My Brother Says I'm Dangerous

(35)

Hey guys!!!!

Wooowwwww so this book has come a long way. And I am sadly predicting it is gradually coming to an end. 

I have planned that there will be about 3 to 5 more chapters left. I have loved the support and love, and I hope I can finish this book successfully.

Thankyou!! xxxxxxx

<><><><>

I finish texting Sarah, before shutting my locker.

"You ready?" Hunter asks me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"Yeah." I smile. 

Over the past week or so, something between Hunter and I have changed. Ever since that kiss. Something of a... relationship. It just sort of... happened. But it's different. 

"Are you guys going to be at the election speeches tonight?" Isaac asks the others, as we reach the lunch table. 

"Going?" Jamie snorts, as we sit down. "Mom made cookies with Keith's face on it."

"Keith is going to win." Alison grins. "Duh. And then I'm going to ask him do the toast at prom."

"My Dad will be at my prom?" Isaac wrinkles his nose.

"At least I got you a date." Alison snorts. "Chloe is excited to go with you. And her dress looks amazing." I can sense all eyes on Hunter and I, obviously they think we will go together. But I just have a feeling. 

Everybody keeps talking, and soon we all have to go. Hunter walks me to my locker, and he waits for me.

"Do you want to do something tonight after the speeches?" He asks. "We could grab a bite to eat."

"Ah." I think quickly. "Sure." He leans in for a kiss, but for some reason I switch quickly so he gets my cheek. He doesn't seem to think anything of it, as we part, and I head off to English, catching up with Alison. 

"What was that?" She asks me concerned.

"What?" I blush. 

"You know what." She says, slowing down. "And you need to tell him."

<><><><>

Alison and I sprint towards David's new truck, in the rush to beat Luke from gaining the front seat, who is running from the middle school.

"Yes!" Alison breaths heavily, physical activity not her strong point. "Luke... will... never... win." 

"Whatever." Luke groans, climbing into the tray of the truck. "Just tell David not to break too fast."

"He's dead." David smirks, as he starts to gain speed down the street. Isaac follows with the others in his car, Hunter left early to help set up. 

We get to the town hall in plenty of time, Luke practically falling off the truck. I can see the whole town practically surrounding the entrance, the two booths of Keith's and Gregory's on opposite sides of the doors.

"Hey guys." Jackson smiles at us, waving us over. We join the rest of the family at Keith's booth, and he looks in his element. Talking to the public, laughing, having fun. 

I look over at the Denning's booth, and he just looks so cold. Stating reasons why Keith would be an awful president. 

Keith just looks so happy.

"If everyone would like to make their way into the hall!" Somebody calls out. I recognise him as a teacher from school. "We would like to begin."

We all file in, and Keith looks excited. Hunter grabs my hand, and I jump, taken aback, but it's nice. We sit up the front with Emily and the family, and we wait for it to begin. 

Introductions are done, and it's about the history of the town, blah blah blah. The guy introduces Gregory Dennings to speak first, and I decide to zone out a little. He talks about finance, and politics, and a 'progressive future.' 

I notice a change, when Hunter squeezes my hand hard, and I look at the powerpoint he has been droning on about, too see the word 'opposition.' What?

"As you know, this is the first time in quite a few years that I have some opposition." He says smoothly, letting out a chuckle. "Although, I believe that to belong to such a position of leadership, you need to be strong." Everybody in our row looks distraught, except for Keith. He looks perfectly alright.

"And lets be honest." He says loudly, opening up his arms. "Keith Samuels is not one who has made very strong decisions. Just look at the people he has let into his family home."

The slide changes.. to a picture of the twins?

"Camilla and Alyssa Daniel's were fostered by Keith and Emily four years ago." 

The slide changes. 

"Their brother Isaac following  shortly after. All three were involved in dangerous gang activity." He sighs. "Keith made the willing decision, to draw these delinquents into our town. He endangered our children, our families. They don't belong here, they are the opposite of what our town represents. A safe, loving community."

David appears on the screen, and he says the same thing.

"Don't we all remember the incident two years ago?" He shouts, trying to get the point across. "The grocery store was beyond repair! And who bought the place, so that the owners would not be out of a job? Denning's enterprises." I can feel David tense, and I know he's trying to stay calm. This is sad. 

And then I tense. Because a picture of me appears on that screen.

"I think we all know what happened here." Gregory says softly. Hunter holds my hand tight, but I can barely breathe. "Keith accepted somebody who was part of something horrific. She brought along problems that could damage our own for a long time. She is dangerous."

I don't notice the tear until Hunter wipes it away.

"I think I have made my point." Gregory continues gravely. "I will end it here. Vote for Dennings.  A progressive future." 

The room is silent. As he leaves the stage, people clap, but everybody is in shock. He plays dirty. He doesn't care about the pain he causes.

Keith stands up, adjusting his hat, and makes his way up to the stage. Everybody watches, it's unbelievable. He is smiling. 

Gregory hasn't turned his powerpoint off, and there is still a picture of me for the whole town to see. Keith looks up at it, and his smile widens even more.

"Gregory made a fantastic point." He says, breaking the silence. "This town is a loving, safe community. And how right is he?"

A few people murmur their agreement, and he continues. 

"I don't believe giving a large speech will be the reason if I win." He sighs. "So I will keep this short." He takes his off his hat, placing it on the podium. "I grew up in this town. I met the love of life here. I got married here. And I raised my family here. It's been an incredible journey. Why wouldn't I want to share it with people who need a little love?" 

The screen goes blank, and I breathe a sigh of relief. 

"I believe that everybody needs a second chance. And that goes for this town." He says. "Over the past few years, it has changed. People no longer come here for the beautiful scenery and the wildlife. People are losing their livelihoods. Their hope. And that needs to stop."

I can practically feel Denning's anger radiating from the other side of the hall.

"I may not be an incredibly successful businessman." Keith admits. "And I know that I am going to need help, from all of you. But I am ready to give this town another go at being great again." He puts on his hat, and starts to descend down the steps.

"Vote for me, for a second chance."