Aces [#NANOWRIMO2017]

[PROLOGUE] Ace Gets Compared To A Technicolor Zebra

Tᴜᴇsᴅᴀʏ, Jᴀɴᴜᴀʀʏ 30

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"Subtle," Matt commented, closing the door.

"You think?"

"About as subtle as a technicolor zebra. Seriously, Ace, what was that? You can't keep telling your mom that you're going to study group. That's the weakest excuse I've ever heard."

"Shut up, you guys," I grumbled. "At least I got here. So, what's it gonna be this time?"

"Your mom's going to figure out what we're doing, you know," Rafael chided.

"So what?" I scoffed. "She can't stop me. My mom's a wimp. No one can stop me."

"What about your sister dear? She'd be able to stop you, wouldn't she?"

My eyes flashed. "Leave Hazel out of this," I said, taking a step forward.

I'm not remarkably tall, nor am I remarkably strong, but Rafael knew better than to cross me. "Okay! Okay. Geez, fine. You don't have to get so defensive," he said, holding up his hands.

"Get to the point, dude. I won, so pay up."

"Fine. Whatever. Your task wasn't even that hard anyway," groused Bradley.

"Anyone with half a brain can cheat on a test," Jenna agreed.

"Not in Mr. Hallman's class, they can't." I argued. "He sees everything."

Matt frowned, but didn't say anything. He pulled out his wallet and grudgingly gave me ten dollars. So did Rafael, Jenna, Bradley, and Scott.

"Thanks. So, what's next?"

Matt shook his head. "Not yet. You've been getting off easy these past few weeks -- you've won every single time."

"Yeah, 'cause I'm good."

"No, it's because your tasks have been too easy. January's almost over. Give me some time to think, and then we'll make a bet on February the first. Deal?"

"Deal," I agreed.

A/N: Welcome to ACES! This is going to be my 2017 NaNoWriMo novel, and I'm honestly super excited to write it. Please note one thing, though -- I am thirteen years old. I understand that this novel isn't going to be the Next Big Thing (TM), but even so, I'm enjoying writing this. 

If you see an honest-to-goodness mistake, like a typographical error or something, or have actual CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, please let me know! I'm always looking for ways to improve my writing.

But reading the first half of a scene and then angrily flailing on your keyboard until you produce a semi-coherent message about how "i sux" and "lol this are trassh" or whatever? That's not exactly what I'd call constructive. If there's some part of my novel you're not a fan of, let me know what I can do to change it.

That being said, every little thing, be it a vote or a comment (or both if you're feeling generous? :D) means so much to me. If you enjoy my story, it would absolutely make my day to hear from you.

Alright, and with that, I'll stop rambling. Enjoy the world of ACES!