Ahead of the Game

Chapter 2

            Avery didn’t even look up from her textbook when I slammed the back door. “How much?”

            “15 miles.” I thrust my duffel bag onto my chair and kicked off my sneakers.

            “Not bad. Usually, I run 18- and that’s for just regular track meets,” Avery arrogantly sniffed in disdain, like she’s all cool like that.

            I glared at her. “You know, you don’t have to act like that I’m inferior to you just because I agreed to go your way.”

            She finally looked at me, fire in her coffee brown eyes. “I’m not- I’m just stating the facts. Jeez.”

            I have had enough. “Uh, no. I see your egotism everyday, even in situations not like this. Well, I’ll tell you what. You’re not gonna win this time. You may be a piano player, officer of the Chinese Club and Science Olympiad team, and part of the track team.” Avery tried to cut me off, but I continued. “But you better remember I’m a  guzheng player, secretary of the Environmental Club, winner of math competitions, part of the track team as well, and future MIT student. So shut your piehole or I’ll shut it for you.” I turned back to head up the stairs. But then her piehole opened.

            “Alexa?”

            It was the moment of her surrender, her admittance of defeat. I swiveled around, hopeful. “Yeah?”

            She rolled her eyes. “You forgot I’m also winner of the Parks Publishing Golden Award.”

            I stomped up to my room, infuriated. She was so going down.

*          *          *

Dear Alexa,

I have a major problem that is so hard to fix-I’m too aggressive. I always compare with other people and try to better them. Help!

            From Being Too Competitive

            I grinned in spite of myself. As advice columnist of the school newspaper, this question was a breeze. My pen contacting paper, I replied:

Dear Being Too Competitive,

            First of all, relax. Being competitive is great. You see, competition is natural. Animals are born with this instinct, to race against others of their own species to find food and other necessities. So honestly, your competitive attitude is fine just the way it is. You’ll be sure to get far in life by challenging yourself and others!

Yours truly,

Alexa

            “What do you think?” I asked Peter, the editor-in-chief. He snatched the outstretched paper from me, taking in the words. A minute or so passed, and I saw his expression change from eager to purely disgusted.  He thrust the paper back to my face.

            “You have got to be kidding me. People are gonna think you’re a hostile psycho. I want this response fixed and sounding more like an advice columnist, not some dog-eat-dog beast.”

            Someone’s been having bad day. Returning to my table, pencil in hand, my mind pondered. I needed something cheesy and stupid. If that’s what Peter wanted, that’s what he’ll get.

Dear Being Too Competitive,

            What I believe you need to do is to stop, look around you, and be proud of people who have accomplished many things, not envious of them. Instead of attempting to better others, encourage them, though you can still strive to be the best as well.. This will benefit your peers and yourself as well. Like Dr. Phil once said, “Love and competition do not mix.” Good luck!

Yours truly,

Alexa

            As soon as I set my pencil down, an epiphany struck me. How could I not have realized this earlier?