His Getaway Car

Chapter 1

3 months ago..

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As I sat at my desk, diligently scanning my notes in preparation for our upcoming finance quiz, Jen's tap on my shoulder jolted me out of my concentration. "Hey, our teacher wants us to head downstairs for an event," she announced, already beginning to pack her bag.

Perplexed, I arched an eyebrow at her. "Do we really have to go? We have a quiz later," I countered, attempting to refocus on my notes.

"Yeah, we do. They're doing a check to make sure everyone participates," Jen explained, a sense of urgency creeping into her tone.

Sighing in resignation, I reluctantly gathered my belongings, making sure to stash my finance notes securely in my bag. Despite my reluctance, studying was non-negotiable; my grades were too important to compromise.

Navigating through the crowded classroom, we finally reached the school lobby, where the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Chairs were scattered about, and the air was thick with anticipation as students eagerly awaited the start of the event. Seizing the opportunity to squeeze in some last-minute review, I snagged a chair and settled in, unfolding my notes once more.

As I delved into the intricacies of financial ratios, I couldn't help but wonder about the purpose of the event unfolding around me. It soon became clear that it was an introduction to the candidates running for leadership positions within the school. Some sought to govern the entire student body, while others aimed to lead specific strands. It seemed like an enticing opportunity for those with a penchant for leadership, but for me, the prospect of added responsibilities and commuting considerations led me to opt out. I chose to focus on finishing my senior year as a regular student, without the additional burden of leadership roles.

Jen's arrival interrupted my musings, her incredulous tone breaking through the ambient noise. "Seriously? You're studying here?" she remarked, settling into a chair beside me.

"I have to," I replied earnestly, flipping through my notes. "I can't afford to fail."

As I immersed myself in my studies, the school's lobby erupted into cheers and applause with each announcement of a familiar candidate. While I silently rooted for my friends who had thrown their hats into the ring, I couldn't bring myself to participate in the raucous celebrations. Instead, I offered my support in quiet solidarity, knowing that my endorsement was just as meaningful, even if it went unspoken.

Throughout the event, I remained firmly entrenched in my studies, refusing to spare even a passing glance at the candidates vying for our attention. To me, their speeches and introductions were nothing more than unnecessary distractions, taking valuable time away from my precious study session.

I couldn't understand the purpose of their elaborate presentations when their names would be clearly listed on the ballot come voting time. It seemed like a pointless exercise in self-promotion, designed to inflate their egos rather than inform the student body.

Despite my disinterest in the proceedings, I couldn't help but make my own predictions about the likely outcome of the election. The yellow party list, comprised of the school's academic elite, seemed destined for victory. With their stellar grades and impressive extracurricular achievements, they were the clear frontrunners in the eyes of most students.

On the other hand, the green team appeared to be a motley crew of unknowns, lacking the star power and prestige of their rivals. While their platform may have been compelling, it seemed unlikely that they could overcome the overwhelming advantage enjoyed by their opponents.