[ONGOING] NOT JUST PENELOPE

34: Free Food

PENELOPE

"Yesterday, it was Clare, today it's Alexa, don't tell me tomorrow's going to be Kamilah's turn? What are you going to do now, Penelope? Classes are over soon, break is coming up, and the competition is getting more intense!" Trixie exclaimed.

"I know, okay?" I turned to face her. "Now, shut up! You're not helping at all!" I yelled back.

We're currently in the rooftop right now. This is supposed to be off-limits but this is the only quiet place that I could think of. However, with Trixie pacing around like a wild cat, I couldn't think straight.

"Look! It's all over my social media now." I grabbed Vanessa's phone and played a video.

Alexa walked into the stage and the band stopped playing behind her.

"Hey, Steinfield University! It's Alexa Salisbury! Your next Campus Queen!" 

Then people started to cheer for her in the background.

I turned the video off.

This is terrible!

I sat down and tried to recall what happened earlier today.

When I arrived in the campus, students were running towards the field. I thought there was a fire drill or something so I decided to follow where they are going to. However, even before reaching the field, I could already hear the sound of drums and bugle so I concluded that maybe it was just a parade.

I didn't think it was something important because I did not received any official memo about it so I turned to leave, but suddenly, I overhead two girls chattering behind me.

I wasn't planning on listening but I realized that they're talking about the CQ Pageant. Obviously, I had to listen because anything related to CQ concerns me.

"For her to set up a program like this simply proves how committed she is to become the next Campus Queen." 

Wait, what program are they talking about?

"I'll definitely vote for her! She deserves that crown." says the other girl.

I frowned. 

Who the hell are they referring to?

"Excuse me." I had to ask. 

My own curiosity is starting to irritate me.

They both looked at me in surprise, so I flashed them my sweetest smile. 

If there's something I do best, it's probably faking smiles.

"P-penelope?" They chorused.

"You're also a CQ candidate, right?" asked the curly girl.

"Yes, I am." I said sweetly, "Sorry, I didn't mean to listen to your little chitchat, but can I ask what program you are talking about?"

"U-uhmm, it's in the field. Alexa Salisbury organized it." 

Alexa? The so far Top 1 in the online survey? 

The last time I saw her was when I went shopping with the girls in the mall.

This is bad!

"Thank you, girls!" I said to them trying to remain calm even though my insides are already flipping out wildly, "By the way, I really love your curls. It suits you pretty well." I said to the curly girl.