Game of Love

Chapter Sixteen - Inauguration Night

Emily's POV

The first few days of finals week went by in a flurry of final exams and election hype. I finished my American History test early, giving me just enough time to get changed before the election kickoff speeches. Abbie opened the door and poked her head in. "Hey, Emily! Ready to go?" Abbie asked.

"Yep! Let's head out!" I exclaimed.

Abbie and I got to the auditorium and took seats next to Zack and Tyler. "Oh, sorry, we're saving these seats for..." Zack said. "Abbie? Emily? Oh, God, my brain is so fried."

"Same here. But at least we're almost done with finals!" Abbie exclaimed.

"Amen to that!"

"Now all we've got is two more days, the election, and the boat dance! Is everyone excited?" Tyler asked.

"I'm so excited!" I exclaimed.

"Me too!" Zack exclaimed.

"Me three. But you knew that already, Tyler, because we're going together," Abbie said.

Tyler kissed Abbie on the cheek. "Eww! Get a room you two! Preferably not Tyler's, which is right next to mine."

Everyone got quiet as Ms. Twombly walked onto the stage, followed by Chris and Sebastian. "Good evening, everyone, and good luck on your remaining final exams," Ms. Twombly said. "I know you all have last-minute cramming to do, but don't forget to cast your vote for school president as well. Tonight, the candidates will have one final chance to convince undecided voters that they are the right choice. Now, without further ado, students of Hartfeld, give it up for Christopher Powell!"

The crowd cheered as Chris stepped up to the podium. "Thank you, thank you," Chris said. "First of all, thank you for all your support. In the past few weeks, I've talked to many of you, and your passion towards the school is truly inspiring. In the interest of full transparency, fellow students, there's something I think you should know about me... When I was younger, I made some mistakes. I fell in with the wrong crowd, and I did a bunch of stupid things." The crowd murmured in confusion. "Now, to be clear, it was a juvenile offense which I was able to get expunged, but..." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I tried to steal a car once and got busted."

I heard several gasps before the crowd went silent. "Is he gonna drop out? What's he doing?!" Abbie exclaimed.

"I don't know!" Zack exclaimed.

"That was three years ago. Since then, I've been able to turn my life around thanks to the guidance of some wonderful mentors," Chris said. "By the time I graduated high school, I had become an honor student and star football player. But I know that most people don't get that sort of second chance. Hartfeld University, I'm not perfect. You're not perfect. Sebastian isn't perfect. This school isn't going to be perfect, no matter who sins, and I won't try to pretend that it will be. But, if I'm elected, I'll make this school a place where, no matter what your flaws, you'll have a chance to succeed. If you believe in second chances, please, vote for Chris Powell. Thank you."

The audience was silent. Chris stood at the podium, a worried look on his face. I applauded. The sound of my clapping rang through the auditorium. My friends immediately joined in. The auditorium filled with the sound of applause. "Chris for president!" Darren exclaimed.

"Hell yeah!" Kaitlyn exclaimed.

Chris returned to his seat, glowing. "Well, that was... quite unexpected. Sebastian Delacroix, your turn," Ms. Twombly said.

"Thank you, Ms. Twombly, and good afternoon, Hartfeld University," Sebastian said.

Sebastian talked about building Hartfeld's prestigious reputation, but most of the audience still had their attention focused on Chris. As soon as the assembly ended, my roommates and I met Chris in the coffee shop. "And you didn't tell anyone you were going to do that?" Abbie asked.