Her Darling | L.W.

Chapter 9

Y/N's pov

This week passed by really quickly. It's already Friday, there are no classes today because of the Poe Cup. Safe to say, I'm very excited. So is everyone else, especially Enid. She really got up at 6 in the morning to wake us up, apparently we 'would be late' to the Poe Cup if we didn't wake up then. We all thought of how much she was over-exaggerating, since the actual race begun at 1pm.

However, we all got up, got ready and went down for breakfast in the cafeteria. As we arrive there, the room is already full of excited, but nervous chatter. It just rises the pulsating feeling of elation in my stomach. As we sit down, I could feel the tense air surrounding us. Everyone is terrified. But for some reason, I'm not. I feel good. So I thought it would be wise of me to give a few words of encouragement.

"Guys," I say to get their attention and I soon get it.

"Okay, I know that you are all very nervous, but I know for a fact that you're going to go out there and fucking do it. You are going to win that race, because your team is the most badass ever. We believe in you guys, now cheer up, eat well and win that race!" As I finish my pep talk, they all start cheering and applausing, they look much more confident now. I nod to myself, knowing that I did a good job encouraging them. I'm proud of them.

And soon, we've all gathered around the lake. The whole school is here, every student and every teacher. I watch the crowd as I'm helping the team get into their boats, giving them a few final words of luck.

And that's when I see her. There she is, standing on the stage above the crowd with all her poise. I can't help but admire her. She is, too, observing her surroundings. Then our eyes meet for the first time in almost two weeks. She looks at me with an unreadable expression, I smile and wave at her, but she soon turns her gaze away. It's like she didn't even know who I am. I can't help but feel sad about it. I thought that she cared about me, since that night. I guess I was wrong.

I shrug it off and gather my attention back to my friends. Then, I leave them as the race is starting in a few, going to stand next to Ms Thornhill.

"You excited?" I ask her.

"Oh, hi! Yes, very. I've always loved this race, how it brings the whole school together. It's very communal."

"It's my first time seeing this race and I must say I'm excited." I giggle to her.

Our conversation is interrupted by her speaking to the microphone.

"I want to welcome you all to the Edgar Allan Poe Cup. This is one of Nevermore's proudest annual traditions dating back 125 years." She begins. She looks so beautiful from here, how she has everyone's full attention.

"Each team must row across to Raven Island, pull a flag from Crackstone's Crypt, and hustle back without sinking or being sunk. First team to cross the finish line with their flag wins the cup and bragging rights for a year, as well as some special priviledges. Let the Poe Cup begin!" As she says the last line, she shoots in the air with a pistol, signaling that the teams can start the race now. As they start rowing, everyone begings cheering for them, me and Ms Thornhill included. 

And the first team goes down. Good, this gives the Black Cat a bigger chance at winning. Looks like Bianca's little friend Kent had something to do with that. But I'm cool with it, Bianca has never really bothered me, in fact I think she's pretty nice, I'd just like to get to know her better. I completely understand Bianca's need to win, I'm just as competitive as she is. Just watching this race makes me really competitive for my friends.