He's a Fighter & I'm a Runner

NINE

"Okay class, today we'll watch some of the current candidates for the midterms speeches." My teacher announced.

I stiffened.

The teacher than turns on the speech for a politician running for a congressional senator. Fuck.

"Vote Dave Albright, and you'll be alright."

I narrowed my eyes at his face, the face that ruined my family. I was sitting here mentally fuming.

"Hello everyone." I rolled my eyes. "We have some lovely faces in the crowd, but that's what you can expect from the wonderful people of New York."

Some in my class laughed. I rolled my eyes again. His speech pissed me off so much. He lied so many times. He made himself seem like the good guy when he's really not. I can't stand him.

"Family is something I hold close to me. I want every family in low-income areas of the United States to have opportunities to be together."

Yeah, right.

"I also want to make sure corporations are truthful in their reports and are held responsible when they purposefully deceive on written or spoken statements."

I mentally laughed. The only reason his corporation is so successful is because he built it on deception.

"I also want to make college happen for as many as who have the determination to work hard. I plan to make scholarships more widely available and bank loans more flexible."

Ummm...banks are part of the free market? Okay...that's something I can't debate.

"And most of all, I want to tell you all that your opinion matters to me. Your well-being is the most important aspect of my decision making process."

Yeah, totally. You cared so much about my dad's opinion and well-being too.

The lights suddenly turned on, and the speech stopped. I blinked a few times to adjust to the light. The first thing I saw was Luke staring at me with his calculating eyes.

"So, what did you all think?" My teacher begins.

A girl raises her hand first. "I loved how he incorporated his fiancé and son into it. They seem like such a lovely family."

I snorted. "Do you have something to say?" My teacher glared at me.

"His family isn't as perfect as it seems. You can research it if you want. His fiancé was married when they dated." I retorted.

I noticed Luke's suspicious eyes trying to piece together a puzzle.

"But do you think that it matters?" My teacher asked.

"Depends." I shrugged.

"Mind elaborating?"

I sighed. "Well, if a politicians campaign is based on happy families than maybe he should have one too."

Everything went silent for a moment. Many students weren't paying attention. Nate and Daniel had shocked expressions on there faces, while Luke observed me.

Luckily, a girl raised her hand, and the discussion moved elsewhere.

Honestly, I'm not even against his politics. He wants to create a strong economy and help the middle class, while promoting our founding fathers' ideals. If he was anyone one else, he'd have my sting support, but I just can't see him differently since what happened.

The bell suddenly rang, and I almost sprinted out of there, so I wouldn't have to answer any questions.

I was really nervous for lunch. There isn't a doubt in my mind that Luke will ask me about what happened.

I hesitantly made my way to my seat between Luke and Sera. Right away, Luke whispered in my ear, "what happened today?"

"It's nothing." I replied.

"You must really not like his politics." He chuckled. I think it was more to get information out of me since he could obviously tell this wasn't about politics, but I fell for it.

"Honestly, I support his political beliefs, but I despise him as a person." Realizing my mistake, I quickly shut up.

He smirked, satisfied with adding a puzzle piece to the puzzle. I narrowed my eyes at him and listened to the rest of the groups conversation.

"I heard there will be a ton of alcohol." Nate said.

"It's going to be awesome! We should all go!" Daniel added.

"Where?" I asked since I missed their conversation.

"To Matt's party. He's throwing a giant one, and I need to have some fun." Rachel told me.

"Okay, I'll go." I needed to actually be able to drink this time.

"Okay, who else is in?" Nate asked.

Everyone agreed.

"Okay. This party will be after a football game, so we all need rides. Lila, ride or drive?" Nate asked me first.

"Ride, please. I need alcohol." I mumbled.

"I'll drive you." Luke offered. I looked up to him and smiled. I could tell he knew how much I was bothered, but he chose not to ask me further questions about it.

"Okay, so anyone else want to go with Luke?" Nate asked. Luke glared at him, making Nate gulp. "Luke's car is full. You know how sports cars are, only two people are ideal." He recovered.

"Anyone else want to drive?" Nate offered again.

"I'll do it. My mom's going to be home that Friday, so I can drink anyway. I'll take you and Sera since you two live close by." Ryan replied.

"I'll drive Daniel, I guess since he drove last time." Rachel offered.

"Okay! Great, so we have Luke, Ryan, and Rachel as drivers! That means we're good!" Nate beamed.

I hope this time I can have fun.