Redwood High 2

Chapter 4

My campaign video was featured on the morning announcements. I was in third period, minding my own business when I saw the two ponytails that will forever haunt me. My class enjoyed it and I was sure the school did too but that didn't mean that it was not embarrassing. Carol was proud that her video idea made it to the morning announcements.

"Giselle, you rocked that part as Godzilla," said Carol.

"Thanks. I'm good at screaming I practice everyday because my little siblings are monsters," she replied.

Voting began a week after the campaign stuff was shown. Voting happened during lunch. People went to the computer labs and voted on the computers. Carol tried to sneak in and see who was in the lead but she was caught and sent the Deans office.

Riley and I walked in the Deans office and found her sitting on one of the beanbags.

"This is totally unfair. I thought we were a democracy, not a dictatorship. I have a right to see who our future leader is going to be and worry about if they'll go to war with Korea or not."

"Carol, I'm running to be head of the sophomore class and worry about pep rallies and fundraisers. I'm not going to war with anybody."

"You should go to war with West Technical Academy, they are snobs."

We walked back and the results were going to be shown during 7th period. I was nervous. I was doing this partly for me and partly for my mom. She was my number one motivator. She was nice and kind and it made me often wonder why she distanced herself from her own sister. I've been meaning to ask Aunt Gwen but it seems so personal that I don't know how I would even bring it up during daily conversation. Aunt Gwen was my number one supporter now and it made me happy. She reminds me of my mom sometimes.

7th period was a long time away. We were currently in 5th period. Sure, 7th period was next period but I needed to know the results already. It was driving me insane.

I asked to go to the restroom just to ease my nerves. And I wish I hadn't.

Marie Song, the House 1 opponent was waiting for me. She had two friends with her. They walked out of the bathroom stall when I walked in.

"Is it her?" someone asked. I stood by the sinks.

"I don't know, what if she never even comes to the restroom?"

"She does, she always uses it during 5th period."

"Just check if it's her!"

A head poked out of the bathroom stalls and looked directly at me. I stared at her and she quickly stuck her head back in.

"It's her!" I heard the girl harshly whisper.

"Get in positions," someone ordered. That was when the three of them walked out.

Marie stepped forward. She had silky black hair that fell to the middle of her back. She had dark brown eyes that went well with her pale skin. She was Asian but I didn't know what exactly she was. She had on a pair of converse with denim capris and a white blouse. She was killing her outfit, but I kept that to myself.

"Your campaign video was offensive, but smart. You have some good campaign ideas. I wanted to wish you luck and may the best woman win." She tuck out her hand and I slowly reached for it. We shook and she took back her hands. She smiled and her and her friends slowly walked back inside the stall.

"How long do we have to stay in here?"

"Shut up!"

"You're mean to me, Lu han wouldn't treat me this way."

***

7th period came and the wait to hear the results were agonizing. When it finally came I was already exploding with anticipation. They were about to announce them when they were interrupted.

"This is West Tech saying that we are the dominant school, we're the ones who are going to win at DECA and FCCLA and Pro Start. And you can do nothing about it."

"Who cares what are the results?" Shouted Carol.

Then they showed our mascot costume. It was ripped and mangled and completely destroyed.

"This is a threat, I feel threatened. I'm calling Glenn Lerner," said Carol. The whole class was silent. The teacher didn't even know what to do.

The announcements came back on like nothing even happened.

"... and your sophomore class president, Marie Song!"