RIVALS

All in good Time

"I need a complete list of all the soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and foster homes in the city," I tell Ericka as we descend the steps of the school.

Ever since that video for Student of the Decade was played in everyone's class this morning, it's been a race to get all of our applications in. Most people skipped their class to hand their applications in to the post office directly, but not I.

If I was going to win that money, I would need to start being a model student, starting now. Unfortunately that meant I couldn't submit mine until after school ended.

With all the people flying past us - dropping book bags, homework, and all - it seems they had the same idea.

"Done, done, and done. I will have everything emailed to you by the end of the day."

"Perfect."

If I weren't on these narrow ass steps, I would be jumping for joy!

I can see it now. Me, Violet A. Lewis, winning a Student of the Decade. Not only would I be a millionaire under the age of 20, but it would be on my own merit. My own hard work, labor, and sleepless nights would finally prove worth it (of course with the help of my trusty Ericka).

All those stuck up peers of mine that have been looking down on me since ever will finally have no choice but to respect me. They'll be begging on their knees for just a taste of my hard earned money.

And who knows? Maybe after all the press tours and interviews and lunch with the the president I'll catch the eye of a young, attractive, equally handsome Nigerian prince that will sweep me away and legally make me the queen I am. And then we'd have lots of beautiful chocolate babies...Cleo and Pierce...and then Sidney and Grace...Gabriel and And-

My day dreaming is cut short by an intense realization.

Even though I am the only reasonable choice for that award, I know someone willing to do ANYTHING to get under my skin and that is equally smart, but that has the popularity and looks to take over.

"Are you alright?" Ericka turns around and shields her face from the sun shining behind me.

"I just realized I have to do something."

I slam both of our applications against her chest, looking around to make sure no one is looking.

"Guard these with your life."

***
Lacrosse Field:

I silently curse myself as my 4 inch heels dig into the muddy ground of the lacrosse field. I try tiptoeing, but it doesn't work.

"Where the fuck is he?!" I yell, catching the attention of the other team members.

They all shrug their shoulders and look around acting puzzled.

"Oh come on! You know who I'm talking about. Reveal yourself!"

"Stop yelling. I'm right here."

Rafael moves from behind a few of them, removing his helmet and shaking his soaking wet hair off.

"Bleachers. Now." I point and waste no time storming back off to the bleachers. I have no doubt he is right behind me.

Once we finally make it there, I stand on the first level, dramatically folding my arms over my chest.

"Listen, you don't get to just come on my field and scare my team when we're in the middle of practice." The flush of his cheeks becomes even more apparent as he scolds me, pushing his hair off of his forehead in frustration.

"Oh, please! You do this all the time to me and my tutees - laughing, joking, farting, you name it! So just take a few moments to calm down and listen to what the fuck I have to say!"

He rolls his eyes but remains silent. I'm guessing because he knows it's true.

"Shoot," he orders, making sure to avoid eye contact as he leans on his crosse. "I'm listening!"

"It's about the Student of the Decade award."

"What about it?"

"Umm...duh!"

"Don't 'umm...duh' me!" He mocks in the most god-awful high pitched "female" talking voice ever. "What the fuck do you want?"

"The money, what else?!" All of my yelling finally catches his attention. He whips his head toward me and finally listens.

"For the past 7 years you've made my life a living hell. Spelling bees and geography bees, academic decathlons and tutoring, mentoring and test taking, skipping school and being an ass. I finally have something that I need, that I know I deserve and I'll be assed if anyone, especially you takes that away from me."

Rafael grits his teeth as he readies his mouth to say something to me.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

I lean over the bar in front of me, coming so close to him that I can practically feel the heat radiating from his body. I hold his stare, not backing down until what's on my mind is communicated clear as day.

"It means that if you or and of your fucking minions try to beat me and my team in any way, you will regret it."

I have never, ever in my 17 years of life threatened anyone, especially not a 5'11 190 pound Rafael, but the day had to come somehow.

I didn't back away until I won this unspoken staring contest, but when I did I nearly passed out from all the adrenaline.

I was literally shaking, but at the end of the day I was proud. Proud that I finally stood up for myself. Proud that I was finally one step closer to the rest of my life.

"Souza! Get your ass back over here!" I can hear the coach yelling to him.

"Better follow daddy's orders. Rafa," I say, intentionally getting under his skin. It works. I can see his jaw grinding just before he puts back on his helmet and runs back off to join his team.

Once he finally blends in to the crowd of players, I allow myself to take a deep breath before sauntering off .

"All in good time, Violet. All in good time."