Love Alarm [Based On A True Story]

Debate Competition

"Alright everyone, can I have your attention please?"

The clamoring across the classroom came to a halt as Mr. Hawthorn, a senior English teacher, stood there with a stern expression. And like every senior teacher, Mr. Hawthorn is also known for having less patience, so we know not to test it, especially when he isn't even our English teacher.

That arose the question of his presence here, hence the abrupt silence since everyone is curious as to why a senior teacher is here.

Once Mr. Hawthorn is sure everyone is listening, he gets to the matter in hand. "Our school has been informed that Newton High will be hosting a Debate competition this year, and they have applied for our school as a participant."

While most of the students seem new to term 'Debate', I, on the other hand already know what it is and have been waiting for this day for years. Alena and Ashley would always brag about their competitions that they took part in back in London and all I could do was listen in awe. It has always been a wish of mine to participate, the feeling of standing before a crowd, the stage to myself, and the mic before me so that every single person present listens to no one but me.

A grin breaks out in my face at the delight of finally receiving this chance, thanks to Newton High.

Don't know why our own school can never host one, but I ain't complaining.

"Which means we need participants, and anyone interested to join, please reach out to me on lunch break." Mr. Hawthorn completes, ready to leave when someone from the guy's side speaks up. "Sir, what's a Debate competition?"

The look on Mr. Hawthorn's face screams disbelief, and it takes all his will power not to give a snarky remark by asking how old the boy was to not know what a debate competition is.

Truth be told, I can't really blame them. Unlike other schools, our school doesn't have any clubs. A soccer club, debate club, literature club, drama club, nothing. Nothing at all. Our school, unlike others, is well known for pressuring students on nothing but studies. Extracurricular activities are considered as fun tasks here, so it's hardly ever brought up.

So, when situations like this arise, such as a district tournament, the teachers in charge scurry around like rats looking for students who are willing to participate instead of already having a fixed team. Last year there was a cricket tournament, and like usual, our schools had to beg students to join. But joining doesn't mean winning, when you have only practiced for a week at most while the other schools have talented teams in hand. Long story short, we lost.

Sucking in a deep breath, Mr. Hawthorn began his explanation, while Claire turns to me with a giddy expression. "Let's sign up!"

"I already decided." I reply with a grin plastered on my face, making Claire squeal in excitement. "This is going to be so fun!"

Fun it will be, but we still have a problem.

There are three members in a team, and the members for each team are chosen by Mr. Hawthorn. Which means, there is a high chance Claire, and I might not end up in the same team.