Page 122 of Something Rad
I try my best to return her smile as I turn away from her, forcing my feet across the perimeter of the gym.
I try to make my way to the stage as quietly as possible behind where the cheerleaders are currently doing their routine. Though I am attempting to be as discreet as possible, I can feel the warmth of gazes on me. I don’t allow myself to look towards the bleachers, keeping my eyes glued to the floor. When I’m halfway to the stage, I feel a particularly searing heat against the side of my face, and somehow I just know that Robbie’s spotted me. I drop my head even further, him being the absolute last person I need to look at right now. I’ve had at least three nightmares in the last week that I froze on stage and ended up blurting out to the entire school that my and Robbie’s relationship was a complete sham. I have no plans of doing that, but I don’t need Robbie’s face as a reminder of the possibility.
By the time I reach the stage, the cheerleaders are just finishing their routine.
“There you are, Ms. Cooper,” Principal Whileyman says.
Jesse’s head snaps in my direction as he says it, and I can visibly see him stiffen, a look of irritation washing over his face. I wonder what that’s about. I try to replay the last few times I was around Jesse and what I could have done to make him angry with me, but I come up empty. If anything,Ishould be angry athimfor that wholeSeven Minutes in Heavenstunt. That’s the least of my worries right now though. I give a gentle shake of my head, deciding to let it go.
“Sorry, Principal Whileyman,” I say. “I had to take pictures for the yearbook.”
“Oh, right. Of course,” he nods, realization hitting him. “Mr. Hughes told me all about your yearbook work. Not a problem, dear. That’s great actually. I’m just glad you made it.” He gives me a genuine smile, and I return it, the stress in my shoulders settling some. “Get any good ones?”
“Er…Pictures?” I ask.
He nods.
“Yes, sir,” I confirm. “Lots.”
“Fantastic,” Principal Whileyman says, clapping his hands. “Now, are you kids ready?”
“Uh–”
“Yes,” Jesse says immediately, talking over me.
“Great. I’ll just go up and get everything started. Would either one of you prefer to go first?”
“Me, sir,” Jesse says before I even have a chance to take a breath.
I turn my head to look at him.
“Only if that’s okay with you, Sara, of course,” he says, not even meeting my eyes.
I find myself gritting my teeth. “Sure, Jesse. Whatever you need to make you most comfortable.”
My patronizing tone finally forces him to look at me, and the look in his eyes is not a kind one. I don’t let the grin on my face waver.
You are not going to bully me today, Jesse Lamonte.
If I lose, it’s because I deserved to lose. Not because I let some spoiled rich kid taunt me out of even trying.
Maybe Sara from a month ago, but not Sara from today.
Not a chance.
“Alright, great,” Principal Whileyman says, completely oblivious to the tension between me and Jesse, effectively ending our stare-off. “I’ll introduce you first, Mr. Lamonte. Best of luck to both of you.”
I feel my heart slowly drop into my stomach as Principal Whileyman ascends the stage. He taps the microphone on the podium to get everyone’s attention, and when the gym grows silent, the ringing of my own thoughts in my head becomes deafening.
“Alright, everybody,” Principal Whileyman begins, “I know we’re all very excited to kick off Homecoming weekend here at Bay View.” Cheers erupt from the crowd, and he waves his hands in the air, prompting everyone to settle down. “That’s exactly what we plan to do at this pep rally, but we also have something else equally exciting happening this afternoon. In just a few minutes, you’re going to be hearing from your student body president candidates, and then, you all, as a school, will get to vote on who will represent you this year.”
More cheers sound, and I specifically pull out the handful of people shouting some form of “Go Jesse!” from the crowd. I blow out a steady breath, trying with everything I have to not let it phase me.
“You can pick up ballots at the gym door exits on your way out and drop them off at the front office once you’ve made your choice. The winner will be announced during the morning announcements this coming Monday.” I start to tap my foot nervously, trying not to think about how I’ll have to go all weekend without knowing whether or not I won. “Make your choice wisely. The person you select will not only be your student body president, but also the editor for this year’s school yearbook. You want to choose the person you feel best represents Bay View High as a whole. And, for you, seniors, the person you want responsible for maintaining the memory of your class for years to come. So, without further ado, let’s hear first from Mr. Jesse Lamonte.”
Applause, shouts, and whistles sound from all throughout the bleachers as Jesse steps up onto the stage, replacing Principal Whileyman at the podium. I cross my arms, steeling my spine as I get ready for Jesse to begin. I don’t know how I feel about him going first. Part of me wishes that I could’ve gone first just to get it over with. But also, I guess there’s some advantage to seeing what I’m up against. I shake my head, knowing, truly, that it wouldn’t matter. Either way, I know I wouldn’t be feeling great right now. There’s nothing I can do to change it now. I just have to give it my all.
Principal Whileyman pats my shoulder as he steps off the stage, giving me a wink. Something about that comforts me. I try to tell myself he’s secretly rooting for me. Not that it really matters. It’s all in the hands of the students now.
