Page 64 of The Lookback

“The second test will determine who has the strongest body.”

“Nice,” Jed says.

“And the third will test the competitor’s artistic talent.”

Jed groans this time, which makes me laugh. For a split second, it feels like we’re still friends.

“The fourth is a test of animal husbandry, since we live in a predominantly ranch-based community. The last will be a test of your ability to work with others and build a group.”

Tommy looks like he wants to drop out too, but he doesn’t ask. As soon as we’re dismissed, we all head outside. Jed has a work truck, so he disappears almost right away in a growl of the diesel engine. Neither Tommy nor I have families with enough income to afford more than one vehicle, so we’re still stuck riding bikes.

Like always, he keeps riding beyond the turn off for his house, riding me home to keep me company. “This whole thing is so dumb,” I grumble.

“I don’t know,” he says. “I’ve been hanging back so Jed could try to get himself together. Maybe that was the wrong plan. He’s been sulking for two years. It may be time to push him a little.” I don’t like the look on Tommy’s face as he waves goodbye.

And I can’t help trying to work out what exactly these contests are going to look like over the next two days. Nothing prepares me for what Principal Lyon’s wife had in mind.

When I arrive on Saturday morning, barely convincing my parents not to come with me, I’ve chosen to wear jeans and a t-shirt with sneakers. I have a pair of boots in my backpack. I have no idea what the athletic contest will entail, but if I wind up riding a horse at any point, I want jeans. My boots chafe the sides of my legs, otherwise. I’m not that keen on winning, but I’d rather not embarrass myself entirely either.

When I reach the school, there’s no one there. There are signs directing us to continue to the fairgrounds. It’s only a block away, just past the sheriff’s office and the DMV, but now I’m going to be late. As I hop back on my bike, I notice there are more people arriving and rerouting behind me. In fact, as I head down the road I see waves of people meandering over. I’m not sure whether to be annoyed or excited.

I settle for both.

I don’t want to create any more issues with Jed than I already have, and I certainly don’t want to be an idiot who thinks Tommy likes heragain,so things like this are irritating, shoving us all together and shaking us into a tizzy. But in another way, we’ve never done anything like this, so it feels a little exciting.

Last year Manila High had its first yearbook—a book that Denise spearheaded, showing all our individual photos for students and faculty, as well as pictures of all the club events and meetings, dances and parties. It was pretty fun, even if it was a little pricey. I thought Mom was going to pass out when she found out it cost ten dollars, but she insisted I had to have one.

Memories. That was her reason.

This will certainly make for some interesting memories, but the people gathering around me aren’t just students. Most of their parents have come along too. It’s probably a commentary on just how pathetic Manila’s social scene is, but Mom’s going to be mad I didn’t get her a two-dollar ticket once she hears that everyone else brought their parents along. The parking lot behind the arena is nearly full. There weren’t even this many people at the last rodeo.

Tommy’s parents climb out of the car at the end, and Tommy jogs over to meet me where I’m parking my bike. “You look ready.”

Like me, he opted for jeans, but unlike me, his boots are on his feet, not in a bag.

“We could be doing races or soccer or something,” I say. “You’re going to do those in boots?”

Tommy shrugs. “If we’re playing soccer or basketball or doing a footrace, Jed’s going to beat me whether I’m wearing boots or sneakers.”

“Do you really care?” I ask. “I mean, who cares who wins prom king?”

Tommy shrugs. “I do hate losing, though.”

The idea of Denise being prom queen doesn’t faze me, but I hate the idea of her beating me. While everyone else is walking to the bleachers, Tommy and I keep moving around and head for the entrance, near the judges’ stand. That’s where Principal Lyons is standing, along with Jed, Denise, Jerry, and Gregory.

“You made it.” Principal Lyons smiles. “Excellent. Now, once Janet arrives, we can get started.”

While we wait, the high school yearbook coordinator snaps photos of most of us. I force a smile for mine, but then Tommy shoves me a little to the right, in Jed’s direction. “How about a photo of Mandy and Jed?” he asks.

“That’s fine,” I say at the same time Jed surprises me by saying, “Sure.”

“Great idea,” the coordinator says. “But you should be in it too. Aren’t the three of you good friends?” She’s smiling blithely, clearly oblivious to the actual relationships of all of the students.

“Uh, sure.” Tommy steps toward us, and I force another smile at the camera. I can feel the guys’ eyes turned inward, but I ignore it. They’re either looking at me or they’re glaring at each other. Either way, it’s not my problem. I’m grateful when the photos are all done.

Over the next five minutes, people slowly trickle over, but there’s still no sign of Janet. I can’t help, along with the other participants and the audience, looking at the center of the arena where there are several large tents in bright colors set up. “What’s underneath those tent flaps?” I whisper.

“A clown, a face-painter, and a juggler,” Tommy says.

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