Write off the Fear

Chapter 12

News of the "writing challenge" spreads like wildfire through school, even reaching the teachers and staff. As a result, in the middle of the school day on Monday, Mim, Liza and Jason are called to the principal's office together, where Principal Mann and Mrs King are waiting for them.

"Let me get right to it." Princical Mann starts, "I've heard that there's a writing challenge, competition, happening between the two of you," she gestures between Mim and Jason, "and because you're both in Music Theory, Mrs King has volunteered to organize this 'event' for you." Principal Mann finishes and looks expectantly at Mrs King to continue.

"Right, yes. I'm intrigued to see the outcome of this 'competition' and so I'm going to add an incentive to it. You are two of my best students, and with the permission of Principal Mann, the winner of the writing challenge will be excused from homework for the rest of the year." Mrs King says, looking over at Principal Mann for confirmation, "I might even turn this into a yearly thing if all goes well. So what do you say?" Mrs King looks towards the students.

Mim and Liza look at each other in silent conversation and then Liza turns to Mrs King and Principal Mann.

"We agree. But we want everything to be fair, so our only request is that no one can know any details about the event except you, Mrs King, and Principal Mann." Liza says

"Ah. That's fair. I will keep all things regarding the planning of this competition under wraps until the event." Mrs King agrees and looks over at Jason, "Now, do you agree Mr Porter?"

"If they do. I do. I'll have one less thing to worry about for the rest of the year." Jason answers smugly with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Now, now, don't get cocky Mr Porter. You haven't won yet." Mrs King chastises, "I look forward to Friday." she concludes.

"That's settled. You may return to your classes." Mrs King says with a shoo-ing motion with her hands.

Once out in the hallway, Jason leaves the twins with a scoff and Mim and Liza stroll back to their class together.

"Well, that was interesting?" Liza starts to say, "You okay?" she asks

"Hmm? Yeah..." Mim is broken out of her thoughts, "Do you think I can do this?" Mim stops walking and turns to Liza.

"I do." Liza simply replies and Mim sighs and they continue walking towards class in silence.

As the school day goes on, Mim's thoughts keep drifting to the stress she's inadvertently caused for herself and decides that she needs a way to relax and think through her thoughts without the distraction of school. She's sure she doesn't want to be alone either, so she decides to find Katelyn after school to see if she's free.

"Hey." She says softly as she approaches the girl, who's chatting animatedly with Nova by the row of lockers and they both turn to look at her.

"Hey Mim." Nova says then turns back to Katelyn, "Text me later about the songs 'kay?" She says as she starts walking away towards the library after Katelyn's acknowledgement.

Then the two girls are alone, albeit still surrounded by at least half the student body and Mim copies Katelyn's stance, leaning against the row of lockers.

"Hey, you okay?" Katelyn asks as she reaches out to trail her hand down Mim's arm, taking a hold of her hand between them.

Mim nods, "Mmhmm. I was just wondering if you're free today? I could use the company and there's something I wanna show you. If you're free." Mim asks.

Katelyn smiles at her and stands up straighter, "I am and I'd love to keep you company." She says and gently tugs on their joined hands to start walking towards the school exit.