[ONGOING] NOT JUST PENELOPE

1: Her Dream

PENELOPE

Hi I'm Penelope Gabrielle Avery, 17 years old. 

Yes, I'm the famous, gorgeous, and rich heir of Avery Corporation, but I don't really know much about dad's business. I lost my mom when I was 8, car accident. So, I'm living with my dad who only comes home once or twice a month. 

It isn't a big deal though since he buys me gifts from his business trips abroad. And yes, I'm the only child so he spoils me. I can have everything I want to have. 

Mainstream line for girls like me but what's there not to like?

I HAVE EVERYTHING, except for one thing.

The Campus Queen Crown.

Anyways, right now, I'm walking towards the Cafeteria with my two best friends, Vanessa Evans and Trixie Cortes. They are cousins and I met them when I was 12 during dad's business conference in Australia. 

It was summer break so he decided to take me with him. No, actually I decided. Not him. 

 So much for that, my best friends decided to go to the same school with me for Junior High, Steinfield University. And we're currently Grade 10 students now.

"Penelope?" Trixie called. "Are you joining the pageant right? I actually registered you in."

I stopped walking and faced her. She's holding a small mirror in one hand and a pink lipstick on the other. Vanessa crossed her arms and faced Trixie, too.

"Pageant?" I asked. "You mean the Campus Queen Pageant?" I made sure I emphasized the "campus queen" right.

Trixie studied her face to check for any "makeup errors". She always use that term. Then, she faced me.

"What else?" She raised both her shoulders like she's saying Hey, bitch. We both know you've been waiting for this ever since.

So the Campus Queen pageant, huh? But it's not a typical beauty pageant because in this pageant, you win through the votes of the people.

FINALLY, after years of waiting! It's time. This pageant happens every year and is open for all grade 10 students only. Meaning, it only happens once in every student's life. 

It's now or never. If I can't win it now, I will not be able to win it forever.

"You're spacing out." Trixie commented.

I just rolled my eyes at her and started walking. They both followed me behind. Vanessa on my left. Trixie on my right. 

Typical Mean Girls Formation. And obviously, I am the leader.

"Hey girl, you know what? A thank you is enough." Trixie said, sarcasm all over her voice.

"Well, thank you. Happy?" I can feel Trixie rolling her eyes behind me. 

Truth is, I'm really thankful. I honestly forgot about it since we were given with so many Performance Tasks this past few weeks and the exam is fast approaching.

When we reached the Cafeteria, all eyes were on us as always. I gave them fake smiles and even winked at a cute guy wearing a red shirt that says Ride On. Well, he's cute but his shirt suck.

Campaign period hasn't started yet, but I have no choice, I should make them love me now. If not, they won't probably vote for me as soon as they find out that I'm joining the pageant and I'm not treating them well.

I scanned the room and found our favorite spot near a window, overlooking the whole campus. It was the most secluded area in the cafeteria and the most peaceful, away from all these people.