Snakes & Scoundrels

47: the rebuttal

MyLostBookMark,
hey there! I honestly don't recall how long I've been reading your comments on my books. you've not just put up with me once, but I think for five books now. you are one of my oldest cheerleaders and I cannot tell you how grateful I am. I can't help but think of our journey as an epic novel in itself, each chapter brimming with moments that have shaped all these stories (ours included). your comments were a literal lighthouse when I was struggling as a writer through uncharted waters and heavy storms. thank you for helping me turn what could have been mere scribbles into tiny little masterpieces of my life.only warmth & lots of color!

bookXed,
I don't think we've ever conversed if not in between the lines of my stories. And don't you dare think for a second that I don't notice you being the quiet nomad that you are whilst you tourist my books. it's warming, isn't it? knowing someone exists in this world who you perhaps share the most amazing book connection with but never having the obligation to know anything more because you talk via stories and characters and that somehow seems enough? content even. I love talking in between the lines with you. I love to know your opinions, your excitement, and your take on how my words made you feel. Well, here's to conversing through more stories & characters.all hearts & hugs!

. . .

After scanning my blue permit card, the Ravenford authority directs me to the left wing of the hall. 

With debates, one could never know which side of the war they will fight for. You either get the topic you desire but are on the wrong side of the fence, or it's the other way around. The irony with me is that my mind is so skilled at contradicting itself every few minutes for twenty years of my life, that I never seem to have an issue fighting from either side of the fence. 

I fight even better when the person I'm paired against pisses the fuck out of me. 

I enter the clearing and to my amusement, the first thing I see is Rainer talking with Ashley, Miles, and a few familiar but unnamed faces. I don't locale his girlfriend or his reconciled best friend, so I assume Hailey and Grayson were on the other wing. Immediately, I began to pray to the stars not to bring either of them up against me.  

Instead of joining the group with familiar faces, I tag behind and lean my elbows against the railing as I begin to spectate the audience. The first three rows are left empty and the remaining chairs are filled with students and lecturers. I take it that the first three rows are meant for us, the participants. 

A scene like this isn't new to me. I've been attending competitions like this all my life. But today, I feel different. I feel distracted and exhausted even before the commencement. I want to think it's because of my lack of sleep and hydration and nothing to do with my mind constantly vibing to the sound of the ECG machine. 

My eyes invariably slide to the huddle where Rainer is listening to something Miles is blabbering. Before someone finds my staring weird, I forcefully look away. 

It's pretty obvious that for once, Rainer and I won't be going up against each other. Thank god! Being on the same side of the wing ensures that. The rules clearly state that each pair will be called up on stage and given a topic they both need to speak on either side for. Unfortunately, our sides too were picked by the team of judges by a lucky draw. 

"It's rude not to greet a friend." 

I smile. Without moving a muscle, I feel him taking up the space beside me, mimicking my leaning posture and manipulating the air around me with his cologne.