THE OXFORD BET *VirginityGames*

Chapter 4 Preparations

"In that, my fellow students, you would be wrong."

Daniel's Lecturer returned to the podium and flipped through some books, both for reading and writing respectively. He sighed and smiled contentedly when he reached the page he was seeking, and when he looked up at them all with that bright smile accompanied by a cool exterior, Daniel once again sensed the oncoming boredom.

"This class will test your knowledge," he began again. "But it will also test your skills, your ability to research and present. You've done those things in other classes, but in this one you will also have to prove your ability to work with others – even those with whom you don't associate well." Daniel swallowed hard. He just wanted his lecture to be over. He wanted to be finished with class so he could start preparations for the Bet. "My decisions are final and your only way out of it is dropping the class and staying on an extra term so you can take my class again, at least for you seniors." He looked down at his books on the podium again, flipping through pages, appearing almost bored. "I would not advise the latter, but it is of course up to you.:

Daniel sank farther into his seat. He counted the minutes till the two hours were up.

"I want you to finish that reading list tonight, Summers."

His head swerved quickly in the direction of his Lecturer's voice. Daniel said no more but his stern gaze spoke volumes. Daniel muttered something indistinct under his breath, gathered up his things and went out into the hall. He looked both ways, but he couldn't see Adam or Brandon. So he disappeared into the masses of students now passing by in the halls.  All the boys from the Bet all raced home from school and then in the early hours of the afternoon they met in their usual way before the Bet began. They were gathered at their 3rd year student house. "Daniel?"

Daniel huffed back. "What Adam?"

"Can I ask you a particularly bawdy question?"

"What Adam?" He repeated again, his eyes flickered over his newspaper, clearly irritated. 

Adam sat up and leant his elbows on his knees. "I want an acute answer though." he paused at length, "Do you think I should get with a prostitute?" A tense silence filled the room like a flood from the Pacific Ocean.

"Are you asking me if it's alright to pay for it?" Daniel frowned. Confused.

"No, but do you think I should?"

Daniel rolled his eyes. "Why do you ask?"

"Its just, my brothers and I are most probably going to Amsterdam before our skiing holiday and the idea has always quite excited me since I hardly did anything with those strippers on our initation."

Daniel shrugged then replied "Personal preference." Daniel tried to ignore the excitement and nervousness which radiated off of Adam. And so he tried his best to continue reading. Adam went on his phone and then put it back on the table. A brief moment went by and he picked up his phone again with a long dramatic sigh. Clearly unhappy with the answer he has received.

"I think I will. I mean I don't want to catch anything, like any nasty STD's so I'll probably just settle for a blowjob."

"Remember the media."

"Pardon?"

"Remember the media, Adam. If you are going to do it. Make sure there is no photographic evidence. Don't let your brothers post anything on instagram of you, because it could come back to haunt you one day. Your family are pressing you into politics and I can tell you, in complete certainty, a bad reputation only works in your favour with girls, not the whole dam country."

"I'm not running to be Priminister, Daniel. I'm going to be Chancellor of the Exchequer. No one cares what dodgy shit they get up to."

"No is no." Brandon yelled. "Can't you hear me or something? Stop calling me until we contact you..." He breathed while he listened to the other person on the other end of the line. "We will get back to you..." His voice dripped in sarcasm. "You know, I just wish you had thought about the consequences when you made your decision about leaving. All right. That's it. I'm hanging up now. No...No. Don't bother. I'll see you tonight when you get back. Yes you still have your room here." He scoffed. "Your lucky we didn't throw you out of the house...Will you stop the incessant talking. My God. You're like a moaning old hag when you go on!"