Girls called Alessandra

CHAPTER 06 - STAKES

The bet was posted up in the group chat. Some people had to be cautious and so they searched for Jude's profile online.

The mysterious thing was, he did not have even a trace of online presence. Not on facebook, twitter nor instagram.

"Is he an ex-convict or something?"

"He's just born yesterday, this Jude."

"What kind of teenager doesn't have a facebook account? Everyone does, right?"

"Yeah, I made mine when I was ten."

"I had mine since I was a toddler. My mom made it for me."

"Maybe he's not named Jude."

"Why would someone lie about a name?"

"Does anybody know his surname? I don't think he ever mentioned it."

"Yeah."

"Is he really an ex-convict? What if he's a murderer?"

"Shut up, Tom."

"He was friendly. I think he's a great seatmate."

"Anyway, who's betting on him?"

"I'm rooting for Garry."

"What if the teachers find out?"

"Me too."

"No one will find out if no one rats us out."

"My bet's on Jude."

Alie read through them and typed her own, "But isn't it great to have a new face in the room?" Then sent.

They started reacting Likes.

"But I'll show you, I'm definitely smarter than him." It was Garry.

On Monday morning, as there was no assignments over the weekend, the smart-asses of Class Burgundy gathered around. If an outsider saw them, they would think that someone's selling drugs.

But it was actually worse than that. Because they were betting against a friend they've known for a year. And who knew Garry's feelings better than Garry himself? He promised himself he would never be at last place again. He'd show them how he could not be underestimated.

He steeled himself and accepted the challenge with resolve. Truly a man indeed.

As it turned out, Jude garnered the higher stakes. It wasn't that they had confidence in Jude, it was because they were aware of Garry's capability.

"Who's keeping the money?"

Mia said, "The treasurer, Alie."

When Jude arrived, he was completely the center of attention. Aside from that he's a new face, the fact that they knew literally nothing about him made them raise their guards.

In their Science period, when Mr. Gavin asked questions, a hand boldly pierced through the air, Garry's.

"Okay Garry, can you state it for me?"

They all peered their eyes at Garry.

He stood up proudly but when he spoke, his voice cracked and trembled. "Kinetic energy is energy in motion while Potential Energy is energy... due to location, I mean due to position."

He got it right! They gawked at him. He's really not backing down.

As he sat down, he whispered to Thomas, "Thanks bro."

"Yeah, I got your back. My money's on you after all."

"That's correct," Mr. Patricio praised him. But then he said, "Can you explain it further for me?"

"Eh?" Garry flashed a smile. How could he explain it when he did not even know how something could get to have energy solely due to their position? Sure, sure, they discussed it before. But Garry was not the type to retain lessons in his head. For every test, he needed to study them all over again.

Mr. Gavin asked again, "Okay, so anyone?"

And so, naturally their heads turned to the other horse on the race. Even Luke who knew the answer did not raise his hand. Even Alie who had an idea. She pivoted those eyes at this new student who claimed to be among the smarts.

Alie tensed up, "Huh?" 'Was he staring at me?'

Obviously, Jude was not listening to the discussion at all.

"What the heck?" Jude gaped. Everyone had turned to his direction. Even Mr. Gavin who seemed perplexed by the reaction of the whole class as if they were one organism.

Jude shifted uncomfortably in his chair, and straightened his back.

He came here bragging. He must know the answer, right?