Double Or Nothing // C.T.H

17 ~ Calum

"Yes, yes." I nod vigorously, Thomas reminding me again all the points we've gone over for the debate. " I know."

"I'm just trying to help you." He says, raising his hands up slightly to my defensive words.

"Well you're just making me more nervous." I snap, a small shudder running down my spin as my nerves intensify at the mention of them.

"Okay, well...I'm sure you'll do fine." Thomas says softly, sounding like he was trying to convince not only me, but him self.

I take a deep breath before sending him a small smile and turning the corner, finding myself near the school parking lot.

I give a small tug at my collar, which was tightly clasped around my neck. How do people manage to wear these everyday?

It felt as if a hand were grasping my insides, and a fire nipping at my skin as I catch sight of the debate class room, and the girl in it.

Valerie's black and red hair stand out against the white wall, my eyes automatically flickered to her. She smiled at me, causing the hand grabbing my stomach to turn, and the heat on my skin rise.

I take a deep breath, as Thomas' friends who were named Liam and Niall approach me with great welcoming smiles.

"Alright, Thomas?" Liam asks, concern etched on his face. "You seem a bit tense."

I push my thick-rimmed glasses up my nose, not used to them yet. "It's just the debate." My tone airily.

He nods, standing back slightly as Mrs. Strickland stood from behind her desk, clearing her voice with a small 'hem hem'.

The room fell silent, a thick eagerness was in the air, making me feel as if the walls were slowly closing in.

I've got no idea why this was so nerve racking for me. Maybe it's because I know I don't belong here, I'm not Thomas, though everyone thinks I am.

Mrs. Strickland was moving her hands while talking, but I was not paying attention, more focused on how to get out of debating.

It's my own fault for suggesting this, I shouldn't be here. This whole room is full of people who are so much smarter than me.

This room contains future scientists, doctors, astronauts, and what ever it is smart people do for a job.

But then there's me. I feel stupid, my brain contaminated compared to these people.

I don't want to go In front of them, as my brother and make him seem stupid. It's worse that he had to choose the side I disagree on.

I don't think the death penalty is a good thing. It's horrible to-

I take a sharp intake of break as Niall's elbow is jammed in to my ribs, hissing "Thomas, go."

"What?" I ask causing people to giggle, clearly aware I wasn't listening. The hand gripping my stomach was now yanking and twisting rapidly, causing the butterflies to swarm angered at the commotion.

Mrs. Strickland smiles sweetly, not caring that my mind wasn't focused on her. "It's your turn, dear. Come on, don't be shy now." She gestures with her hand to the front of the class.