Chasing Sunset (COMPLETED)

CHAPTER 15: The Debate

Good job to the both of you. It seems that I don't need to give you pointers. You did your assignments very well.

Sir, its Celine who did all these.

No Sir, please don't believe him. It's all his work.

Well anyways, I want you to understand everything. No memorizing, the key here is to understand these topics so you can confidently deliver it. Look into the eyes of your competitors and judges, present them with facts, state the reference, no hearsay. Always be direct to the point. Now, here are some debate speeches that I want you to review. Study it and surely, you'll win.

Thank you, Sir.

We were given seatwork assignments during our science class since our teacher is not around. Our group finished it briefly, so we still have 1 hour to spare before the day ends.

While these five lads are chatting merrily, I am busy reading the speech samples, in silence.

Are you ready Ae for your debate? Bern started to ask.

Your question should be, have you and Celine, reconciled already? Matt corrected.

Yes, you just wait because we will win. Aeon said proudly.

The king and queen of debate! Whoah! I would love to hear that! Chris proclaimed.

Your fun girls will again start to flock, and might get jealous of Celine, so we should be prepared.

Bern, It's fine. Lance, the Knight will do everything to protect the queen. Lance said ferociously.

Let them be, they didn't interest me in the first place. Aeon answered.

I think, this is Celine's chance to get notice, she might attract admirers, so it only means...

Hey, all of them will fall into me first. Lance seriously said.

How about, we don't join Celine? Aeon suggested.

Your quitting? It's fine Ae, Lance can take your place.

Who told you that I'm backing out? I'm just joking.

He seems to be panicking as he answered me, earning a laugh from all of us.

Why are you looking pale Ae? Tell us, have you ever had a crush here in school? Matt starts to tease him.

As I said, I don't have time for that.

Oh, is it the reason why you're always this thoughtful and making so much effort? You even bought us food, you cooked for us, cared for us when we get sick? So, among us here, who do you like most? Chris digs more.

None from you. He's face says it all, uncomfortable with all the questions shoot at him.

I already have Maika. Bern's head is shaking.

Aeon, not me please, I already have my Celine. Matt added.

Bro, not me. I still want to have a girlfriend. Chris defended.

Aside from Celine, no one interest me here. And please Ae, not me. Lance smiling shyly.

Celine, what qualities would you like in a guy? Chris still eager to digs deeper.

Hmm... I'm not after the physical appearance, not even abs. Someone whose smart, hardworking, talented and can make me happy. I answered him truthfully.

Wait, aside from abs, don't you think I have all those qualities? Oh Celine, it's a yes for me! Matt proudly declare and he's waiting for a hug.

Hahaha! If you're the only man left, then I'll start to think about it. Then the bells rings.

Matt, in short, she doesn't want you. Let's go home Celine! Aeon's pulled me with him as we go outside the room, while the four remained there laughing hysterically.

Don't mind them. Let's hurry so we can have more time to rehearse.

We Arrive at my Aunt's house as quickly as possible thru his bike. I can't say if he's just eager to win or he wants to avoid he's teasing friends.

In that afternoon, Aeon taught me how to deliver it confidently as well as the hand and face gestures. He's indeed wants to win it big this time.

*****

Friday comes easily, here I am sweating uncontrollably, nervous and feeling unease. Everyone gathered around the Gymnasium while waiting for the program to start.

Celine, relax. I'm no longer in the mood for small talks, but Aeon hold my cold hand and tried to comfort me.

Breath in, breath out and smile. I followed his instructions trice. We were brief earlier by the host about the sequence of the competition. All the contestants were seated at the stage facing the audience while our classmates are seated on the left side of the gym, noisily waiving at us.

Grades from 7 to 12, each have representatives. There will be 3 sets, in the Preliminaries, were we are about to face Grade 8, and our topic is about "Poverty Pro People", against their "Poverty Pro Government". Whoever wins this round will advance to the Finals. The winners of each set will face a head to head battle, from there the winner will be declared.

We picked the first debate battle for the first set. Aeon will do the spontaneous opening speech and I'll be dealing with the point of argument. Fortunately, this topic was included in our list for study, my sleepless night paid off. As swift as the wind, I delivered and defended our arguments pretty well, the cheers from the audience helps to boost our confidence. We were able to finish it easily and confidently, set our place to the final round. Same goes with Grades 10 against the Grade 7, and Grades 12 against Grade 9.

10 minutes were given to all finalist to prepare.

Topic: "Who should receive more budget? "

Aeon drew the lots for us and picked Education. Grade 10 for Infrastructure and Grade 12 for Healthcare.

It was a toughed round, easy to think but nerve wracking. That topic was not included on our list so this will be a test of guts and determination.

I did the opening speech and Aeon and I will turn tables for the point of argument round. I'm no longer aware of what's happening around us. All I know is everyone is cheering and shouting while the battle continues. We were focus on our own battle.

Grade 12 was our biggest competitor, they were experienced compared to us, but as this round becomes intense that's when it struck me, I love what I am doing. Maybe... just maybe I can see a bright future waiting for me in this area.

"Everyone let's give them a round of a plause. How's the experience guys?" The host asked.

"Students? Who do you think will win?"

On that very moment, I appreciate all the people in the audience who supported us, shouting our names, clapping non-stop. Aeon is still calm as ever, but the air in the podium is so dense.

You did great Celine. You're even better than me, doesn't seem like a first timer. Aeon said to lose the tension were feeling. I wonder you will become famous again once your parents watch this.

For sure, I saw my Aunt taking a video of us. Aeon, whether we win, or we lose today, I'm always grateful that you became my partner.

For life? We will win Celine, believe me. He's smiling like he won the lottery.

"Thank you for everyone's participation on today's event. Audience, ladies and gentlemen, now's the time that all of us have been waiting for."

"Our Debate Winner is...."

"Grade 11! Celine Jones and Aeon Collins."