Taking Chances

Chapter 5

The next day, we elected our class officers.

Because I wasn't there the entire getting to know each other stage, I didn't participate much. My plan was to vote for the people I know or the ones with the most vote. Stupid, I know. But they're counting the total votes, so I'll get a special mention once they noticed I wasn't voting anyone.

As expected, Gizelle was nominated as Prime Minister, together with Freya, the acting Prime Minister yesterday. They were called in front, so now they're facing each other to answer questions from the student body.

The question was about the newly implemented free tuition for state universities. Whether they think it's right or wrong.

"I don't understand why this is even a question. Guys, free tuition for state universities is hope. Hope for the students who can't afford to study in big and top universities. It is a blessing for students who had to beg even private sectors for scholarships that soon will enable them to get exploited. It is a light in the center of the dark future ahead of these students." Gizelle's theatrical voice echoed in the silent classroom.

I tried so hard not to cringe. When I thought I was successful, I gathered the courage to look at Alec who I felt is staring intently at me. I raised one eyebrow, so he shook his head and returned his attention in front. When I was sure that he wasn't staring, my face automatically crumpled. Ugh, Gizelle's speech is giving me a headache.

"I saw that." I stiffened. Alec still has his head in front, and I was sure he wasn't looking. He must be bluffing to catch me.

"Saw what?" I pretended not to know.

"Hindi ko kailangang makita para malaman ang reaksyon mo sa sagot ni Gizelle." I stiffened more. "Sorry, I'm doing it again." I relaxed. It's okay. Alec will control himself now. It's okay.

Pagkatapos pakalmahin ang sarili, ibinalik ko sa harapan ang atensyon para muling makinig. Freya is explaining her side now.

"Although the surface looks promising, this policy can be harmful as much as it is good. Students in a better financial state will be included in this policy as well, so let's keep in mind that this will be a battle between students with other priorities versus students who can focus on academics one hundred percent. Let's also look at the admission system. In order to get admitted to these said universities, review centers are a must. Now, who, in between these students could afford that? We all know the answer. So, instead of equality, let us all thrived for equity, where students are getting exactly what they need." Freya confidently said.

Her answer is good. I might say the same answer if I was the one required to answer. Just with a little more detail and psychological tricks. I learned quite a lot of it when I was learning how to make people agree with me.

If only it didn't backfire.

After a few more questions, the voting was opened, and Freya won. Fortunately.

It was not a close call. Freya got 75 percent of the vote.

Electing the other officers was boring. Just the typical electing your friends for a fun election.

I wasn't shocked when Alec was elected Peace officer. Apparently, he was commander in junior high, so he automatically has that position wherever he goes.

Great. Now my seatmates are both officers and I'm between Deputy Prime Minister and Peace Officer.

Not for long though because when Alec was asked to appoint the other Peace officer, he said my name almost automatically.