

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