I'm Fine

Chapter Thirteen - Ava Grace

January

I felt my palms shaking; the sweat was running down my forehead. What was I doing up here, trying to run this club like I know what I am doing, I don't?

I've only been part of this club for a little bit, Avery has done this for years, she's a pro at this point. I could feel the glares coming my way as I made my first student council announcement.

"Hello, everyone." I began. I could feel the words shaking as they came out. I took a deep breath and tried to continue.

Movement caught my eyes by the classroom door. Dalton snuck into the room. A part of me is thankful that he came to show his support, but another part of me is terrified because that means there is one other person to see me fail. I watched as he quickly grabbed a seat in the back and slouched out of view.

"So, I wanted to share some new things that I wanted to do for the second half of the year...for student council." I continued, stumbling over my words.

Thankfully I made some notes to help me keep on track for today's meeting. I quickly glanced down at the scribble in front of me to remember what to say next.

"I know that Avery normally has the student council focus on one core donation drive, but this year, I want to branch out and run a few different donations. I figured we would do teams of two for each donation drive. These teams can help with getting to know each other better while also raising money for charity. Each team can pick their charity they want to raise money for and how they want to do it. For example, you could have a canned food drive or a bake sale, or even go outside of the box and pay a dollar to throw a pie in someone's face." I paused, hoping someone would find that one funny, but the room stayed silent, and my anxiety kept going.

"I know it may sound intimidating for only two people to run a charity drive, but last year we had everyone running one, and I felt like there weren't enough jobs for how many people we had. This way, we could have everyone working towards some kind of charity. The group that raises the most money for their charity gets to represent the student council for this year's prom court." Once I said those words, I heard everyone murmur. I couldn't tell if they were intrigued or mad, so I tried to save the situation.

"I know that every school year, we just vote for the prom court representatives, but this year I want you guys to try your best and work your hardest to get in that position. Plus, it never hurts to shake things up." I could still feel the pressure in the air, so I decided to wrap things up early.

"In conclusion, I have the teams of two on this sheet. You and your partner's first task is to get to know each other, so I have some questions for you guys to ask before the next meeting." As I placed the papers on the table in front of me, I felt relief knowing that I was done with my speech.

Everyone got up from their seats and made their way to the list. I turned my attention towards Mr. McKinley for any kind of advice, encouragement, or something.

"You did great, Ava Grace." He started as he stood from his seat.

"Are you sure, I was so nervous...did I even say anything up there because it all feels like a blur to me?" I rambled. He let out a chuckle, which oddly helped calm me down.

"You were fine. You said everything you needed to say. The others may not understand the change just yet, but as you said, it never hurts to shake things up. Plus, I okayed all of your ideas, so if they truly have a problem with it, they can talk to me." He replied, helping me calm my anxiety a little bit more. It was nice to know that if someone was not happy with something I said up there, I could send them to Mr. McKinley.

"That does make me feel a little bit better," just as I said that I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Yo, Ava Grace, come here, hun." I turned to see Nico waving me down from across the room, away from the crowd that was analyzing the list of names. I gave Mr. McKinley a thankful nod before making my way over to Nico.

"Um, so why am I partnered with Adrianna?" Nico quietly stated as I approached her.

"What do you mean? I thought you would love that?" I teased as I turned my attention to Adrianna across the room.

"Are you kidding? You knew I had a crush on her." She whined, following my gaze.

"I know that's why I figured you'd love it; you get to spend time with her," I reassured as I turned my attention back to Nico. The panic in her eyes was evident.

"Oh my God, girl, you don't understand; she terrifies me. Like I don't know how to act around her, I'm going to make a fool of myself." She continued. I let out a chuckle.

"Nico, you aim to act like a fool." I joked as I placed a concerning hand on her shoulder, trying to relax her nerves.

"You get what I mean. Plus, you said we would be on the court together, but hello two girls here." She continued to whine, finally turning her attention back towards me.

"I know, but the numbers came up one girl over and one boy short, and technically you are a boy." I tried to reassure her again.

"I get that, but you know I identify more as a female." She complained.

"Duh Nico..." I was interrupted as Avery made her way into our conversation.

"Congrats on your first announcement Ava Grace, you did great." She complimented as she gave me a quick hug.

"Are you sure, I felt like a wreck up there," I replied nervously, still feeling anxious from the speech earlier.

"Are you kidding, I couldn't tell at all. Plus, I love having multiple donations. I noticed it was getting very boring last year for some people. Also, Nico, I noticed who you were partnered with." Avery mocked as she jokingly jabbed her elbow into Nico.

"Quit, I'm already freaking out enough as it is." Nico bellyached.

"Nico, I've known you for two years now, there is nothing that scares you. Scratch that, there is nothing you can't overcome." Avery pronounced. I swear this girl is like Oprah; she had a silver lining to everything.

"I swear Ava Grace; if she disses me, I'm going to transfer schools and block you on social media." Nico half-heartedly joked.

"And if you guys fall in love, I want to be your maid of honor." I jeered back at Nico.

"Deal. Ugh, time to make a date with the Queen herself. Bye, ladies, wish me luck." Nico announced as she made her way to Adrianna.

"Good luck," Avery called out. She turned her attention back towards me and looked as though she wanted to say something, but Bryson slid in and distracted her by sneaking in a kiss on her cheek.

A smile captured her face as she turned towards him. I turned to find Dalton and thank him for coming, but after scanning the room, I realized that he was already gone. I decided that this is my time to leave and officially count this meeting as somewhat of a success.