Tales of the Bittersweet

Encounter

     Cars zoom by, showing blurs of red, black, silver, gray, and other colors. Nothing really stands out in particular. Sitting in my teacher's rental car, I continue to stare out the window, thinking about nothing in particular. Why am I in my teacher's rental car? Well, I'm heading to Notsuoh for a science competition, which, to be quite honest, is a surprise. When I submitted my project, I honestly didn't even care that much. I didn't expect to be the only one to get in from submissions. The only other way to get into the competition was to get an award from research, which is how my friend, Benny got in.

     "So, you planning to do anything once we get to Notsuoh?" Benny asks, interrupting my thoughts, like a block of wood getting chopped by a really sharp piece of cheese. Makes sense, doesn't it? Staring at him, I shake my head in response.

     "Nah. Are you planning to do something? I've yet to care about what we do until the competition, apart from buy a ponomoly set from Wallmart. I have enough money to buy a deck of cards too, and I already have my poker chips. You down to play?" I inquire, grabbing my backpack and pulling out my poker chips.

"How do you play poker?"

"You got money? Pay me and I'll teach you."

"Never mind then..." he mutters, looking away.

"*I just kidding.*" (Improper grammar on purpose)

"I knew you were."

     Pretty soon, we reach a gas station, and we get out of the car to stretch.

"You guys need anything? I can go buy it from the gas station!" my teacher Mr.Williby offers.

     "Nah, I'll get something, but you don't have to pay. Besides, isn't your paycheck a little low this month?" I joke, getting a snicker from Benny, and a rough pat on the back from Mr.Williby. Ouch! That hurts. Attempting to ignore the stinging pain in the back, I enter the gas station, looking for some ice cream to eat. Maybe a strawberry cheesecake, like the last few times. Also, definitely a soda. Live while you can, is my motto. Also, Que Sera Sera. That's fun.

     After locating the ice cream, I head over to the cash register, to hear a group of girls screaming. Whoa. What's happening? I look over the counter, and see four girls and three other boys standing around the candy section. Looking a little bit closer, I see that they have a competition badge, each and every single one. We only have two people representing our school, and they have seven?! Dang, I'm a little disappointed now. That feeling of accomplishment is all gone now. I guess someone noticed me, because they're pointing at me and waving for me to come over.

     Walking over, I'm greeted by a girl wearing a blue sweater with her hair tied up in a pony tail. Her face is slightly round, giving her a look of chub. She extends her hand out, and I shake it.

     "Nice to me you! I saw you staring at us with a really disapointed look. Are you depressed or something?" she asks, with a slightly excited tone, tilting her head.

     "Well, I'm just sad is all. Seeing that you guys have seven representatives from your school really hurts, especially since our school only has two." I sigh, and then, they all notice my button.

"WHOA, YOU'RE GOING TO EFIN III TOO!?"

"SWEET!"

"THAT'S CRAZY?!"

     Who would've thought that they would get excited. I feel so much better now.

"Ah, that's right! I forgot to introduce myself!" I shoot out, slamming a hand to my face.

     "Name's Arthur, but you can call me King. I know, it's weird, but I like it!" I say, smiling. The girl who introduced herself smirks.

"Erin, nice to meet you! Random question, but what category are you competing in?"