One Shots: An ADNBookClub Writing Challenge

Spelling and Flowers

by NightCat/Ela

Annual Elementary School Quiz Bee – City Level

''And now we're at the final round! which of our two young contestants will correctly answer the final word and win today?'' The host asks the audience. They respond with the names of the two remaining contestants, the schools they represent and of course friends and family are also very much supportive.

''Contestants 7 and 16, Athena Mendoza and James Faust, pls. spell 'Conscientious'''

Both submitted their entries right at the time limit and this is the result:

Athena: C-o-n-s-ci-e-n-c-i-o-u-s

James: C-o-n-s-c-i-e-n-t-i-o-u-s

Just one letter made all the difference here

''And we have this year's champion, James Faust from Flor Elementary School!!'' First runner-up is Athena Mendoza from Luna Elementary School, second runner-up is Jake from Sol Academy and Gary Steve from Torta Elementary School. Please come to the stage for the awarding ceremony''

''Mama look at the trophy I got!''

''It looks wonderful Athena good job my darling''

''Next year I'm gonna win the Quiz Bee for you Mama! I'm gonna learn more words''

''And I'll help you review all the way sweetie''

While Athena is chatting with her teachers and classmates who came out to support her, Maine went to the building's indoor parking lot looking for a red Mitsubishi Mirage. She's feeling so livid towards the Quiz Bee host.

''If he didn't give that word, that word to spell. My sweet and smart Athena would have won the Quiz Bee. Where did he get the nerve to do that?? Gaaaahhh!!*

Yes she looks somewhat ok on the outside but inside oh boy, she's like a dragon ready to breathe out fire

Once she's found the car, she reached inside her bag, got out a nail file and seven squiggly scratches on  the left front door. She made a smug face and was about to leave when suddenly....

''And what did you just do with my car door??!''

The host's loud voice caught Maine by surprise and her eyes widened. She tried to run away but the host caught her like a policeman catching a runaway crook and both fell. They ended up facing each other on the parking lot floor, him on top and her at the bottom. How awkward.

''Get off me you blasted host!''

''I'm not letting you go till you pay to repair my car door!!''

''What if I file illegal detention against you??''

''That won't hold in court! And what if I file vandalism against you??''

''No you can't do that!''

''And why missy?''

''I'm a single mother, I can't go to jail since I have no family left to take care of Athena when I'm away. And this is why I'm helping her in every way I can, so she'll have a better future than me''

The host was still livid but he also felt a teeny bit of pity for Maine and a bit more pity for Athena upon hearing this because how did a sweet child happen to have somewhat of a looney for a mother? But maybe Maine isn't too bad after all.

*sigh*

''Alright, I'm not taking this to court but I'd sure like to know how are you going to pay for your damage''

''I own a small flower shop. The profit's not too much so it'll take me a few weeks or months to pay you  off''

''And where is this shop?''

''On Tenth street, corner Twenty-fourth avenue. It's called Flowering Heights''

''After Wuthering Heights? Are you a fan of Emily Brontë?

She smiled and said ''Well yes on both counts. I sometimes read during slow times at the shop.''

''I think I've seen the shop from the outside but never went inside. It's green on the outside yes?'' He made a small smile. Sweet.

''Why, yes.''

''Well then missy I have a proposition for you. It just so happens that a friend of mine is planning a party and I'm helping him out. He asked me if I knew any flower shops or suppliers but none came to mind. You happen to have a shop so why not work with me and my friend for this party? You can start paying off the damages and at the same time, I can keep an eye on you in making sure that happens. It's an offer you can't refuse'' He said this in a calm but commanding way that really got Maine thinking

*Well, he has a point. This party is a good way to start paying him but can I stand seeing him often starting now? I just feel so embarrassed I just want the earth to swallow me whole right this instant.

*Wait Maine you can't let that happen! Think of Athena!*

*deep sigh* ''Ok host, I accept your offer since it's seems like a good idea I'll have to meet with your friend and you soon to make arrangements and quotations.'' She extended her hand ''Oh I forgot to introduce myself. Hello I'm Maine Mendoza, flower shop owner and single mother''

''And my name is not host, my name si RJ Faulker. English teacher and occasional host yes'' He took Maine's hand and shaked it.

Both won't admit it but they sure felt some spark while shaking hands. Maybe we'll see where all this would lead for these two.