Fight For Animals

Chapter 1- Laurel Middle School

When I got to school, I remembered what day it was. February 3. It was lottery day. Lottery day is when President Evelina randomly chooses the schools for the "fight for animals." Almost everyone hated it. The schools that are chosen must choose 2 students to fight to the death. Every year I would worry that my school would be chosen, but there wasn't a big chance. There are many other schools, mine wouldn't be chosen.

At period 3, Principal Johnson gathered all of us into the cafeteria. The cafeteria was big enough to fit the entire sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. That was 570 students. I could faintly smell the food baking in the kitchen, the delicious cheese pizza. My mouth watered. I couldn't wait for lunch. All of the tables were lined up in rows of 3, and there were teachers everywhere caring for upset and scared students. The principal was giving us all approving smiles, trying to reassure us that we would all be safe. None of us will die in the next few days. Many people worried more than I did, and I would cheer them up and tell them it was all ok. There are thousands of other schools. I've taught myself that from my 8 years of experience.

I was sitting at a cafeteria table and talking with Helen, Danielle, Zoe, Gianna, and Kyla. I enjoyed talking to my friends around this time, they would distract me from my pointless worries that I might not be alive in 3 days. Then I caught sight of Matthew. He was staring at me. Did I look that ugly? I felt a little sting in my chest, and looked away. I couldn't comprehend why I always loved him, when I knew deep inside it was never returned.
"Staring at Matthew again?" Danielle asked me mockingly.
I slightly smiled. "Yeah." I said, looking ashamed. I stared at my feet.
"Don't look so depressed." Helen said trying to cheer me up.
I chuckled. "I'm not depressed," I said. "Just a little anxious." It wasn't the truth. I always knew there was something wrong with me. I was depressed. It was all Matthew. If only I'd never met him, then I would've been more happy with my life.
Before my friends could say anything, Principal Johnson got everyone's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen of Laurel Middle School, we have set up the screen and the projector. Please face your attention to President Evelina, who will state the name of the schools that have been chosen." I heard murmurs from people. I felt the tension as President Evelina showed up on the screen.
"Welcome," She said with a warm smile. I wanted to punch her face. How could she enjoy announcing the schools that would have to lose a child? "Today is lottery day, so, I will announce the schools that have been honored to participate in the annual Fight for Animals."
Everyone in the cafeteria was silent. They're not going to choose our school, I thought, calming myself down. They never have, they never will.
"The first school," The president said upbeat. I felt everyone hold their breath. "Laurel Middle School."